Checking the pH of the coolant with chemically-treated test strips can help you determine the condition of the coolant. But be warned that today's coolants typically operate at lower reserve alkalinity (RA) levels than they used to. The alkalinity of a typical antifreeze/water mixture will var...
To check the levels of your Antifreeze/Coolant you need only follow the first step of the instructions below. If the level of fluid in your reserve tank is where it should be, your levels are good. If they are not,continue to refill with the instructions below. To change the Antifreeze/...
Radiator fluid — also known as coolant or antifreeze— is usually a mixture of water and glycol. Water serves as the base, while glycol provides anti-freezing and anti-overheating properties. Radiator fluid can also include additives, such as corrosion inhibitors and lubricants, to help maintain...
If coolant is allowed to enter the combustion chamber the cylinder head gasket is blown, to check for thisremove the spark plugsand thenuse a pressure testerto build pressure inside the engine's cooling system. Once all spark plugs have been removed, pressurize the cooling system and crank the...
Engine coolant / antifreeze circulates through your engine to keep it cool in the summer but won't freeze in the winter. Make sure to check your engine when it is cold for an accurate reading. The video above shows you where the coolant reservoir in your MKC is located and how to add...
Turn off the engine and drain the water, fill up the radiator with antifreeze until you have a 50/50 coolant / distilled water mixture and burp the system. Like the oil in your Freestyle, coolant gets dirty over time and loses its ability to cool down your 3.0 liter engine. When you ...
If the coolant contains silicates (conventional green antifreeze), it can also foul the oxygen sensor and catalytic converter. If enough coolant leaks into the cylinder (as when the engine is sitting overnight), it may even hydro-lock the engine and prevent it from cranking when you try to ...
and even crack the engine block or a cylinder head—which would destroy your engine. Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the coolant to somewhere around minus 35 degrees F to keep any damage from happening. Again, it's far better to get your car looked at as soon as possible to preve...
Always wait until the coolant is cold before draining it. Don’t allow antifreeze to come in contact with your skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle and rinse off spills immediately with plenty of water. Never leave antifreeze lying around in an open container or in puddles on the floor;...
In some cars, access to the thermostat is difficult, requiring more labor. The new thermostat usually comes with a new gasket. When the thermostat is replaced, the engine will need to be refilled with fresh coolant (antifreeze). The cooling system will need to be properly bled to remove ...