Winter temperatures mean taking extra care of your vehicles, especially if you want them to start up on those cold mornings! Sure, you can park in a garage or use a block heater to keep the battery warm, but there is another preemptive action you can take to see that your vehicle is ready to roll. Just add antifreeze.
Antifreeze/coolant is made from a 50-50 mix of water and ethylene or propylene glycol. When added to your vehicle’s cooling system, it will move through your engine and keep it at the proper temperature. If you are uncertain as to whether you need to add it to your vehicle, here are some indicators:
- Antifreeze leaks or puddles under your vehicle.
- You hear a grinding noise coming from under the hood.
- The temperature gauge reads higher than normal.
- Steam or a burned syrup smell comes from the engine.
- There is rust showing up in the existing coolant/antifreeze.
If you notice any of these issues, now is the time to reach out to your local AMSOIL dealer, The House of Syn, and make a purchase. AMSOIL offers several types of antifreeze/coolant, so you will be sure to find the perfect anti-freeze/coolant for your vehicle.
Tips for Adding Coolant/Antifreeze
- Like many other fluids that get added to your car’s mechanical system, you don’t have to go to the mechanic’s shop to get it done. Although, most shops will check the antifreeze and other fluids when you go for an oil change or other service. When checking/topping off antifreeze there are several things to keep in mind.
Note what type of antifreeze-coolant you have. Some of them are premixed with water, while others require you to mix the 50-50 solution.
Be sure your vehicle’s engine is cool. - Don’t immediately take off the radiator’s cap. Rather, look to the side of the coolant tank and see how much is there. If it is below the line, then coolant/antifreeze can be added.
- Wear gloves or use a cloth to remove the lid on the radiator.
- Only fill to the line on the tank, never overfill as this can cause damage.
- If your anti-freeze seems thicker than normal or has an oily surface, take it to your mechanic. This appearance is often indicative of an internal head gasket leak.
- When checking the antifreeze level, take a moment to check the radiator hoses. If they are leaking, bulging, or cracked they need to be replaced.
- For most vehicles, the antifreeze will only need to be drained and replaced, after 30,000 miles, but depending on how much driving you do, weather conditions, and age, make and model of your vehicle that can vary.
Antifreeze or coolant is an important fluid for your vehicle all year, whether temps are high or low, but it is perhaps most appreciated when the weather starts dropping. Don’t let your vehicle get low (or run out) of coolant/antifreeze. Contact The House of Syn and order the AMSOIL product(s) designed for your vehicle, so mornings can have one less potential challenge!
