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What happens when your car needs antifreeze?
Your engine could overheat. Coolant helps pull heat away from the engine. So, without enough coolant, the engine could overheat or seize up. Continued use of an overheated engine could lead to permanent damage, such as pistons welding to the cylinders.
How often do you have to put antifreeze in your car?
A typical mechanic will recommend changing coolant every 30,000 miles. But many will tell you, changing the coolant is not even on their radar. An owner’s manual might recommend changing the coolant/antifreeze after the first 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles.
Can you drive your car with low coolant?
The biggest concern of driving a car with low coolant levels is the potential for overheating the engine. If there’s not enough coolant present, temperatures can rise to potentially catastrophic levels, increasing the risk for a blown head gasket, warped cylinder head or cracked engine block.
How can you tell if your car has coolant or antifreeze?
If you notice a dip in recorded MPG, check your coolant level and watch the temperature gauge for signs of overheating. A sweet smell – Coolant/antifreeze has a distinct, sweet odour. If it leaks out of the cooling system, you may be able to smell it in the cabin, particularly if the engine is hot.
Do you have to put OE antifreeze in your car?
Unless you’re using universal antifreeze, of course, which is formulated to be compatible with all OE antifreeze. Be sure to add your vehicle to select the correct coolant for your vehicle before purchase. Did You Know? More is not always better.
Where can I check the coolant level in my car?
Most cars these days have a translucent coolant overflow tank right next to the radiator. It’s white plastic, but you can see inside to see if there’s enough juice to keep things safe. You’ll also see markings on the side telling you the low and high levels to work with. Always check your coolant level when the car is cold.
How can you tell if coolant is premixed or not?
Some coolants are premixed, so check the bottle to see whether you need to add water or just use it as-is. Check the coolant stored in the plastic bottle connected to the radiator. Only in an emergency should you add only water to the coolant system.