Engine coolant is one of the fluids that helps protect your car’s engine from excessive temperatures. It circulates through the cooling system, helping regulate engine temperature while also providing protection against corrosion.
For drivers in Nigeria, where vehicles can spend long periods in traffic and operate in hot conditions, keeping the cooling system in good condition is particularly important.
What Does Engine Coolant Do?
Engine coolant circulates through the engine and cooling system to help control operating temperature.
It also helps protect cooling-system components from corrosion and other problems. The exact coolant specification and mixture required depend on the vehicle, so the owner’s manual should be used when choosing a replacement.
Coolant is not simply the same thing as ordinary water poured into the radiator.
What Happens When Coolant Is Low?
A low coolant level can reduce the cooling system’s ability to control engine temperature.
Possible warning signs include:
- Engine temperature rising
- Temperature warning light
- Coolant warning message
- Steam from the engine area
- Sweet or unusual coolant smell
- Visible coolant leaking underneath the vehicle
- Heater performance changing in some vehicles
If the temperature rises significantly, continuing to drive can result in serious engine damage.
Why Does Engine Coolant Get Low?
Coolant does not normally disappear quickly from a healthy sealed cooling system.
If you repeatedly need to add coolant, there may be a leak or another cooling-system problem that needs investigation.
Possible leak points include:
- Radiator
- Coolant hoses
- Water pump
- Thermostat housing
- Expansion tank
- Radiator cap
- Gaskets or other cooling-system components
Simply adding more coolant without finding the reason for the loss can allow the underlying problem to continue.
How to Check Engine Coolant
Many modern vehicles have a coolant expansion or reserve tank with MIN and MAX markings.
Check the level according to the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions, normally when the engine is cool.
Do not remove a radiator or coolant-system pressure cap while the engine is hot. Hot coolant and steam can escape under pressure and cause serious burns. (NHTSA)
If the level is below the recommended mark, use the correct coolant specified for the vehicle.
Can You Use Water Instead of Coolant?
Water may sometimes be used as an emergency measure to reach a safe location or workshop, depending on the vehicle and circumstances, but it should not be treated as a permanent replacement for the correct coolant.
Using the wrong fluid or running with water alone can reduce corrosion protection and may contribute to cooling-system problems. The manufacturer’s recommended coolant specification should be followed. (NHTSA)
If you have had to add a significant amount of water because of an emergency, the cooling system should subsequently be checked and returned to the correct coolant mixture.
How Often Should You Change Engine Coolant?
There is no single replacement interval that applies to every car.
Coolant service intervals vary according to the vehicle, coolant type and manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Some modern coolants are designed to last considerably longer than older formulations, so do not change coolant simply based on a universal mileage figure.
Check the vehicle’s service schedule for the correct interval.
Can Different Coolants Be Mixed?
Be careful when topping up coolant.
Different coolants can have different formulations and specifications. The colour of coolant should not be used by itself to determine compatibility.
If you are unsure which coolant is already in the system, check the owner’s manual or ask a qualified technician before mixing products.
Using the manufacturer-approved specification is safer than choosing coolant based solely on its colour.
Engine Coolant and Overheating
Overheating should never be ignored.
If the temperature gauge rises into the danger zone or an overheating warning appears, find a safe place to stop and switch off the engine when appropriate.
Allow the engine to cool before attempting to inspect or open the cooling system.
Do not remove the coolant cap immediately after stopping an overheating vehicle. The system may still be pressurised.
Once the vehicle is cool, check the coolant level and look for obvious leaks. If the coolant is leaking or the temperature remains high, arrange professional assistance rather than continuing to drive. (NHTSA)
Common Causes of an Overheating Engine
Low coolant is only one possible cause of overheating.
Other problems can include:
- Faulty thermostat
- Damaged radiator
- Cooling fan failure
- Water pump problems
- Blocked radiator
- Damaged hoses
- Head gasket problems
- Electrical faults
This is why repeatedly adding coolant is not a proper solution if the vehicle continues to overheat.
Engine Coolant Before a Long Journey
Before an interstate trip, check the coolant level and look around the engine bay for signs of leaks.
You should also check:
- Engine oil
- Brake fluid
- Tyre pressure
- Battery
- Belts and hoses
- Lights
- Wipers
- Air conditioning
- Warning lights
A cooling-system problem that appears during a long journey can leave you stranded, especially when travelling through areas where finding the right workshop or replacement part may be difficult.
Coolant Is Especially Important in Traffic
A vehicle sitting in slow-moving traffic cannot rely on normal road airflow through the radiator to the same extent as when travelling at speed.
The cooling fan and the rest of the cooling system therefore need to work properly.
If your vehicle regularly spends hours in traffic, pay attention to unusual temperature changes, fan behaviour, coolant loss and warning lights.
Don’t Ignore Repeated Coolant Loss
If you keep topping up the coolant reservoir, treat it as a warning rather than normal maintenance.
Frequent coolant loss can indicate a leak or another cooling-system fault. Continuing to drive without investigating it can eventually lead to overheating and potentially expensive engine damage.
For Nigerian drivers using their cars for commuting, interstate travel, airport trips or business logistics, maintaining the cooling system is an important part of keeping the vehicle dependable.
Travo.ng can also support the wider travel and mobility side of your journey, helping with transport and logistics arrangements when your vehicle needs attention or you need an alternative way to complete your trip.
