A coolant is a substance, that is used to reduce or regulate the temperature of a system and is primarily used for regulating the heat in the engine.

Car engines need a way to cool down, else they will continue to heat up until the working metal components inside begin to melt, fuse together and the engine will seize.

Engine coolant is known by many names, like radiator fluid, radiator coolant, or antifreeze and is one of the most crucial fluids for any car, and is a combination of antifreeze & water.

Here are the details about the functioning of the coolant and ways to check it.

The coolant absorbs the heat dissipated by the engine, and becomes hot itself and then the heat is transferred to the radiator located at the front of the car.

There are veins inside the radiator which contain this hot coolant and as the car moves, this hot coolant comes in the contact of the outside air which cools it down.

Moreover, airflow through the veins is maintained by a fan, if the vehicle becomes hot due to being stationary for long periods.

The coolant mixture moves through the engine by means of a water pump and when the water circulates through the engine, it absorbs the excess heat energy & carries it to the radiator.

After this, through a process of heat exchange, the heat is dispelled, the water is cooled and sent circulating through the system again.

The radiator is positioned in such a way that it receives a constant flow of outside air to help cool the water.

Checking the engine coolant every couple of weeks can help you to identify any potential problem before it occurs.

The coolant is stored in the expansion tank and it is essential to correctly identify the tank and you must refer to the handbook to locate the coolant filter cap.

The coolant should be between the minimum & maximum marks on the side of the expansion tank.

The hoses located in the engine give an idea about possible issues that may arise in the future and if they are wet or there is a white stain on them, it indicates an issue that may occur in the future.

If there is a need to change the coolant, then wait for the engine to cool down before removing the coolant cap.

The antifreeze which is recommended by the original vehicle manufacturer should be used, as different types of a mixture of antifreeze do not work well.

If you notice a drop in the coolant level, then immediately consult a professional, as it is not normal for the coolant level to drop on its own, and there might be a leak somewhere.

If you are driving in a hot climate or go for long distance driving, then you must change the coolant once a year.

Thus, it is clear that for the proper functioning of the engine, coolant plays a vital role and it is very important for your car to operate safely & effectively.

Thank You