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SEARCHWhen coolant freezes, it expands and poses a danger to your vehicle's engine block. Here's advice from NHTSA on how to protect your cooling system and avoid vehicle breakdowns in frigid temperatures.
Photo: NHTSA
When coolant freezes, it expands and can possibly damage your vehicle’s engine block. That’s why checking your cooling system is so important in the winter. When temperatures plummet, you certainly don't want to have to deal with a vehicle breakdown.
Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and that it’s designed to withstand the winter temperatures your vehicle might experience.
Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations on coolant. A 50/50 mix of coolant to water is sufficient for most regions of the country.
Thoroughly check the cooling system for leaks or have your mechanic do it for you.
Check to see if your system has been flushed (draining the system and replacing the coolant). Over time, the rust inhibitors in antifreeze break down and become ineffective. Coolant also needs to be refreshed periodically to remove dirt and rust particles that can clog the cooling system and cause it to fail.
To watch a video on how to ensure your vehicle’s coolant can withstand the winter temperatures your vehicle may encounter, watch the video above.
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