The primary job of coolant, or antifreeze as it is sometimes called, is to transfer excess heat from your car’s engine to the radiator. The coolant absorbs the heat and moves it to the radiator where it is dispersed into the air. It is also distributed through the heat exchanger into the passenger area of your car when the heating system is used. While water alone could transfer the heat, its affects would be too corrosive to the engine. For this reason coolant is used, which is comprised of a 50/50 ratio mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water.

Why are coolant flushes necessary?

Over time, the beneficial elements in coolant breakdown since it functions in such a hot and hostile environment. When the coolant’s rust inhibitors get depleted, the confined cooling passages in the engine and radiator are vulnerable to corrosion.

The engine block is the main source of rust in a car’s cooling system. Eventually rust deposits can accumulate and clog the cooling system and radiator. This causes overheating, which is the most common cause of engine damage and breakdowns. A coolant flush and fill will prevent these deposits and overheating.  Having a coolant flush and keeping the coolant fresh is definitely less expensive than repairing a heater core or radiator, or head gasket.

How often are coolant flushes necessary?

The typical time frame for having a coolant flush is two years or 30,000 miles. See your owner’s manual for your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Next in our Taking Charge of Car Maintenance series, we will look at Transmission Service.

Think of oil as the life blood of your car. Like the blood in your body, your car’s oil serves a vital function. As the lubricant for its engine, oil allows engine components to operate without damage resulting from metal to metal contact. Metal friction creates a substantial amount of heat. Without oil, eventually the surfaces of the metal components would weld together, causing the engine to seize.

Why are oil changes necessary?

Oil needs to be changed regularly because your engine’s high operating temperatures lead to the thermal breakdown of oil.  Oil becomes less effective as a lubricant as dirt accumulates in it. Though the filter traps much of the dirt, eventually the filter will clog and dirty oil will bypass the filter. As the contaminated oil becomes dirty and thick, it becomes abrasive, causing more component wear.

Another reason oil needs to be replaced is because it is formulated with additives. These additives improve the oil’s effectiveness and include detergents, dispersants, rust-fighters and friction reducers.  When these additives break down, the oil does not lubricate as well as it should.

Neglecting regular oil changes will eventually result in poor engine performance. Clean oil performs much more efficiently than dirty oil, so regular oil changes are essential to vehicle’s performance and safety.

How often is an oil change necessary?

Typically changes should be performed every 3,000 miles but vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations may vary – you should always consult your owner’s manual to find out the proper schedule for your car. At the time of your oil change, your technician will also change your oil filter to protect the clean oil.

Next in our Taking Charge of Car Maintenance series, we will look at Tire Rotation.

As the snow and ice melts, and this awful winter finally gives way to spring, we will be faced with some destructive reminders of the past season…potholes. Potholes are one of the most abusive nuisances to which your car is subjected. Hitting potholes can lead to problems such as:

• Steering system issues
• Wheel rim damage
• Tire damage
• Suspension problems
• Engine or exhaust system damage

Shocks and struts are another component of your car that can be seriously compromised by potholes. Shocks and struts control your car’s ride and handling. Shock and struts act as a cushion to dampen the bouncing action of a car’s springs. Another function of shocks and struts is controlling spring and suspension movement to keep your car’s tires in contact with the road, enabling proper steering, stability, and braking. Compromised shocks and struts can impact steering and handling, so it is essential to be aware of the warning signs that your vehicle’s shocks or struts may need to be replaced:

• Rolling or swaying on turns
• Front-end dives when braking or rear end dips when accelerating
• Bouncing or sliding sideways on rough or winding roads
• Bottoming out or thumping on bumps
• Unusual puddles under the car or leaking fluids
• Loss of directional control during sudden stops

It is a good idea to have your car inspected if you experience any of the above signs. Catching pothole damage issues early can prevent more extensive problems down the road.

The last in the series on simple car maintenance, this week’s post is about checking your car’s accessory belt or belts. Most newer vehicles use a serpentine multi-accessory drive belt. It is a single ribbed belt that drives all the accessories, air conditioning system, power steering, alternator as well as other pumps and accessories. Some older cars and trucks may have separate accessory belts.

Belts wear and become damaged over time. A broken accessory belt could mean serious damage to the engine or its systems. Periodically checking the accessory belt or belts will help you catch and replace a bad belt long before it snaps.

Here is what to do:

Inspect belt for signs of wear. With the engine off and cool, inspect the belt or belts. In addition to doing a visual check, feel the condition of the belts checking for cracks, fraying, splits or brittle areas.

Look for places on the belt where the rubber is slick looking. Slick spots can cause a belt to slip and may be precursors to overheating and cracking.

Check the pulleys. Look for rubber deposit build-up spots or worn spots that could catch the belt and cause it to snap.

Note the belt tension. Check the tension on the longest length of the belt; it should be tight, with little or no give.

If you hear squealing sounds from the engine while you are driving, this could mean a worn, loose or damaged belt. If you are not sure about the sounds you are hearing, listen to how the engine sounds with the hood up. Make sure the car in park, with the parking brake on, and have someone accelerate the engine while you listen. When you do this, be sure to keep a safe distance from belts and components while the engine is running.

If you confirm there is a squealing noise, or if you are unsure about accessory belt condition, be sure to get your car in for service, before you have any serious problems.

This week’s topic features another simple check you can perform to better understand your car maintenance. Oil checks are a simple maintenance step you can do in your own garage in just a few easy steps.

Oil is vital to the proper functioning of your vehicle. It is important to know that your car has enough and that it is in good condition.

The function of oil is to reduce friction in your engine and keep it running smoothly. It is a good idea to check your vehicle’s oil once a month to be sure you have the proper amount and that it is not too dirty to be effective.

1. Park your vehicle on a level area and wait for about 15 minutes for the engine to cool
2. Pop the hood and locate the dipstick, usually located next to the engine
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it off on a clean, dust-free rag
4. Insert the clean dipstick back into the pipe
5. Remove the dipstick again and look at the oil on the end of the stick
6. If the oil does not reach the second or “full” indication line, you need oil
7. Note the condition of the oil, making sure it is not dirty; if it is dirty, you need an oil change
8. Once your check is finished, simply return the dipstick to its spot in the pipe

When you do need to add oil, make sure it is a good quality oil that is right for your vehicle. Your trusted auto service professional can help you determine the best product for your engine.