Whoever has a car knows it, periodic inspections of your vehicle can mean a significant expense —although foreseen— for your economy. Changing the oil, the diesel filter or the gas charge of the air conditioning, all of this together with labor, will add several tens of euros to the workshop bill. Fortunately, there are simple vehicle maintenance practices that users can undertake to save themselves some money.
Coolant, or also called antifreeze, is the liquid that keeps your car’s temperature needle stable and prevents the engine from overheating. This substance protects your vehicle from extreme temperatures, both from the intense cold of winter and from the days of sweltering heat that are upon us. This is thanks to the glycols they contain, molecules that raise their boiling point to 130 degrees.
Periodically checking the level of antifreeze in your car is essential to prevent possible breakdowns and damage to the engine. Coolants have an estimated effectiveness of 2 years and specialists recommend replacing it approximately every 50,000 kilometers. However, durability will vary depending on the characteristics of the antifreeze used and the model of your vehicle. The user manual will also indicate which type you should use and observations regarding its replacement.
If you see that the mixture turns cloudy or brownish, it will be time to replace it. This operation can cost you up to 150 euros in the workshop, so doing it at home by yourself is the cheapest option. You only need a bottle of antifreeze liquid required for your vehicle, an empty container to pour the used coolant, a funnel and gloves to protect yourself from dirt and possible burns caused by these chemical products.
Changing the antifreeze fluid yourself does not require great efforts. If you get used to doing it at home, you will save a considerable amount on each visit to your workshop. Before you start, wait a while if you have just used the vehicle to make sure that the engine is cold.
Finally, and this is an expense that you will not be able to avoid, the antifreeze liquid that you have removed is a toxic compound, which you should keep until you take it to the workshop so that they dispose of it properly.