Vehicle Fluids Part III: Coolant

Internal combustion engines, such as the one in your vehicle, necessitates the removal of excess heat. Therefore, the engine has a cooling system that requires coolant, which is a heat transfer fluid. Coolant also prevents freezing and protection from corrosion. When your engine is operating it can convert only about one third of the energy originating from the combustion of fuel into assisting to move the vehicle. Two thirds of this is converted into heat while another one third is released through the exhaust, which leaves the rest of this energy within the engine block. The engine block is then in need of coolant to absorb this heat and as the coolant absorbs the heat it then transports it through the radiator and sends it to dissipate into the environment. Due to this process, the engine is able to be fully efficient and operational

Coolant is sometimes known as anti-freeze and vice versa. Both are really just generic terms used to describe a fluid that can remove heat from the engine to keep the engine from over-heating. Coolant can be just plain water and it can be effective for cooling the engine. However, it would not protect against freezing temperatures. Anti-freeze will not only restrict freezing points, but in addition to this, it will protect against corrosion and increases boiling point during use.

Anti-freeze is a mixture of glycol, which gives it the ability to suppress the freezing point and raise the boiling point, corrosion inhibiting compounds and dyes. There are two main types of glycol, ethylene glycol and propylen glycol The dyes are to help more easily identify it, therefore avoiding confusion as there are several different coolants available on the market today. There is usually a 1 to 1 mixture of water and glycol that results in a freezing point ranging from -37 Celsius to -42 Celsius, but this is all dependent upon the formula of the antifreeze.

There seems to be two basic types of coolant available on the market today that are dependent on corrosion inhibitors. The first is referred to IAT or inorganic additive technology. It is the most traditional that is made with inorganic additives, hence inorganic technology. This coolant is most dependable that provides a fast acting film to protect the vehicle. However, the additives eventually will deplete. When this occurs the coolant will need to be drained and replenished every couple of years. IAT coolant can be used on metal engines with components that include steel, aluminum, copper etc. without worry of causing damage.

The second coolant is referred to OAT or Organic Acid Technology. OAT coolants do work differently than IAT based coolants. In the event of moisture, aluminum and other metals that consist of iron, will begin to create a surface-layer corrosion. OAT coolants will prevent the metal layer against corrosion. This type of coolant is designed to last longer than traditional coolants, but is not to be used with engine systems that contain yellow metals.

To the contrary, the fluid must also have the ability to stay heated, but not reach boiling temperatures and avoid the creation of vapor because the vapor with diminish its' ability to transfer heat.

WHICH IS THE BEST FOR MY VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE?

It is best to stick with what the vehicle manufacturer suggests. Most of the more modern engines require the long life organic antifreeze. Always be aware of what antifreeze is in your vehicle because you do not want to mix IAT with OAT antifreeze.  The type of coolant fluid used also really depends on the type of material that forms the engine, the geography and the climate. So for instance, when you're vehicle is going to be exposed to seasons where there is extremely cold weather, the fluid must be able to withstand the freezing weather and not freeze. Specifically why it is referred to as "antifreeze" because it will provide protection against freezing. But, in other climates such as a more tropical environment, one will need coolant, but not necessarily need protection against freezing temperatures. 

WHAT DOES ANY OF THIS MEAN?

Okay, so the takeaways are as follows:

Always remember that coolant is very important to the engine in keeping it from over heating. Coolant assists with effective heat transfer. It prevents the cooling system from corrosion. It allows for an effective boiling point. It assists in avoiding freeze points and it allows for chemical stability in the engine.

But, most of all, always **REMEMBER**, Shige's Premier Auto Service is here for you! Any questions you may have, please, call us, write to us below, go to our website or visit us on Facebook!

Make a reservation and come down to the shop! We will make sure that your cooling system is working correctly so that your engine can run as efficiently as possible so you can be on your way to LIVING THE LEGACY!!

Vehicle Fluids Part II: Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every vehicle is so intricately designed and has thousand of little parts that play many different roles that allow the vehicle to perform the way that it does. The transmission plays a huge role in the performance of your vehicle.  Simply put, the transmission works to transfer the power from the engine to the wheels so that it can move forward. Of course, it is way more complicated than that, but we can just stick to the basics. There are four types of transmissions: Manual, Automatic, Continuously Variable Transmission, Semi-Automatic and Dual clutch Transmissions. All moving parts require lubrication and that goes for the transmission, as well. The fluid will protect and clean metal surfaces, extend rotational speed and temperature ranges. It also provides the proper viscosity, it prevents foam build up and the oxidation of the fluid, which extends the life of the fluid. Transmission fluid improves the cooling ability and reduces high temperatures and will condition gaskets so they stay supple and resilient for a long time. There are two more notable transmission fluids known as DEXRON and the MERCON. They both include friction modifiers and most other grades of transmission fluid is based off the former and the latter. Most car manufacturers today use these fluids in their vehicles. There are other transmission fluids that are oil and synthetic based that provide different properties like longer life and more effectiveness with high heat. There is type F, which is mostly used in cars from the 70's and is not so common today. HFM fluids is Highly Friction Modified, which is used in vehicles that need a little more extra friction reduction. Lastly, the synthetic fluids are becoming more popular these days in that they offer better performance and service. It also improves resistance to heat, cold, oxidation, friction and shearing. It is slowly becoming the standard, but it does come at a higher price because it is a little more costly.

All of the above transmission fluids are for the automatic vehicles. Manual transmissions necessitate different types of fluid. Most shops offer full synthetic based oils for the manual transmissions to again, improve lubrication and reduce friction from rotation. Today's manual transmissions are very sophisticated five and six speeds and high performance transmissions that require application specific lubricants. It is suggested that for all wheel drive and 4x4's need to be serviced every 80,000 to 100,000 miles.

Do to the fact that the transmission is such a key component to the vehicle's reliability and value, taking care of the transmission is absolutely essential. That being said, the transmission fluid should definitely be serviced to maintain smooth shifting. Some manufacturers have been known to consider automatic transmission fluid as a fluid that lasts a lifetime while other manufacturers believe it should be changed based on mileage and usage.

We at Shige's Premier Auto Service believe the latter of the two. The transmission is such an essential and vital element of a working vehicle that the fluid should definitely be monitored at each service interval.  

Have you ever had your transmission serviced? Not sure? Well, give us a call @ (310) 323-1824 or visit our website to schedule a reservation today! We can do a full comprehensive courtesy inspection to show you exactly what your transmission fluid looks like. Don't wait too long! We want you to make the best investment into your vehicle!! Shige's Premier Auto Service is here to help you out, always!!