Preparing your vehicle for winter driving requires several essential maintenance checks, with antifreeze inspection being paramount. Regularly assessing your antifreeze level and condition prevents costly engine damage and ensures reliable performance throughout the cold season.
The Car Care Council advises that antifreeze should be checked every 12 months or 12,000 miles. This proactive measure safeguards the engine against freezing, overheating, rust, and corrosion. Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically green, is formulated with anti-corrosion additives. It lowers the freezing point and elevates the boiling point of the radiator fluid, preventing freezing in winter and overheating in summer.
Over time, the effectiveness of these additives diminishes, reducing their ability to protect engine and cooling system components. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific antifreeze requirements.
Cooling system failure is a leading cause of engine-related breakdowns, often resulting in significant expenses and inconvenient breakdowns. Regularly maintaining your cooling system prevents these issues.
To check your antifreeze level, you’ll need basic service tools and an antifreeze ball tester, available at most auto parts stores. Before starting, ensure the engine and cooling system are cool to prevent burns from hot coolant. If the antifreeze level is low, add a 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water. If you’ve recently changed your antifreeze and the level is still low, use the antifreeze ball tester to confirm the correct antifreeze-to-water ratio.
While inspecting your antifreeze, examine the cooling system hoses for leaks, brittleness, sponginess, cracks, or rot, and tighten any loose radiator hose clamps. If you are unsure about any aspect of cooling system service, consult a professional technician. Performing these checks ensures your vehicle is prepared for the challenges of winter driving.