Your Trucks Rad and Coolant Levels Require Ongoing Attention
Driving along in their vehicles – be they truck , car or van most standard homeowners or automobile owners think little of their automotive cooling system in their vehicle until either disaster or inconvenience results. It might be overheating and a major repair bill at the dealership or it be a cold drive on Alberta winter highways with no heat output from their vehicle’s interior heater.
In most cases little is thought of the fluid levels of the humble radiator of most vehicles , nor is the antifreeze concentration or concentrations proper or even adequate for the season driven. Different times of year may require less glycol , severe winter weather such as in northern Alberta Canada or Winnipeg Manitoba require substantially higher glycol antifreeze percentages. Take advantage of seasonal changes great . Forget about changing your fluid for the severe 40 below winter time temperatures and you risk a cracked engine block or worse.
Radiator coolant and coolant levels are seldom on drivers minds till disaster strikes or they are frigid or cannot defrost their windshield while driving. First of all how can you judge coolant level in modern vehicles ” be they cars, trucks or SUVs? With coolant recovery systems, the coolant level is easily checked by observing the liquid level on the coolant recovery bottle. In most autos currently, the radiator cap need not normally be removed. The coolant level should be at the Full Cold mark when the system is cool and at ambient temperature. After the vehicle has been driven sufficiently to obtain normal operating temperatures, the level should be at the Full Hot mark.
Maintenance of proper fluid levels and an adequate amount of antifreeze is everything. You will maintain your engine and transmission within proper temperature ranges. The benefits – less wear and tear on your engine itself , no heat damage or buckling from excessive heat of engines running “hot” as well as the convenience of sufficient heat from your interior heater of your passenger compartment.
Most of the problems we encounter both in life and as auto owners are relatively simple and come down to basics. In this case its a matter of proper ongoing maintenance of your vehicle’s cooling system. If you are unsure of the steps and procedures ask professional help . Your local mechanic , a neighbor or the service department of your local nearby car or truck dealership will be only too obliging to help you out.
