In this article, we will touch on the topic of operation of the engine cooling system, or rather the use of fluid for this. This cunning complex does not allow the car motor to overheat even with long work at high speeds. If you have seen at least once how the car stands in the middle of the road, releasing the clubs of steam from under the hood, then you saw how the engine overheats due to the failure of the cooling system. We advise you to buy an antifreeze with a margin and carry it with you, at least a little, in the trunk in the canister.
The system supports the constant temperature of the engine — about 83 degrees Celsius. In addition to overheating, the motor should not cool. So, according to experts, a drop in temperature by only 10% may mean an increase in fuel consumption by immediately by 15%, or even more.
What is antifreeze and how it differs from antifreeze?
The main fluid of the engine cooling system is antifreeze. To understand the features of his work, you need to know the translation: from the Greek “ἀντι” means “against”, the English “freeze” — freeze. Hence the conclusion: fluids called antifreeze in the masses serve to prevent freezing at low temperatures, including strong Russian frosts. Sometimes it is also called «Tosol». This is the same liquid, but it has received the name since Soviet times (the abbreviation of the developer department: organic synthesis technology).
How to check the level of antifreeze
You can check the level of antifreeze in two ways: a light signal should light up on a light bulb on the panel, or just looking visually in a tank with a cooling liquid under the hood. There is a special horizontal strip with the Min/Max designation, in some car models, a float is implemented. The optimal level of coolant is the distance between Min and Max indicators. If you have a float, it should also be at the level of the neck of the tank. True, for example, in the BMW X5, a displacement of up to 1 centimeter is allowed.
How often you need to watch the level
It is enough to check the fluid level at least once a month, if there were previously problems — several times. More often you need to pay attention to the temperature of the car engine, as a more significant and simple indicator for observation. You can watch this on the car panel — there is a temperature scale specially made there. If you notice the designation that the temperature exceeds the norm, one of the reasons is a decrease in the level of antifreeze. It is required to add.
One of the problems of lack of liquid can be a “swimming” engine speed. This is especially pronounced in Japanese cars produced in the 90s or «zero» years.
Another point that you can pay attention to is the time of warming up the engine to the norm at the beginning of movement. Ideally, it is worth making data with those indicated in the book on technical operation. The norm implies that 3-4 minutes is enough for the temperature to exceed a mark of 60 degrees Celsius. You must understand that all these “little things” in the future will help you prevent significant expenses for car repair in the service.
Even if you regularly add antifreeze to the desired level, engine overheating or slow heating mean problems in the cooling system. The best way out of such a situation is to contact a specialist. Independently diagnose the leakage of the coolant, but it is quite difficult in garage conditions, for example.
How to add antifreeze
Well, there are few tips on how to fill the antifreeze correctly:
Before you even watch the level of antifreeze, drown out the engine. Otherwise, the opening of the lid can lead to burns of the 4th degree;
Release the pressure, previously slightly opening the lid. After a few seconds, you can completely open the lid;
Do not pour antifreeze above the norm — there will be no benefit from this.
Is it possible to interfere with antifreeze or mix it with water
A fairly common question: why do not mix antifreezes from different manufacturers and colors, as well as water and other liquids with antifreeze. The reason is that as soon as the fluid temperature rises, water and antifreeze react. The investigation is the appearance of a scale setting on the walls of the cooling system. It is not difficult to guess that this affects a decrease in heat transfer, and therefore a drop in revolutions on some car models.