Your Cooling Systems Are Only as Good As Your Coolant

When the temperature gets hot, the engine in your car can take an absolute beating. This is where the coolant system earns its money by providing relief. For the system to work at its optimum, you have to put the right stuff in it.

The vast majority of vehicles on the road these days are liquid cooled. There are still a number of brands such as VW and Porsche that use air to keep engines cool, but we'll focus on the liquid approach. Many people refer to these systems as "water cooled". This is an old tradition that doesn't really reflect the truth anymore. No manufacturer recommends putting just water in a radiator these days.

So, what kind of coolant system should you use? Well, you can pick from any of your favorite brands. They all contain something known as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. Ethylene works better as a coolant, but is toxic. The opposite applies to propylene glycol. Regardless, these are used as coolants because they keep water from freezing or boiling even when at extreme temperatures. When you are driving through the desert to Las Vegas, that can be very important!

Modern coolant also has other benefits. Manufacturers have figured out how to use additives that perform other functions. For instance, modern coolant additive has anti-rust additives in it, but also lubricants that keep the water pump in good working condition. Given the more sensitive materials used in modern engines to lighten the total weight, these additive benefits should not be overlooked.

Pouring just any old coolant into your car is a mistake. Modern engines are designed to limit weight and maximize power. This makes them heat producing monsters. Heat is bad for an engine, so many cars now come with specific recommendations regarding the exact coolant that should be used to limit the damage caused by heat. It is often mixed 50/50 with water, but you need to follow the specific directions applicable to your car.

Coolant has come a long way in the last 50 years. The days of just filling up the radiator with water are long gone. This is a good thing since the proper coolant can make a world of difference in how hot your car runs and how long the engine lasts.

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