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COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Ok before we begin it is important we give you this note/ warning

NEVER OPEN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR OR RADIATOR CAP WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT

The coolant in your vehicle's coolant reservoir contains an antifreeze which performs three vital jobs

i. It prevents the coolant from freezing during cold weather
ii. It raises the boiling temperature of the coolant and hence prevents over heating on hot weathers
iii. It helps fight corrosion

It is important that you the level of coolant periodically to ensure that it is not low( usually the result of leakage) and also the strength and condition of your antifreeze. If the coolant is brown or discolored it mean it is overdue for change, although it could still be green or orange or yellow, there's no way to tell how much corrosion protection is still in the coolant without measuring its "reserve alkalinity." To do this you use chemically-treated test strips that give a good-bad indication by color changes and if your cooling system is low on coolant, use the type already in the system

Most manufacturers recommend a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water for proper functioning of your cooling system but if your aim is to maximize freezing protection a 70/30  mixture of antifreeze and water would do just fine. Up to a 30/70 mixture of antifreeze and water can be used in hot climates to improve cooling efficiency. Never use water or antifreeze alone in your vehicle's cooling system

If you find that your cooling system is dirty use a flush to remove rust and scale. Manufacturers recommended that green coolant should be changed every two to three years or 30,000 miles while orange or yellow coolants( longer lived coolants) should be changed after five years

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