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A coolant plays a crucial role in your car's engine system. First, it is responsible for heat transfer across the system, maintaining optimum temperature, and protecting the engine from overheating or freezing. It also lubricates the constantly moving engine components ensuring your car runs smoothly and efficiently.
So How Does an Engine Coolant Work?
The coolant is a colored liquid mixed with water and held in a reservoir attached to the radiator. Every time the engine is active, the coolant moves across the engine system and then gets back to the radiator for cooling. Upon cooling, it escapes from the bottom of the radiator, after which it is supplied into the water pump. The water pump pushes the coolant to your vehicle's engine head and block where it controls the temperature. The antifreeze will then be pumped back into the radiator for cooling. Your engine's coolant system is quite intricate made of such components as:
Radiator Hose
Drives heat away from the coolant, maintaining it at optimum temperatures.
The water or coolant pump
It is responsible for supplying the coolant across the system.
A thermostat
It controls the coolant's temperature
The fan
It draws air via the radiator, particularly when your car is moving slowly and cannot move the air.
Common Types of Coolants
Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) Coolants
It is the conventional coolant that is commonly used on older vehicles. It is mostly green or yellow in color. These types of coolants might require frequent changing as they tend to lose their qualities much quickly, becoming inefficient.
Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Coolant
It is mainly used on a modern engine, particularly on cars that came after 2000. While they tend to last longer than IAT, they are not as good when it comes to preventing corrosion in the cooling system.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology Coolant
It is the best of both IAT and OAT coolants. It offers incredible corrosion resistance within the systems and lasts longer than any other option.
Each car is different, so is the engine system. Using the right coolant for your vehicle to prevent corrosion and long-term damage to the engine is crucial. The Master Technicians at DRIVE AutoCare know what's best for your vehicle and will make expert recommendations. If you are looking for vehicle service and repair, do not hesitate to contact us or visit our auto repair shop at your convenience.