How to recognise when you need a coolant change

When it comes to keeping your car running, coolant is one of the most important components. It prevents your radiator from overheating and, when combined with antifreeze, from freezing in the winter. But it can’t keep doing its job without routine maintenance in the form of a coolant change every once in a while. So how do you know your car needs one?

Read on to find out the warning signs of a coolant change and when you should book yours.

A strange colour means you need a coolant change

Your coolant should be either green or orange in colour. If your coolant is any other colour, or it looks rusty at all, it’s a sure sign that you need a coolant change. Don’t ignore discoloured coolant because its quality and effectiveness is greatly reduced. Likewise, there shouldn’t be any flakes or other debris in your coolant. Contaminated coolant is bad news as it can’t protect your radiator which, in turn, increases the chance that your engine will overheat!

More severe problems can easily develop

Another sign that you need a coolant change is if your coolant level has dropped dramatically. What’s more, this could indicate a much more severe problem such as a leak because your coolant level should only drop a small amount in between changes. It’s easy to check if the level is too low – there’s a minimum and a maximum line on the side of the reservoir, which is usually see through. If your coolant is dangerously low, top it up immediately and book an appointment with a garage.

When is it best to book a coolant change?

You should book a coolant change every 2 years or 30,000 to 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. On top of that, you should always book an appointment whenever you notice any problems, such as those we’ve mentioned above. This way, your engine will always run as smoothly as possible and you don’t run any risks of overheating or damaging your car.

When you need a coolant change in Portsmouth, Smile Servicing is the place to go! We offer high-quality appointments at affordable low prices to get your car moving again. If it’s been a while since your last coolant change, or you’ve noticed some problems, why not book an appointment online today?