Even though we haven’t seen much snow this winter we’ve seen some cold temperatures. So it’s important that the antifreeze in your car be mixed correctly. So who better to ask than The Car Talk guys to get the absolute gospel about all things antifreeze.
For most areas you’ll need a 50/50 mix of coolant to water. Don’t be tempted to try 100% because it will freeze, it won’t transfer heat away from and may even harm your engine.
Here’s a little diagram to help:
| Protection | Freeze-up Protection | Boilover Protection | Corrosion Protection |
Minimum 50% anti-freeze
50% Water | -34ºF | +265ºF | Exceeds all ASTM and SAE standards for corrosion protection |
Maximum 70% anti-freeze
30% Water | -84ºF | +276ºF |
If you’re unsure about the existing mixture of coolant there’s a handy little device that you can buy from an auto parts store. It sucks up a little bit of coolant from the radiator or overflow container and tells you what the mixture is. Or bring your car into Sallas Auto Repair and we’ll check it for you!
Good coolant is essential because if it freezes it expands and can crack your engine block which goes under the category of “not good news”.
The coolant is your engine also keeps your cooling system from rusting. It contains rust inhibitors that break down over time and need refreshing so it’s important to change the coolants at the recommended time. And when the coolant is changed it also gets rid of all the dirt and rust particles and general gunk that can clog up the system and cause problems.
There are two primary types of coolants available on the market today. The first is traditional, green-colored antifreeze, which can be used in any car. The second is a newer, long-life coolant, which comes in a variety of colors. It should only be used in recent-model cars because it may damage some of the engine gaskets in older cars.
So if it’s been a while since you’ve tested your coolant or you need a change head on down to Sallas Auto Repair. You can make an appointment online to save time and we’ll be happy to help you keep your car on the road longer.