Your truck's radiator plays a significant role in keeping the engine and air conditioning condenser from overheating. However, it fully depends on the little-talked-about coolant fluid to deliver. The coolant, commonly known as antifreeze, is a liquid that absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it through the radiator. Some of the heat is also dissipated through the passenger compartment when the air conditioning system is on.
What is a Coolant/Antifreeze Composed of?
Coolant is a 50/50 mixture of ethylene (propylene glycol) and water. The liquid is also referred to as antifreeze because it doesn't freeze even in very cold temperatures, keeping engine trucks functional even in winter.
Does Truck Antifreeze Require Regular Servicing?
It's important to regularly check the coolant if at all you're to keep costly truck repairs at bay. Without proper service, the coolant system may fail to function as required, causing the engine to overheat and create damages such as blown head gaskets, warped heads or even complete engine failure.
The right time to service your truck antifreeze depends on the type of vehicle you're driving. The rule of thumb is to service your coolant according to your manufacturer's recommendation.
Typically, for diesel trucks using the green antifreeze, service is recommended every 30,000 miles or every two years. However, diesel trucks running on the extended-life coolant can go for up to 100,000 miles or five years before requiring a coolant service.
Common Signs that Your Truck Needs Coolant Servicing
- The temperature gauge keeps rising when the engine is running
- Coolant leaks and puddles of green, red, blue or yellow fluid beneath the truck's engine
- Presence of flecks or rust particles in the coolant
- Sounds of a grinding noise emanating from under the truck's hood
- Steam or a weird odor (something like boiling maple syrup) rising from the truck's engine
- If you experience any of the above signs, don't hesitate to call in a professional truck repair company to inspect your coolant system. A proper diagnosis is a must, before any further steps can be taken.
What Does a Cooling System Service Entail?
It involves draining the old coolant and replacing it with a fresh one. A pro truck repair technician will thoroughly inspect the coolant system and radiator to make sure they're all functioning properly. If there are flecks and rust particles in your coolant, they could clog the tiny passages in the radiator and heater, causing the engine to overheat.
Your Role in Truck Coolant Care
Always keep an eye on your coolant levels and cleanliness. Check your owners' manual to see if your truck has reached the recommended mileage for coolant servicing. Also, if you have noted any of the above faulty coolant system signs, take in your car to a reputable repair shop for a thorough checkup.
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Contact us today for reliable and affordable truck coolant service. We know trucks and trucks are our business. Let us help you keep that engine running for many moons.