Summer seems like a distant memory, but while we’re still battling our way out of winter, it’s important not to overlook the health of our vehicles.
Before offering tips on ways to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly, it’s important to offer a quick summary of the difference between the two products – antifreeze and coolant.
Antifreeze is a liquid that is added to the water in an engine’s cooling system in order to lower the freezing point. It is typically a concentrated glycol-based product that does not freeze or boil easily. Never put neat antifreeze into your engine.
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze that prevents engines from overheating.
TIP 1: Choose the correct coolant for your vehicle
To change your coolant, it’s essential to identify the specific type required for your vehicle. The easiest way to determine this is by referring to your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Ensure that you are using the appropriate mixture—avoid adding pure antifreeze to your vehicle.
TIP 2: Monitor frequently
The compounds in antifreeze play a crucial role each time you start your vehicle. They circulate through your engine, ensuring a consistent operating temperature and preventing corrosion. As engine coolant ages, its chemical effectiveness diminishes. Various vehicles have distinct mileage intervals for coolant replacement. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for precise details on when to renew your engine coolant.
TIP 3: Exercise Caution!
Handling antifreeze involves dealing with chemicals, so it’s essential to observe proper safety measures when replacing your vehicle’s fluids. A few key points to keep in mind:
- Ensure you have eye protection and disposable gloves to prevent any personal harm in case of liquid splashes.
- Before opening the container, carefully read and follow all label instructions regarding safe handling, use, and disposal.
- Store any unused antifreeze in its original labelled container, ensuring the cap is tightly sealed. If you used a concentrated coolant product that was diluted with water before storage, clearly mark the container to indicate its dilution.
- In case of spills, promptly absorb them with paper towels or flush with ample water to prevent inadvertent exposure to humans or animals.
TIP 4: Dispose Correctly
Always plan ahead when considering disposal of old coolant.
It is highly advisable to recycle used antifreeze through local authority programs where such services are offered. If recycling options are not available in your area, seek guidance from local authorities. Disposing of antifreeze should be done with care. You are obliged by law to dispose of used antifreeze & coolant and its packaging to a licensed disposal point.
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At GEM OILS, we pride ourselves on being a premium supplier for all your lubricating needs. We have a range of coolants and antifreeze products including 2 Year Antifreeze, 2 Year Engine Coolant, 5 Year Antifreeze, 5 Year Pink Engine Coolant and many others.
Check out the automotive store section for additional information including increased pack sizes.
