What to Know About Coolant and Antifreeze to Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly Year-Round

Hyundai maintains high standards for coolant and antifreeze in its vehicles, utilizing a phosphate-free coolant with organic acid technology (OAT) to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity. At Allen Turner Hyundai, our expert technicians understand the importance of using Hyundai-approved fluids for your vehicle and following the recommended intervals for their replacement. Read on for answers to all your questions about coolant and antifreeze provided by our knowledgeable Allen Turner Hyundai team.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Coolant

Though the terms coolant and antifreeze are often used interchangeably, these fluids aren’t the same. Below, we answer all your questions about coolant.

What Does Engine Coolant Do, and Why Is It Important?

Coolant plays a crucial role in regulating your engine’s temperature. It circulates through the engine, absorbing heat and preventing overheating while the vehicle is in use. Coolant also protects against freezing in cold weather and helps prevent corrosion in the cooling system. Without proper coolant, your engine could suffer severe damage from overheating or freezing, leading to costly repairs.

 Is Coolant Corrosive?

While coolant is designed to prevent corrosion in your engine, it can damage other materials if not handled properly. Most modern coolants contain corrosion inhibitors to protect the metal components in your vehicle’s cooling system. However, it’s important to use the correct type of coolant for your vehicle and to avoid mixing different types, as this can reduce its effectiveness and potentially cause corrosion.

 Do You Really Need a Coolant Flush?

A coolant flush is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Over time, coolant can break down and lose its effectiveness, leading to decreased performance and potential engine damage. A coolant flush removes old, contaminated coolant and replaces it with fresh fluid, ensuring optimal engine protection and performance. Following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service intervals for coolant flushes is crucial for maintaining your engine’s health.

 Does Coolant Matter in Cold Weather?

Coolant is especially important in cold weather, as it prevents the water in your engine from freezing. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause severe damage to your engine and other components. Coolant lowers the freezing point of the liquid in your cooling system, protecting your engine in subzero temperatures.

 What Type of Coolant Is Right for Your Vehicle?

The type of coolant your vehicle needs depends on its make, model, and year. Hyundai vehicles typically require a specific phosphate-free OAT coolant. It’s crucial to use the coolant recommended by your vehicle manufacturer to ensure proper protection and performance. Using the wrong type of coolant can lead to reduced efficiency and potential engine damage. Always consult your owner’s manual or one of our certified technicians at Allen Turner Hyundai to determine the correct coolant for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Antifreeze

Now that we’ve answered all your questions about coolant, let’s explore more about antifreeze.

What Is Antifreeze, and Why Is It Important?

Antifreeze is a liquid added to the water in your vehicle’s cooling system to lower its freezing point and raise its boiling point. It’s crucial for protecting your engine from extreme hot and cold temperatures. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and damaging your engine in winter and reduces overheating in summer. Modern antifreeze formulations often include corrosion inhibitors to protect the engine and cooling system from rust and degradation.

Is Antifreeze the Same as Coolant?

While antifreeze and coolant are similar, there is a slight difference. Antifreeze specifically refers to the concentrated form of the product, which needs to be mixed with water before use. Coolant, on the other hand, typically refers to the ready-to-use mixture of antifreeze and water. In most modern vehicles, a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is commonly used as coolant. However, many people use the terms coolant and antifreeze interchangeably to describe the liquid in a vehicle’s cooling system.

What Are the Different Types of Antifreeze?

There are several types of antifreeze available, each with a different chemical composition and color:

• Inorganic additive technology (IAT) antifreeze: This is your traditional bright green antifreeze, typically used in older vehicles.
• OAT antifreeze: Often orange or red, it’s used in many modern vehicles, including Hyundais.
• Hybrid OAT antifreeze: Usually yellow or orange, it blends IAT and OAT technologies.
• Silicated OAT antifreeze: This antifreeze is typically pink or purple and is used in some European vehicles.

Each type of antifreeze is specifically formulated for different vehicle makes and models. It’s crucial to use the type recommended by your vehicle manufacturer to ensure optimal protection and performance.

How Often Should You Check Your Antifreeze Levels?

We recommend that you check your vehicle’s antifreeze levels at least twice a year: once before summer and again before winter. However, checking your coolant levels monthly is good practice as part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine. Doing so can help you identify any leaks or issues early on. When checking the fluid levels, ensure the engine is cool and examine the overflow tank and the radiator (if it’s safe to open). If you notice a consistent drop in levels, it’s important to have your cooling system inspected for leaks.

Symptoms of Leaking Fluids

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may have a coolant or antifreeze leak:

• Visible puddles: Look for colorful liquid (green, orange, or pink) under your parked car.
• A sweet smell: A syrupy, sweet odor from the engine bay can indicate coolant leakage.
• Frequent overheating: If your engine temperature rises quickly or frequently, it could be due to low coolant levels.
• Low coolant warnings: Pay attention to dashboard warning lights that suggest low coolant levels.
• White exhaust smoke: Excessive smoke from the exhaust can indicate coolant leaking into the combustion chamber.
• A fluctuating temperature gauge: An erratic temperature gauge may signal issues with your vehicle’s coolant.

Due to Pensacola’s hot summers, these symptoms may be more pronounced due to the increased strain on your vehicle’s cooling system. Regular coolant checks are essential to prevent overheating and potential engine damage.

Experience Expert Hyundai Service at Allen Turner Hyundai

We’re committed to providing exceptional service for all Hyundai models at Allen Turner Hyundai. Our state-of-the-art Pensacola, Florida, facility has the latest diagnostic tools and equipment, ensuring your new vehicle receives high-quality care from our factory-trained technicians. We pride ourselves on our competitive pricing and regular service specials, making quality care affordable. Don’t wait for small issues to become big problems. Call our service department at 850-905-5509 today to keep your Hyundai running at its best.

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