Our vehicles are great at helping us reach our destinations. They can take us through the hottest plains and coldest mountains, braving even the most extreme temperatures. However, they can only perform these demanding voyages with the help of regular coolant flushes. But what exactly is coolant flushing, and is it really important to flush the coolant in your vehicle regularly?
What is coolant flushing?
Ditch the old, bring in the new! That’s the overall meaning of performing an engine coolant flush, where the old coolant is flushed away while new coolant is brought in. Antifreeze, a mix of H2O and other chemicals, acts as a shield for your engine, protecting it from overheating and falling victim to rust and corrosion.
Types of Coolants
When it comes to a coolant flush, one must initially decide what type of coolant to use on their vehicle. The three primary classifications of coolants used in most automobiles are known as inorganic acid technology, organic acid technology, and hybrid organic acid technology.
1. IAT
Inorganic acid technology (IAT) coolant is a form of antifreeze that utilizes inorganic compounds like silicates to guard your engine against the damaging effects of corrosion. This type of coolant has been traditionally used for years and has a more affordable price. IAT coolant is generally used on older vehicles due to its compatibility with dated materials and cooling systems.
However, this type of coolant has a comparatively lower life span and needs to be replaced more frequently than other coolants. Additionally, other coolants tend to be more effective at protecting the engine from corrosion, causing it to be less ideal for newer vehicles with more complex cooling systems.
2. OAT
Organic acid technology (OAT) coolant uses certain organic acids as inhibitors in its method to protect the engine from corrosion. This type of coolant is designed to have a longer life span than traditional IAT coolant, with a recommended replacement interval of up to five years.
This type of coolant is ideal for newer vehicles that have more advanced cooling systems and need improved protection from corrosion. Its compatibility with various engine materials makes it a versatile choice for coolant flushing needs.
Added to this, OAT coolant contains low toxicity levels and is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly alternative for those interested in preserving the environment.
3. HOAT
Hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT) coolant combines the benefits of both IAT and OAT coolants. It uses a combination of inorganic and organic inhibitors to provide sufficient protection for your engine.
HOAT coolant is made to give car owners the best of both worlds. Although its replacement interval is shorter than that of OAT, it shares the characteristic of being non-toxic and biodegradable. It also has similar performance levels to OAT, making it an optimal choice for car owners and mechanics who want to balance costs with performance.
Importance of Coolant Flushing
Is a coolant flush necessary for your car? Well, it is necessary if you don’t want to end up purchasing another engine down the road. Regularly changing your car’s coolant is essential to maintain the optimal temperature of the engine by protecting its cooling system. Whether you’re braving a hailstorm in the mountains of Colorado or driving through the blistering heat of Death Valley, having your vehicle undergo a coolant flush is a must when it comes to servicing your car.
Hazards of Not Flushing Your Coolant
Not providing a regular coolant flush for your vehicle can have severely damaging effects on your vehicle’s engine. Some signs you need a coolant flush include engine overheating, leaking coolant, or rusty or dirty coolant.
Overheat protection is imperative in regulating the temperature of your vehicle. This ensures that, regardless of the outside temperatures, your car can effectively endure the heat and cold alike by properly managing its internal temperatures.
Leaking coolant can similarly affect your vehicle’s capability of regulating engine temperatures. Any coolant leaks found throughout your vehicle should be serviced immediately to ensure that your car’s coolant is not put to waste. Another way you can determine if coolant is leaking is if you notice a distinct syrupy odor emanating from your vehicle.
Your vehicle’s check engine light may also appear if there are any issues within your vehicle’s coolant system. Flushing your coolant can help in resolving issues in your car’s coolant system.
To maintain your engine’s health and performance, it is important to pay attention to these signs so that you know when to undergo an engine coolant flush.
Benefits of New Coolant
Getting your vehicle’s coolant flushed can provide your car with lasting benefits. Along with keeping it from overheating, getting regular coolant flushes can improve the performance of your engine, ultimately contributing to its prolonged life span.
Replacing old coolant with a new mix will rev up the efficiency of your vehicle’s coolant system. This revamp will also ensure your engine stays safe from overheating or freezing, avoiding any serious harm.
Key Takeaway
Our vehicles are powerhouses of metal, but without the proper care, they are susceptible to being damaged by the elements around them. One of those elements, extreme temperatures, can significantly impact the performance of our metal chariots. This is why, to maintain the overall health and performance of our vehicles, one must go through the necessary processes involved with servicing them properly and routinely.
Coolant flushing is one of these service processes that ought not to be ignored. Without regularly changing and renewing the coolant in your vehicle, you are taking the risk of having your engine overheat because of improper temperature regulation. This can prove to be detrimental to the health of your engine, further impacting your safety if overheating occurs while on the road.
So, the next time you notice one of the signs that you need a coolant flush, take the moment to have your vehicle serviced and acquire an engine coolant replacement so that your engine remains powerful and can continue to endure even the most extreme environments.
Improve your engine’s durability with the help of Saul’s Autotek!
In need of a coolant flush in Thornton, CO? Our crew is on standby to answer any queries and give your ride a well-needed coolant system flush for even temperature control!
