In the daily maintenance of automobiles, coolant is an easily overlooked but vital part. Many car owners may be confused when they encounter a lack of coolant: should the coolant be added directly or should it be completely replaced? And when you find that the coolant is different in color, can you mix it casually? Let’s talk about these common problems today, so that you can have a more comprehensive understanding of automobile coolant.
Function of coolant
First, let’s talk about the function of coolant. When the engine is working, the temperature will rise rapidly. If there is no effective circulation of coolant, the engine will be damaged due to overheating. Coolant can not only prevent the engine from overheating, but also prevent the water tank from freezing and corrosion, and ensure the normal operation of your car in various extreme environments.
Coolant is low, should I change it or add it?
If you find that the coolant is low when checking the liquid level, don’t panic at first. Judging whether to add or change depends mainly on the state and use of coolant.
1. Check the state of coolant.
-Color and clarity: Healthy cooling fluids are usually bright colors (such as green, orange, red, etc.) and transparent. If the coolant becomes turbid or dark in color, it may have been polluted or lost its effect, and it is recommended to replace it at this time.
-Smell: If the coolant gives off a strong sweet or burnt smell, it should be alarmed, which may be a sign of leakage or aging, and should be checked and replaced as soon as possible.
2. Service life
Most car manufacturers would recommend changing the coolant every two to three years, even if it looks good. If the coolant exceeds the recommended service life, it is still recommended to replace it to avoid potential problems.
3. Is there a leak?
If the coolant level keeps dropping, check for leaks. This includes pumps, radiators, connecting pipes, etc. If water leakage is found, not only coolant should be added, but also the leakage point should be repaired to ensure the integrity of the system.
Step 4 add coolant
If there is only a temporary shortage of some coolant and it is in good condition, it is ok to add an appropriate amount of coolant. In this process, please pay attention to the following points:
-Use the same type of coolant, such as organic acid type or traditional type, and different types cannot be mixed.
-Before adding liquid, it is best to wait for the engine to cool before operating, so as to avoid scalding.
Can different colors of coolant be mixed?
This is the most common problem encountered by many car owners. Coolant generally has different colors, such as green, orange, pink, etc. These colors are mainly derived from different additives and formulas.
1. Different types of coolant
-organic coolant (generally green): suitable for most traditional vehicles and providing basic protection.
-Organic acid coolant (usually red or orange): long service life and strong protection, suitable for modern vehicles.
-Mixed coolant: It combines inorganic and organic components and has the advantages of both.
2. The risk of mixing
There is a certain risk in mixing different colors of coolant. This is mainly because the chemical components of different formulations may react to produce precipitates, which will lead to the blockage of the cooling system and even damage to the engine. Therefore, try to avoid mixing different colors of coolant.
How to choose the right coolant?
When selecting coolant, it is recommended to purchase it according to the requirements of the automobile manual to ensure that the coolant used meets the standards specified by the manufacturer. Generally speaking, a good coolant can not only lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point, but also effectively prevent rust and corrosion.
In automobile maintenance, although the coolant is small, it is related to the safety of the owner and the health of the car. Check the state of coolant regularly, add or replace it in time to ensure the normal operation of the cooling system, so as to make your car drive longer and safer. Coolants of different colors should not be mixed to avoid unnecessary trouble to the cooling system. I hope today’s sharing can help all car owners, and I wish you safe driving and bon voyage!
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