Showing posts with label engine coolant system. Show all posts
Showing posts with label engine coolant system. Show all posts

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Using Coolant to Keep Your Engine Cool

Coolant is one of the many different fluids an engine relies on for proper performance. Maintaining the proper levels will enable your engine to run properly and avoid major repair costs in the future. The price of coolant and flushing your system is nothing compared to what you will face with an overheated engine. Whether in the summer or winter, your engine is operating under extreme temperatures. Coolant is the fluid which helps to regulate the heat of the engine. Cool air from outside will absorb the heat from the fluid and transfer it to the air in the passenger compartment.
Checking your coolant level is very easy to do. If the engine is hot, the coolant will take up more space. Many people do not have their coolant system flushed and instead opt to add coolant as needed. This is a mistake because coolant picks up deposits over time. Not only will it not cool your engine properly, it will not inhibit rust and corrosion. Remember, being cold outside will not prevent your engine from overheating. The engine is in an enclosed area which traps heat. If there is not a proper cooling system in place, you can very easily overheat your engine and crack your block. Simple maintenance from your mechanic will help to keep your engine working properly in all seasons.

Flushing Your Radiator and Coolant System

The oil and cooling system is charged with keeping the engine cool enough. Most people know to change their oil frequently, but few flush their coolant system.
How often should you change the coolant in your car? A hard working engine like in a Mini Cooper needs changes done sooner. Actually, Toyota owners are famous for never changing their coolant!
First, you need to buy the recommended coolant for your car. The first step in flushing your system is to find the drain valve for the coolant system. Once done, it is time to drain the water. This is why you need so many containers! You want to repeat the previous draining process. Once the system is full, slap the radiator cap back on and fire up the car. You've just flushed you radiator and coolant system without spending $80 down at the local tune and lube shop. Make sure to dispose of the old, toxic coolant and the flush water in a safe manner.
Dirk Gibson is with DCJAutoParts.com - save money by using aftermarket car parts and accessories to do the work on your car instead of taking it to a shop.

How to Check and Add Engine Coolant

Coolant should not be consumed during a normal drive of the car. If there is a consistently low level, there it might be a leaking problem.
1.Search for the coolant reservoir. The hose that leaves the top of the tank - will take you to the coolant tank.
2. Dislodge the lid and put coolant in the tank; you should be careful when pouring.
3. Put coolant in the radiator if the tank was empty.
4. Some cars that are old don 't have a reservoir for the coolant, in this case put directly into the radiator 's cooling system.
Notice!
* Never open the radiator cap when engine it is warm. Radiator cooling system is pressurized and could spill and you could harm yourself. 
* Certain German cars have pressure tanks. Wait for engine to cool before you lift the lid to put coolant.
 Alexandra is the editor of this article, but she also started a new project about wireless intercom systems [http://www.wirelessintercom-systems.com/]. This is a website which also provides more info about the best home intercom systems [http://www.wirelessintercom-systems.com/home-intercom-systems.html].

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