Winter Car Care: Mechanics Urge Vital Coolant Checks in January
As the January chill takes hold across the country, automotive experts are issuing urgent reminders to drivers about a critical vehicle maintenance task that could prevent costly engine damage. With temperatures dropping significantly after the festive period, proper attention to engine coolant has become more important than ever for vehicle safety and reliability.
The Critical Role of Engine Coolant
Engine coolant, often referred to as antifreeze, serves as the lifeblood of your vehicle's cooling system during winter months. This specially formulated liquid performs multiple essential functions that keep engines operating smoothly when temperatures plummet. Without adequate coolant protection, vehicles become vulnerable to serious mechanical problems that can lead to breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Speaking through social media platforms, representatives from automotive specialists OlyAutos emphasised: "Coolant is absolutely vital to have in your car during winter conditions. It acts as a lubricant throughout the entire cooling system within the engine compartment. When we experience freezing weather, the presence of proper coolant prevents water from solidifying inside engine components, which could cause catastrophic damage."
How Coolant Protects Your Engine
According to motoring organisations like the RAC, engine coolant is fundamentally a water-based solution designed to prevent overheating by carefully regulating engine temperature. As your vehicle operates, the combustion process generates substantial energy that transforms into both propulsion power and thermal heat. While exhaust systems expel some of this heat, significant thermal energy remains trapped within the engine structure.
The coolant circulates through dedicated channels and passages in the engine block, absorbing this residual heat energy. This heated fluid then travels to the vehicle's radiator, where moving air cools it down as the car travels. For stationary vehicles, an electric fan maintains necessary airflow to reduce the coolant's temperature effectively.
Proper Coolant Mixture and Maintenance
Professional mechanics stress that coolant typically consists of a precise blend of ethylene or propylene glycol combined with water, usually maintained at a balanced 50/50 ratio. This specific formulation provides optimal freezing point depression and boiling point elevation, offering comprehensive protection throughout seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Valvoline technical experts explained: "The importance of engine coolants and antifreeze during winter conditions cannot be emphasised enough. These essential fluids maintain smooth engine operation despite freezing external temperatures. Following regular maintenance schedules and understanding the specific requirements of these protective solutions delivers immediate benefits while ensuring long-term vehicle durability and resilience."
Practical Advice for Drivers
Automotive professionals recommend that drivers who are uncertain about their coolant levels or mixture ratios should visit their local garage for professional assessment. Proper coolant maintenance involves:
- Regular visual checks of coolant levels in the expansion tank
- Ensuring the correct water-to-coolant ratio is maintained
- Monitoring for any signs of leakage in the cooling system
- Having the coolant replaced according to manufacturer recommendations
With January traditionally bringing some of the year's coldest weather, taking these preventative measures can help avoid unexpected breakdowns and protect your vehicle investment through the challenging winter months.
