Coolant

The purpose of coolant is to control the temperatures within the engine and prevent the water in the vehicle's radiator from freezing or boiling. Coolant is a mixture of water and anti-freeze with special additives as it needs to remain a liquid at low temperatures and not evaporate at high temperatures. The coolant travels throughout the engine by means of a water pump, circulating and absorbing any excess heat while cooling the water. With anti-corrosive properties, the coolant protects the various parts of the engine.

What can go wrong?

Over time, the coolant gradually gets used up, risking the engine being insufficiently cooled; meaning it may overheat resulting in extreme damage. Water alone cannot protect the system from boiling in hot temperatures or from freezing in cold temperatures which will eventually lead the system to breakdown, deeming it useless.

What can you do?

Check to see if the coolant is at the "maximum" line on the filling reservoir; if lower, add a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant until it reaches the correct line indicator. Be sure to check if there is any debris floating within the coolant that's being used, if so, a coolant flush will be required by a service advisor. Always get a coolant flush and maintenance check when recommended by a technician to make sure there are no leaks.