Maybe it’s no surprise that busy Americans are neglecting the annual
antifreeze/coolant change, but between 1983 and 1997, the number of vehicles
getting antifreeze flush and fill every year to every four years dropped 19
percent. The result is that cooling system failure is the #1 cause of engine-related
breakdowns.
When you change your clocks, change your antifreeze
Here’s a great way to remember to check and change your coolant.
Most people change antifreeze in the fall. A good way to remember is to check
and change your antifreeze when you change your clocks back from Daylight
Savings Time. This year, that’s Saturday, October 25. All drivers get into this
important maintenance habit.”
For several reasons why this is a valuable safety measure, read on.
Why Change Antifreeze/Coolant?
Antifreeze/coolant experts have a warning for those neglecting their cooling
systems. “Most people have some idea that antifreeze/coolant helps prevent the
radiator and cooling system from freezing up or boiling over. Few people
understand that coolant also contains special chemical additives to prevent serious
damage from rust and corrosion. However, over time, the additives wear out. This
depleted coolant becomes acidic and can actually corrode the metals in the cooling
system. And here’s where your trouble often starts.”
Change your coolant to avoid trouble like:
Overheating – Old, depleted coolant can’t do its job of helping your engine
shed heat — and heat is enemy #1. That’s why you have a cooling system in
the first place.
Corrosion – More cooling system parts are now made with aluminum. In fact,
the tubes in your radiator are only the thickness of a soda can top. Since
aluminum is very vulnerable to corrosion, old, depleted coolant can allow pinholes to form in the tubes and lead to leakage and overheating.
Clogging – When aluminum corrodes, the by-products of corrosion deposit in
the radiator. The deposits clog the radiator and actually act like insulators
so the system can’t cool as well. As the cooling system gets hotter, even
more deposits form. Finally, the whole engine overheats.
Leaks – As heat builds in a neglected cooling system, the coolant starts to
boil more vigorously and can actually blast holes in your water pump or
promote seal failure. The result is loss of coolant and ultimately vehicle
breakdown.
Neglect is expensive. Maintenance is easy.
Repairs for water pumps, radiators, and other cooling system parts can be
costly. The inconvenience of a breakdown is even worse. The change is easy….It’s
easy to remember: When you turn your clocks back, it’s time to change your
antifreeze.