Engine Coolant – Salt Lake City, Utah – Little Garage
Coolant In Salt Lake City, UT
Your vehicle’s engine can generate a lot of heat while running. And without proper cooling, it can quickly overheat and experience serious damage. Your car’s cooling system plays an important role in regulating engine temperature, preventing both overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter.
Regular coolant maintenance, including inspections and coolant flush services, can help your engine stay in peak condition. At Little Garage, we provide expert cooling system services in Salt Lake City, UT, and the surrounding areas to help drivers keep their vehicles running smoothly year-round.
The Role of Coolant in Everyday Driving
We put the power of our vehicles’ engines to work for us, moving people and products around the country. At Little Garage, we’ve seen the damage that can result when that engine power is not maintained at its best. The metal and plastics in the engine, and the oil that lubricates it, can only take so much. In extreme cases, you might experience engine failure, often related to problems with the car’s cooling system.
The engine cooling system, including the engine coolant, manages some of that excess heat by transferring it from the engine to the atmosphere. In the winter, some of that heat even keeps you warm inside your car by helping the heater core function properly. If coolant in your Acura or Chevrolet isn’t working properly, the engine might not maintain proper temperature, which can affect performance and fuel economy.
Why Is Coolant Maintenance Important?
Your vehicle’s cooling system plays a key role in preventing engine overheating for optimal performance. Without proper maintenance, coolant can become contaminated or degrade, leading to corrosion and potential engine damage.
Regular coolant flushes and inspections help:
- Prevent overheating and freezing by keeping the coolant mixture at the correct ratio.
- Extend the lifespan of components like the radiator, water pump, and heater core by reducing corrosion.
- Improve fuel efficiency by allowing your engine to operate at the ideal temperature.
- Maintain proper airflow for the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
How Often Should You Have Your Radiator Flushed?
Regular radiator flushes help remove built-up contaminants that can clog the cooling system and decrease its effectiveness. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend a radiator flush every 30,000 miles or every 2 to 3 years, but this can vary depending on your vehicle and driving conditions. If you frequently drive in extreme temperatures or heavy traffic, you may need more frequent service. Either way, we’ll check your coolant and advise you on the right maintenance schedule for your car.
How Long Does Coolant Last?
Coolant doesn’t last forever. Over time, it can break down and become contaminated, which leads it to lose its ability to regulate engine temperature effectively. Traditional green coolant typically lasts 2 to 3 years, while extended-life coolant can last up to 5 years. However, factors like leaks or a malfunctioning radiator can shorten coolant life. A routine inspection will determine if a coolant flush is necessary.
What Are the Signs You Need a Radiator Flush?
If your coolant is no longer doing its job, you may notice one or more warning signs, including:
- Engine Overheating: If your temperature gauge is running hotter than normal, your coolant may be old or contaminated.
- Discolored or Dirty Coolant: Coolant should be bright green, orange, or pink. If it looks brown or sludgy, it likely needs to be flushed.
- Sweet or Burnt Smell: A strong, sweet odor inside or outside your vehicle may indicate a coolant leak.
- Poor Heater Performance: If your cabin heater isn’t working well in the winter, your coolant may not be circulating properly.
- Leaks Under the Vehicle: Puddles of green, orange, or pink fluid under your car could be coolant leaks.
Critical Engine Coolant Inspection
For the most part, engine coolant doesn’t “wear out,” but it can happen. Mechanical problems can lead to a loss of coolant, which can then trigger major problems. At Little Garage, we suggest checking your coolant level and condition every six months.
Low engine coolant can cause overheating and engine damage. Used coolant can turn acidic — even newer long-life coolant — as it attacks the metal, plastic, and rubber parts of your engine cooling system. This can lead to corrosion in key components such as the water pump, radiator, and heater core. Failing to maintain coolant levels properly can even reduce the efficiency of your engine air filter and cabin air filter, as these components rely on proper airflow and engine performance.
Regular coolant inspection is a key step to maintaining your engine for the long haul. Pay us a visit; we serve all drivers in Salt Lake City and across Salt Lake County.
