When to change the radiator coolant

Radiator coolant plays an important role in the circulation of the engine cooling system. This fluid is the delivery medium to carry heat energy from the engine to be released into the free air through the radiator.

Most car manufacturers do not recommend using radiator water, which is not specifically for radiators, such as tap water, groundwater, air conditioner water, and others.

Radiator water must use a coolant that has been specially formulated for the radiator. One of the goals is to maximize the cooling function and prevent damage to the engine cooling system.

In its use, the radiator coolant will gradually decline in quality and workability. Therefore it is always recommended to replace the radiator coolant regularly. However, sometimes it is difficult for us to know when to change the radiator coolant.

In this article, we will share information about when to change the radiator coolant. See the following info.

1. Passed the recommended mileage

The first sign of when to replace the radiator coolant is when the vehicle exceeds the vehicle manufacturer's mileage. You can find this mileage in the owner's manual in the periodic maintenance section. This section contains the recommended mileage for replacing the radiator coolant.

For example, in the Ford F-150, the radiator coolant's initial replacement is done in 200,000 miles. The next replacement (from the first replacement) is when the mileage is in a multiple of 100.000 miles.

Suppose the vehicle's use has passed the manufacturer's recommended mileage. In that case, it is time for the radiator coolant to be replaced with a new one.

2. Color of radiator fluid has faded

The next signs of when to change the radiator coolant are when the color of radiator fluid has faded. The new coolant radiators generally have bright colors such as green, red, blue, and even yellow.

The colors on this radiator coolant are made not without purpose. In addition to containing substances that can maximize the coolant radiator's performance, this coolant color can also be an indicator for replacing the radiator coolant.

A coolant color that is faded, cloudy, and looks dirty, indicates that we must replace the radiator coolant. Even though the factory recommended mileage has not been exceeded.

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3. Radiator coolant is often reduced

The other sign of when to replace radiator coolant is when the coolant is often reduced. Radiator coolant that is often depleted continues to require regular addition. Generally, the coolant used when making these additions is no longer the same as before.

We often add regular mineral water or a different coolant brand to add the radiator water. This mixing certainly makes the radiator coolant water is no longer optimal. For that reason, the radiator coolant needs to be completely replaced.

However, before replacing the radiator coolant, you need to check and repair what causes the radiator water to decrease often. If not, then radiator water replacement will be useless.

4. Engine overheat symptoms appears

The last sign of when to replace the radiator coolant is when the engine is slightly overheating. Mild overheat is an overheat that does not cause damage to the engine. Still, the engine temperature is already in the three-quarter pointer in the HOT category.

This condition is often found when the driver is responsive to engine temperature changes and immediately stops the car for inspection. If the engine is already experiencing mild overheating symptoms, this indicates that the radiator coolant must replace soon.

An overheated engine generally occurs because the radiator coolant can no longer absorb the engine's heat, so replacing it with a new coolant is necessary.

However, for the car engine cooling system's safety, it's a good idea to check this system thoroughly. It ensures the main cause of the overheating problem so that a new radiator coolant water replacement is not wasted.