Keep Your Cool

Did ya know a low coolant level would cause your engine to cook and overheat, even cause permanent damage? Of course you knew that all vehicle owners know that, but when was the last time you checked yours or even flushed out the coolant system?
Antifreeze/Coolant is fluid that helps to transfer heat from the engine when it is hot and it keeps the liquid from freezing and cracking the engine when it gets cold. Ouch! That can be big bucks.
First and foremost NEVER-I said NEVER take the cap of the radiator, or the overflow tank (if present), when the engine is hot! I mean it you could be seriously hurt. Hey speaking of getting hurt, did you ever put that first aid kit in your car?
Here is the basic rule of thumb on coolant; change/flush the system about every 30,000 miles for the green and yellow colored coolants and about 150,000 miles for the long life type, if you don’t’ know what type you have go for the lower mileage. Of course by now you all have taken my advice and have become familiar with your owner’s manual for recommendations on your automobile’s maintenance. {Really whacha waiting for?}
Newer cars typically have an overflow tank where the coolant level should be visible and fall between the low and full marks. If you don’t have an overflow tank, take the cap of the cool radiator. Usually you have to push down and turn clockwise, sort of like the way you open a medicine bottle. Look down in the opening do you see fluid high up in the neck of the radiator? If so great, if not you need to add some; Hopefully you don’t have plain old tap water in there for crying out loud go out and get some anti-freeze/coolant**.
You want the level to be full, an engine can heat up very quickly and by keeping your coolant at a proper level along with good maintenance it will protect not only your engine but the radiator too. They (radiators) typically last a good 6-10 years without trouble, but once they start to decline your car can be in danger of breakdown. So stay cool and check that level.
If your vehicle should happen to overheat here’s what you can try: stopped in traffic put it in park (for automatics) or nueutral (for a standard)and rev up the engine to get the coolant to circulate; turn on the heater {yes really} it may help divert just enough heat from the engine to keep it cool enough so it doesn't blow up, roll down you windows and stop yelling as that too will build up heat. Be cool and keep that engine running at it’s best!

**Caution with all anti-freeze/coolant, use it in a well ventilated area especially if its hot, clean up any all spills, keep it away from children and pets-it can be deadly if ingested

See y’all