Check radiator antifreeze regularly

Many people know how important it is to change the oil and that tires must have a certain depth. Unfortunately, the control of the coolant is often forgotten. It is just as important protection for the engine as the oil. Always make sure that there is enough coolant and that it contains sufficient antifreeze in winter. Below you will find important information about the functions of coolants, how to check and refill them and what types of antifreeze there are.

• What is the function of the radiator antifreeze?
• How much antifreeze is in the coolant?
• How does the refilling of coolant and antifreeze concentrate work?
• What types of radiator antifreeze are there?

The antifreeze content in the coolant should be checked every winter to prevent nasty surprises. To check, you can purchase a simple antifreeze tester for little money. We carry antifreeze tester from the manufacturer Gefo in our range.

1. Only perform the test when the engine is cold. Otherwise, the cooling system is under pressure and there is a risk of scalding and injury. In addition, mixing the cold fluid and the warm system can lead to temperature fluctuations and thus to stress cracks.
2. Check the antifreeze concentration. To do this, simply hold the gauge in the coolant tank. A value of at least -25 degrees is recommended. If this value is exceeded, you should refill radiator antifreeze.
3. Check the level. On the coolant tank is a min and a max mark. The coolant should be between these two markings. If the level is below the minimum amount, coolant must be refilled.

In addition, the level should be checked regularly and the cooling system should be checked for leaks. We recommend checking the level monthly and the antifreeze concentration 1 to 2 times a year. The check is quickly performed by taking a look at the level from the coolant tank by briefly opening the hood. However, this measure can protect the engine from overheating.

1. Fill only when the engine is cold
2. Do not top up beyond the maximum fill line
3. Note the mixing ratio, as a rule, at least 30% and a maximum of 60% antifreeze concentrate should be used. The temperature should be below -25°C.
4. Use the correct coolant and antifreeze concentrate to refill

The easiest way is to stick with the brand you used for refilling. If this is not possible or you are not sure which concentrate you have used, you must pay attention to the releases of your manufacturer. You will find these in the operating instructions or manual or on the coolant tank.

Above all, silicate-containing antifreeze concentrates must not be mixed with silicate-free antifreeze concentrates. This is the only way to avoid a chemical reaction that causes the cooling water to clump or lose important properties (such as corrosion protection). It can also prevent damage to the cooling water pump.
Important: By the way, it is a myth that the color of the concentrate makes a statement about which concentrates can and may be mixed together. Each manufacturer chooses its own color system. Therefore, only the manufacturer's releases on the canisters of the antifreeze are decisive.

If you notice on the road that your vehicle has too little coolant and there is a risk of the engine overheating, you can also top up with just water for the time being. Make sure that it is water that is as lime-free as possible, preferably distilled water. You should then supplement the antifreeze content as soon as possible.