United Tire and Service News

Coolant is also called “antifreeze” and is an incredibly important fluid that does a lot to help your car’s engine running properly, ensuring it lasts as long as possible. As its name implies, coolant keeps the engine from overheating and ensures it stays at optimal operating temperatures throughout the year. It also protects against freezing. The four seasons often bring extreme driving weather in the greater Philadelphia area, requiring vehicle owners to pay close attention to the engine coolant to ensure the best results and longest life for your motor. Like all fluids, it breaks down and loses viscosity over time, which means it cannot work as intended. Before that happens, our ASE-certified technicians at United Tire can provide cooling system service and give your car what it needs.

 

Coolant is a specially formulated fluid that does not boil over during hot summer days or freeze up during frigid winter nights. Some types are diluted with distilled water to provide optimal cooling and antifreeze protection for your motor. The fluid resides in your radiator and inside the engine. A water pump circulates the antifreeze via hoses, passageways inside the engine, and back to the radiator.

 

The airflow going through the front grill and radiator helps to cool it down and maintain a steady and safe operating temperature. When your engine reaches the proper operating temperature, a thermostat opens a valve that enables the antifreeze to circulate inside the engine’s core and you have full circulation maintaining an ideal operating temperature.

 

If your vehicle recently underwent a flush and fill, then you can get by with just topping off the radiator when the coolant runs a little low. Like all fluids, though, it will lose viscosity and break down over time. Our technicians can test your coolant and determine whether it still is good or if you need your entire cooling system flushed and filled with new antifreeze.

 

It is important to remember the engine has a core that holds a significant amount of fluid. A proper flush and fill requires idling the engine until the thermostat opens, which allows all fluid to drain out. When refilled, the engine needs to idle long enough for the thermostat to open again and fill up the inner core. Failure to do so will result in too little antifreeze in your system and will lead to either overheating or a potentially frozen engine block.

 

If you are unsure about your last coolant service or see the temperature gauge showing your car is running hot, United Tire can take care of the problem. Just use our online schedule appointment tool, give us a call, or just stop in and get a coolant inspection and flush and fill service as needed. United Tire has 13 independently-owned locations across the greater Philadelphia area and are proud members of the local community. Our parts boutique has hoses, thermostats, and a wide range of the best antifreeze brands to ensure your engine enjoys the best protection against overheating and freezing.