Submitted by Courtesy Auto Service and Tire of Tacoma
You may know that most automotive failures in Tacoma are tire related, but do you know what the second most common cause for vehicle failure is? Nope, it’s not teenagers. It’s your car’s coolant system. But, if you take good care of your coolant system, it will take good care of you.
A car’s engine creates a lot of heat – so much heat that if it is not properly cooled, the engine can lock up. This can result in damage and repair bills. But when everything is working right, your engine operates at the proper temperature and all is well. Without antifreeze in your cooling system, the water could freeze, potentially causing engine damage. This could be very expensive, not to mention inconvenient.
The right mix of water and antifreeze protects the engine against damage from freezing and overheating. Antifreeze also protects the coolant system against corrosion that could cause the system to fail. The thing to remember is this: coolant system failure is very common, but it is also very easy to prevent.
Luckily for people living in Tacoma, Courtesy Auto Service and Tire of Tacoma knows the manufacturers’ recommendations and can tell you when the coolant needs to be changed and can also perform a coolant system service for your vehicle.
But, even the best antifreeze cannot provide 100 percent protection of harmful deposits infiltrating the coolant system. The anti-corrosion additives are used up over time, so the coolant must be replaced. A coolant service cleans out the system and replaces the old fluid with fresh coolant. A coolant system service is a low-cost way to protect against major engine repairs down the road. Prevention is the key.
There are two main warning signs to look out for: 1. f your temperature gauge is in the “hot” zone or if you get a message warning you to check your coolant. 2. If you take a look under the hood, you will see the coolant overflow bottle. You can see there are lines that indicate the proper level of coolant. If your engine is cold – or if it is hot.
You can add water or antifreeze to that bottle yourself, but be careful – you never want to open the radiator pressure cap. The steam could severely burn you. Also, if your coolant is low you also want to try to get to your service center immediately. If that is not possible, follow the directions in your owner’s manual. It’s also important to remember that you need a proper mixture of water and antifreeze or you will damage your engine. If you make an emergency addition to your cooling system, follow-up with your service center where they can make necessary corrections. And remember – not all cars use the same type of antifreeze.
Check your owner’s manual to ensure that you are using the right kind of antifreeze. Mixing antifreeze types or using the wrong kind of antifreeze may void the manufacturers warranty on your cooling system. If you’re not sure, ask your service technician at Courtesy Auto Service and Tire of Tacoma for guidance.
For more information about this and other services, give us a call or stop by for a coolant service or checkup.
Courtesy Auto Service and Tire of Tacoma
4502 S Steele St #701
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 473-5556
