Your Mazda dealer has witnessed many vehicle maintenance mishaps related to car antifreeze. Find out how you can prevent your own auto headache by using this important substance quickly and appropriately.
Role of Car Antifreeze
Antifreeze is an integral part of the coolant that helps regulate the temperature of your car’s engine. It works in much the same way as dual-zone climate control works on every new Mazda, from the popular Mazda CX SUV line to the practical Mazda 3 to the sporty Mazda MX-5. While you’re keeping yourself and passengers comfortable with user-friendly tech, antifreeze is busy keeping your engine comfy.
The following problems could signal that your vehicle is running low on this helpful liquid substance.
Inoperable Engine
The term antifreeze refers to the substance’s contribution to ensuring your engine does not freeze up during colder weather. As coolant consists of both antifreeze and water, the water component is in danger of freezing as the temperature drops. This consequence will impact the engine’s ability to start up your car.
If your vehicle remains outside during winter or if you keep it in prolonged storage in a cold environment, the chances of the engine freezing increase significantly if antifreeze levels are low. If your engine does not start, you will likely need an infusion of antifreeze.
Overheating Engine
In addition to keeping the engine from freezing, antifreeze also helps regulate temperatures on the higher end. The internal combustion that takes place may be integral to providing power, but these tiny explosions also create significant heat within the engine. Antifreeze keeps this heat at an acceptable level.
In the absence of antifreeze and coolant, temperatures within the engine can spiral out of control, leading to the engine overheating. You will likely notice this effect when the engine indicator signal lights up on your dashboard and the overheating indicator begins to move strongly toward the red area. In addition, steam may start coming from underneath your hood. Any of these circumstances will likely necessitate more antifreeze.
Engine Damage
Antifreeze also acts as an anti-corrosion tool and lubricant for your engine. Therefore, if parts of your engine show damage, the effects may be due to a lack of antifreeze. For example, you may note worrisome corrosion on especially vulnerable metal components, such as the engine’s aluminum cylinder heads.
In the event of noticeable engine damage, antifreeze addition should be a top priority.
Mazda Dealer Maintenance Schedule
Checking antifreeze levels, draining old antifreeze, and replacing it with new antifreeze at regularly scheduled intervals can help keep your vehicle in prime working order. A good rule of thumb is to check levels right before summer and right before winter to ensure you have enough antifreeze for extreme temperatures. You can check these levels by observing the fill line on the plastic tank at the radiator or coolant reservoir. Also, make sure the antifreeze doesn’t appear sludgy.
The owner’s manual of your specific vehicle can provide recommendations on exactly when to replace old antifreeze. On average, replacements occur between 30,000 to 60,000 miles of driving. Antifreeze checks can also be incorporated into your car’s service schedule, which is beneficial because common issues that cause antifreeze leaks like cracked radiator hoses can be more easily detected.
Keep your antifreeze levels and your engine healthy with the aid of a trusted service department. Contact the qualified technicians at Flood Mazda for a service appointment today.
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