Tips and How-Tos for All of Your Coolant Needs

TV ads for sports beverages that are formulated to keep your body properly hydrated, while restoring vitamins and minerals that you need to perform properly under hot and demanding conditions, should serve as a reminder that your car is much like the body of a world-class athlete. When sufficiently fueled and fortified with the proper fluids; your car, truck or SUV should get you from the starting block to the finish line…without working up a sweat or stopping for a breather along the way.

The next time you are enjoying a cool drink in your backyard, take a few minutes to make sure your car's engine is also properly hydrated. (Caution: Attempting to remove radiator cap when system is hot can result in severe burns and other injury. Allow sufficient time for engine to cool after driving.)

1) Pop the hood
2) Find the coolant reservoir (usually a white, semi-clear plastic receptacle with black cap) and look to see if the coolant level is at or near the FULL COOL indicator line.
3) If the vehicle's coolant system level is low, add a 50-50 mixture of antifreeze/coolant and clean water.

This simple procedure can save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars in engine repairs, along with helping to ensure that you and your passengers are not stranded in cold, unsafe conditions.

To make it even easier to maintain your car's cooling system, leading manufacturers have introduced advanced global formula products that can be used in any automobile, regardless of make, model, year or original antifreeze color - including GM DEX-COOL and new Ford and Chrysler coolants.

"If you can't remember the last time you checked the antifreeze in your family vehicles, you should definitely take a few minutes to make sure they have a sufficient fill of antifreeze," recommends Josh Russell, brand manager for PEAK Performance Products.

Designed with a phosphate-free and silicate-free formula that is compatible with all domestic, Asian and European OEM specifications, PEAK Long Life provides 150,000 miles or 5 years of maximum protection after a complete cooling system flush and fill.

Available fully formulated, for complete flush and fill applications, or a 50/50 pre-diluted formula, PEAK features an amber color that will not change the current antifreeze color when used for topping off. "Instead of hesitating or spending time trying to sort out the confusing color codes that carmakers have come up with, consumers can now use a single extended life antifreeze/coolant with total confidence that it will perform well and keep their warranty intact," said PEAK's Russell.

If you changed your antifreeze recently, but your system level is low, this may be an indication that you have a leaky hose or loose radiator hose clamp. Any hoses that show signs of wear, leakage, cracking or rotting should be replaced. After making necessary repairs, use an antifreeze ball tester (available at any auto parts store) to make sure that the antifreeze-to-water ratio is correct. Then, top-off with a "ready to use" mixture of antifreeze/water such as PEAK Long Life 50/50 Pre-Diluted Antifreeze & Coolant.

If your coolant system level is drastically low or the glycol-to-water ratio is not correct, you might consider flushing the system and then filling it with a fresh antifreeze and water mixture to bring it back within operating specifications. "Flushing and filling a car's cooling system with a fresh mixture of antifreeze and water is easier than most people think…and it's one of the smartest things vehicle owners can do to protect their investment and help ensure uninterrupted performance," said PEAK's Russell.

According to Russell, the Flush and Fill process can be broken down into 10 Easy Steps:

Step 1: Clean the radiator
Step 2: Place a drain pan
Step 3: Remove the radiator pressure cap
Step 4: Inspect the pressure cap & hoses
Step 5: Drain the radiator
Step 6: Rinse the radiator
Step 7: Add the coolant and water mixture
Step 8: Bleed the system
Step 9: Replace the pressure cap
Step 10: Clean up

For details about these steps and the importance of maintaining your vehicle's cooling system or to learn more about the advanced technology that goes into universal antifreeze/coolants such as PEAK Long Life, visit their website at www.peakantifreeze.com or call (800) 323-5440.

(Source: PEAK Antifreeze)