WHAT IS ANTIFREEZE?
Antifreeze is a liquid made of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol that, when mixed with water, turns into coolant. This liquid plays an important role in the cooling system of your vehicle by ensuring the engine doesn’t overheat in warm weather or freeze in cold weather. Antifreeze also serves as a lubricant to help prevent corrosion and scale formation in your car’s radiator and engine.
SIGNS YOU NEED AN ANTIFREEZE FLUID EXCHANGE
An antifreeze flush is the process of emptying the cooling system of old coolant and replacing it with fresh fluid with the right ratio of water to antifreeze. Some newer vehicles leave the assembly line equipped with long-life fluids, so they don’t need servicing as often. Check your owner’s manual for more information on the antifreeze and coolant required in your vehicle to get a better idea of how often you may need to replace it.
Here are a few signs that it’s time to take a closer look at your coolant and antifreeze levels:
- Engine overheating. Ex. the hood is hot to the touch, smoke or steam is coming from the hood, thumping sounds, or reduced engine power.
- The check engine light is illuminated.
- Colorful liquid pooling under your car, indicating a possible antifreeze leak.
Check out our video to learn more about antifreeze and its role in keeping your vehicle running.
ANTIFREEZE LEVEL CHECK AND FLUID EXCHANGE SERVICE
Every time you bring your vehicle to a Firestone Complete Auto Care for service, a level check is performed. In addition to checking the level, we’ll test the pH level of the coolant to ensure it has the right ratio of water to antifreeze. It only takes a minute and can make a big difference in vehicle performance.
If we determine if your system is low, it may require an additional diagnostic to pinpoint a leak, or if it may need a full coolant fluid exchange due to failing the pH strip test, we’ll let you know.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAR’S HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM
A vehicle’s heating and cooling system is made up of a number of different parts, each with its own unique job. Explore our repair and maintenance offerings to help narrow down what kinds of services you need.