Coolant is one of those fluids most people never think about until the temperature gauge climbs or the car won’t start on a frosty morning. Late October is a smart time to check it, before the first hard freeze shows up in Rutherford County.
Coolant does two big jobs. In the summer, it carries heat away from the engine so it doesn’t overheat. In the winter, it keeps the water in your cooling system from freezing. Water expands when it freezes, and frozen coolant can crack an engine block or radiator.
It also protects the inside of your engine and radiator from rust and corrosion. Those protective ingredients wear out with time, which is why coolant has a replacement schedule even if the level looks fine.
One thing many people don’t realize is that there are several different types of coolant, and they aren’t all compatible. Carmakers design their cooling systems around a specific type. Mixing the wrong kinds together can reduce protection and, in some cases, cause sludge that clogs the system. Color isn’t a reliable guide either, since different brands use different colors.
That’s why topping off with whatever jug is on the shelf at the gas station can sometimes create more problems than it solves.
When we check your coolant, we look at the level, test how well it will protect against freezing and check its condition. We also look at the hoses, the radiator cap and the water pump for leaks. If it’s time for a coolant service, we’ll use the type your vehicle was designed for.
A few minutes now can save you from a cold-weather surprise later. Call Stones River Auto and Exhaust at (615) 961-6322 or stop by 1601 Flat Rock Rd in Murfreesboro, Monday through Friday from 8 to 5.
