Coolant & Antifreeze
Cool Engines, Happy Drivers: Coolant and Antifreeze That Keeps You Moving!
Just like how warm soup can make you feel better on a cold day or a chilled lemonade can refresh you on a hot day, your vehicle's engine also needs the right fluids to keep running smoothly. Coolant and antifreeze are crucial automotive fluids that regulate your engine's temperature, keeping it running efficiently, regardless of the weather outside.
At Southgate Automotive, we offer antifreeze coolant change and flush services to keep your vehicle's engine protected in all seasons. Our team of expert mechanics inspects your engine and lets you know if it's time for a coolant flush.
We help you extend your engine's life and avoid costly repairs by monitoring the health condition of these critical fluids. Connect with the customer support team at Southgate Automotive to learn more about our range of vehicle maintenance services.
Are Antifreeze and Coolant the Same?
Vehicle owners often use the terms "car antifreeze" and "vehicle coolant" interchangeably. Though these fluids do similar jobs, they are not the same.
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, while an antifreeze solution contains 100% ethylene glycol. In other terms, you can say that a coolant is an antifreeze solution plus water.
At Southgate Automotive, our technicians understand the importance of automotive coolant and help you choose the right one for your vehicle.
What Do Coolants & Antifreeze Do?
The primary function of the coolant is to cool down engine temperatures. It keeps your engine at optimal temperatures, thereby preventing costly damages due to overheating. The coolant absorbs extra heat from critical engine components like pistons and cylinder heads. It then transfers the excess heat to the surrounding air through the radiator.
Furthermore, the coolant also prevents the engine fluids from freezing in low temperatures. The antifreeze additive in the coolant lowers its freezing point, ensuring that it remains fluid even as temperatures drop.
At Southgate Automotive, our team will help you find the right antifreeze coolant that suits your location and driving conditions.
Functions of Antifreeze Coolants
Antifreeze coolants perform the following critical functions:
Ensure Optimal Engine Temperature
The high thermal conductivity of coolants is suitable to transfer the excess heat from the engine to the radiator. At Southgate Automotive, our team can help you with any engine overheating issues.
Freezing and Boiling Protection
The coolant's antifreeze additives lower its freezing point, thereby preventing the formation of icicles in your engine, even in extremely cold weather. In hot conditions, the antifreeze solution raises the coolant's boiling point, thus preventing it from vaporizing. At Southgate Automotive, we help you choose the right coolant and antifreeze combination to fit your needs.
Corrosion Prevention
Some coolants contain additives that form a protective layer on metal surfaces, preventing engine rust and corrosion. Connect with the expert team at Southgate Automotive to learn how to prevent engine corrosion and rust.
Lubrication
Some coolant types also include lubricants to reduce friction as they flow through the various engine components. Certain vehicle coolants also contain sealant additives that prevent leaks. At Southgate Automotive, we thoroughly inspect your vehicle for coolant leaks and fix them immediately, helping you avoid bigger problems.
Types of Coolants
Coolants are of two basic types, categorized based on their composition:
- Ethylene Glycol: It's the most commonly used, affordable, and has excellent antifreeze properties. However, it's highly toxic and needs specialized equipment to handle it.
- Propylene Glycol: The other common coolant type. It's less toxic than ethylene glycol but doesn't have high antifreeze properties.
If you're unsure about the correct type of antifreeze coolant for your vehicle, you can check the owner's manual or visit Southgate Automotive, and our certified technicians will assist you.
Is it Time for a Coolant Flush Service?
Coolants tend to lose their efficiency as they age, break down, or get contaminated with dirt, dust, and other debris. Periodic coolant flushes help maintain its efficiency and prevent potential engine damage. Here are a few signs that indicate it's time to schedule a coolant flush service at Southgate Automotive:
- Warning light: If your vehicle's low coolant warning flashes, it's a sure-shot indicator that the coolant needs to be changed.
- Age: The general rule of thumb is to replace the engine coolant once every two to three years.
- Overheating: If you notice your vehicle overheating more than ever, it could indicate something's wrong with your coolant system.
- Leaking coolant: Check your garage floor or driveway for signs of coolant leaks. If you notice yellowish or greenish stains underneath your vehicle or if the interior has an aroma like maple syrup, it indicates car radiator coolant leaks.
If you notice any of these signs, contact Southgate Automotive at (775) 825-1919 for speedy service.
Contact Southgate Automotive for a Coolant Flush Service
At Southgate Automotive, our comprehensive coolant flush service is designed to keep your vehicle healthy and the engine running without any problems. Our team of qualified vehicle mechanics thoroughly checks your vehicle's coolant levels and recommends appropriate procedures, such as radiator coolant change, adding engine antifreeze solution, and more.
Visit us today at 5303 Louie Ln #3, Reno, NV 89511, or call us at (775) 825-1919 for the most reliable coolant flush service in Reno, NV.
