When should I change my coolant?

When and Why You Should Change Coolant (And What Happens If You Don’t)

Your car’s coolant (also known as antifreeze) plays a vital role in keeping your engine running smoothly. It prevents overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter while protecting your engine components from corrosion. But like any fluid in your vehicle, coolant doesn’t last forever and needs to be replaced. In this post, we’ll explain when and why you should change your coolant, the risks of neglecting it, and why regular coolant maintenance is critical for your car’s health.

What Does Coolant Do?

Coolant is a liquid that circulates through your car’s engine and radiator to regulate temperature. Its main functions are:

Cooling the Engine: It absorbs heat from the engine and disperses it through the radiator to prevent overheating.
Preventing Freezing: Coolant stops the water in your cooling system from freezing in low temperatures, ensuring your engine operates in winter.
Corrosion Protection: Modern coolant contains additives that protect internal components like the radiator, water pump, and hoses from rust and corrosion.

Over time, coolant degrades and loses its effectiveness, which is why replacing it is essential.

When Should You Change Coolant?

The recommended interval for changing coolant depends on your car’s make and model, but generally:

Most manufacturers suggest replacing coolant every 2 to 5 years or every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Refer to your car’s owner manual or service booklet for specific guidance.
During your annual MOT or service, ask your mechanic to inspect the coolant level and quality.

Factors such as driving in extreme temperatures or frequent short trips may require more frequent coolant changes.

Why You Should Change Coolant

Regular coolant replacement ensures your engine stays protected and performs reliably. Here’s why changing it on time is essential:

Prevents Overheating: Over time, coolant loses its ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of overheating and engine damage.
Avoids Freezing in Winter: Old coolant may not protect against freezing, especially in cold UK winters, leaving your engine vulnerable.
Protects Against Corrosion: Coolant contains anti-corrosion additives that break down over time, leaving your engine and radiator susceptible to rust and leaks.
Improves Efficiency: Fresh coolant ensures optimal heat transfer, keeping your engine running efficiently.

Risks of Neglecting Coolant Replacement

Failing to replace your coolant can lead to costly and potentially dangerous problems, including:

Overheating: Old coolant loses its effectiveness, leading to overheating, which can result in blown head gaskets or even total engine failure.
Corroded Engine Parts: Degraded coolant becomes acidic, leading to rust and corrosion in the radiator, water pump, and other components.
Clogged Cooling System: Contaminated coolant can form sludge, restricting the flow of coolant and reducing its ability to cool your engine.
Coolant Leaks: Old coolant may cause wear on seals and hoses, increasing the likelihood of leaks.

Ignoring coolant maintenance could result in expensive repairs that far outweigh the cost of replacing it on schedule.

How Is Coolant Replaced? A Quick Overview

Replacing coolant involves draining the old coolant, flushing the system, and adding fresh coolant. Here’s a brief explanation of the process:

Draining the Old Coolant: The old coolant is drained from the radiator and cooling system.
Flushing the System: A special flushing agent or clean water is used to remove any residual contaminants, sludge, or corrosion.
Adding Fresh Coolant: The mechanic fills the system with the correct type of coolant, ensuring the proper mixture of antifreeze and water.
Bleeding the System: Air is removed from the cooling system to ensure it operates efficiently.

It’s important to use the correct type of coolant specified by your car’s manufacturer to avoid compatibility issues.

Book Your Coolant Change Today!

If it’s been a while since your coolant was checked or replaced, don’t wait for problems to arise! At The Dalby Group, we offer professional coolant replacement services to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.

📞 Call us on 01903 372937 to book your coolant service today.
📍 We’re mobile! If you live in Sussex, Surrey, or Hampshire, we can come to you.
🌐 Learn more at www.thedalbygroup.co.uk/repair-services and schedule your appointment online.

Regular coolant changes are essential for protecting your engine and avoiding costly repairs. Keep your car in top condition—contact us now!