Does Driving in Hot Weather Require New Coolant?
Do You Need to Use Different Engine Coolant in the Summer?
Summer road trip season is right around the corner. Getting your car, truck or SUV ready for future adventures is vital to enjoying your time away from home. Each season requires something different from your automobile’s maintenance regime. So, do you need to use different engine coolant in the summer? There was a time when this might have been true. But, modern engineering sciences has basically eliminated that need. Our team of expert technicians thought it would be helpful to explain a few things about your vehicle’s coolant system.
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What Does Engine Coolant Do?
The process of combustion produces a lot of energy. It also produces a lot of heat. As its name implies, engine coolant keeps the engine cool by absorbing heat as it circulates before it is dissipated by the radiator fans. Older, less efficient engines may have needed different coolant formulations, but that is no longer the case.
Additionally, the engine cooling system plays an important role in your vehicle’s environmental system. Some of the heat that is collected is blown into the cabin to warm it up in the winter. Another function of engine coolant is to prevent corrosion and maintain the system’s air tight integrity.
How are coolant and antifreeze different?
Automotive maintenance is filled with industry jargon. It’s easy for people who don’t live in this world to get confused. So, how are coolant and antifreeze different? In reality, the terms can be used interchangeably for two reason. Engine coolant is the actual green (or other neon colour) fluid that circulates through the system. Antifreeze is a chemical additive (ethylene glycol or propyplene glycol) that is contained in the coolant formulation.
Antifreeze can be added to the system on its own, as long as its properly mixed with water or engine coolant. However, most antifreeze or coolant that people will buy is already pre-mixed right in the jug.
If you have any questions about how we can help you get the most out of your vehicle, make an appointment with the Downtown Tyee Chevrolet Service Department today.