SOURCE | SHUTTERSTOCK/LEVENT KONUK
Q Why does the color of coolants turn to colorless after some time? If it does, what is wrong with the coolant?
A This mostly happens when you use a coolant dye that is not stable at high temperatures. If this happens, your products will suffer serious market backlash as most people use coolants based on color. However, from a technical perspective color has no function other than for identification purpose.
Q If the coolant level drops, what is wrong with the coolant or the engine?
A This could happen because of leakage or use of a low-quality coolant. A low-quality coolant easily evaporates and will need a regular top-up. Also, a low-quality coolant corrodes the radiator leading to leakage and loss of coolant.
Q What is an organic coolant?
A This is a long-life coolant made from organic corrosion inhibitors (organic acid salts) also known as organic acid Technology (OAT).
Q Why does the car overheat? And when it overheats how hot is the temperature? Once overheated what happens to the engine?
A Overheating occurs when the coolant is not circulating in the engine or when there is insufficient coolant in the cooling system. The temperatures will be above 100 Degree Celsius. Overheating damages the cooling system such as the cylinder head gasket.
Q Why is the cooling system pressurized?
A The cooling circuit is a closed system. Therefore, pressure develops when the coolant temperatures are elevated. High pressure is desired so that the coolant boiling point becomes elevated and therefore the coolants can absorb more heat.
Q Why did older vehicles use water only and not a coolant?
A This is a misconception. All vehicles are designed to use a coolant. Water is corrosive and leads to damage of the cooling system and eventually overheating.
Q What is the normal operating temperature of an engine and does it differ depending on the type of engine or vehicle?
A This differs greatly depending on the engine type. On average, a temperature of about 80 Degree Celsius is typical.
Q Can an engine get hotter than the coolant boiling point? If yes, how is engine cooling achieved?
A The engine temperatures can easily exceed the boiling point of a coolant. However, since the coolant is rapidly circulated in the cooling system and also because the cooling system operates at elevated pressures, the coolant can quickly evacuate the heat from the engine to the radiator where cooling takes place.
Q Does a coolant have an expiry date or can it be used indefinitely?
A A long-life coolant has a shelf life of 3-4 years. It is advised that you should change your coolant every 3-4 or as advised by OEM recommendations especially for stationary equipment such as generators. .