The cooling system regulates the engine’s temperature to achieve effective power and prevent potential problems (such as breakdowns and fires).
In terms of operating mechanism, it continuously transfers coolant through ducts around the engine block, releasing accumulated heat to the outside through the front radiator hoses.
Because of the importance of the cooling system, periodic inspection and replacement of this system will certainly greatly help the engine performance.
In this article, we will bring the most useful information related to “how long does coolant last in a car,” which is the key to keeping your 4-wheeled friend in an ideal working state all the time!
How Long Does Coolant Last In A Car?
As reported by automotive experts, the coolant system can serve the average driver from 40 000 km to 50 000 km (equivalent to 24 000 to 31 000 miles).
In terms of time, it will need a new replacement after about 2 to 5 years of dedication to regulating the temperature inside the engine compartment.
It is difficult to determine how often to change coolant fluid, as the life of the cooling system largely depends on a lot of factors, below:
- Driver’s maintenance schedules
- Type of fuel used
- Vehicle’s technical condition
- Total distance traveled
- The oil used (synthetic, mineral, or semi-synthetic?)
- Contamination
- Corrosion
- Engine power
Some drivers wonder whether the antifreeze water and aggressive driving mode will greatly affect the life of the radiator.
Rest assured that aggressive driving mode does not affect this system. But if you want to use antifreeze, always remember to mix it with water in a 50-50 ratio before use.
The coolant flow from different vehicle models has a distinct color as a convention of chemical composition and age.
We can completely determine how often to refill coolant through this color difference.
Pink Coolant
This solution comes about thanks to an organic technology based on the chemical composition of carboxylic acid and is very compatible with G12 antifreeze.
After being completely renewed, this solution can service your vehicle with an average life of 5 years, corresponding to 130 000 miles (about 210,000 km).
Purple Coolant
It is a synthetic heat sink coolant compatible with G13 antifreeze and with very high performance.
In terms of the mechanism of action, it prevents deposit formation and reduces fluid tension inside the heat exchanger, providing optimal cooling for the system.
This purple liquid’s average lifespan is 3 to 5 years, corresponding to 150 000 miles (about 240 000 km).
Green Coolant
This ethylene glycol-based liquid is commonly found in vehicles from the Renault brand. You can also find it in other modern vehicle engines, such as Hyundai, Nissan, and Citroen.
It is not pure green but a pale green to yellow. Normally, drivers must change this fluid after about 3 years or 90 000 miles (144 000 km).
Red Coolant
This product was first introduced to the market in 1997 and has been present in most modern vehicle models.
Its main difference from other liquids is that it has only organic additives and no phosphates and silicates.
In terms of life, this product can service the engine for about 2 years, corresponding to 60 000 miles (about 95 000 km).
Orange Coolant
This solution is the perfect combination of Organic Acid Technology (OAT) and Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT).
Normally, it can serve the driver for 5 years, equivalent to 150 000 miles (about 240 000 km).
What Are The Symptoms of A Low Coolant?
Depending on the level of antifreeze that is missing, your vehicle will show different warning signs.
During the overhaul, you need to replace the engine coolant if you notice a tendency to change color or become cloudy.
Or you can realize it through the “Check coolant reservoir” message on the control panel or the antifreeze light coming on.
But usually, drivers will know when to change coolant through the signs summarized below:
The High-Temperature Gauge Is Red
The high-temperature gauge located on the vehicle’s dashboard has the function of notifying the driver when it detects that the engine block is abnormally hot.
Usually, you’ll find the gauge in the center of the “C” and “H” symbols. If the indicator tilts to the “H” (high-temperature) symbol, you need to turn off the engine immediately and contact your nearest auto repair shop for a repair plan.
The A/C Is Malfunctioning
When the user uses the vehicle’s heat, the coolant will adjust the extreme temperatures inside the cabin.
If you have the air conditioner on, you will feel the air heating up because a lot of hot air is coming out of the air vents.
Due to broken heaters, some drivers often take advantage of low oil levels in winter to keep themselves warm.
If this is the case, you can also try this method before driving to the auto repair center for a coolant flush.
Sweet-Smelling Odor
This method is for drivers with a sharp sense of smell! In case of a coolant leak, you will notice a strange scent from under the hood and in the air conditioner.
It’s “glycol”- a sweet, viscous liquid of the antifreeze, whose main job is to regulate water’s boiling and freezing points.
This method of olfactory identification is not so reliable. But once you find a puddle of coolant dripping under the car, please contact the auto shop and have a professional mechanic fix the coolant leak.
Coolant Level Sensor Problem
Low coolant can cause a malfunction in the sensor system. When you notice the indicator light comes on when the antifreeze level is normal, your car needs a coolant flush immediately.
What Will Happen If You Drive With A Low Coolant?
Driving with low coolant harms the engine (especially the heater core, water pump, and radiator hoses) and affects the driver’s experience.
If you want a more specific insight into these damages, scroll down to explore the answers.
Overheat Engine
When the cooling system cannot reduce the heat in the engine, excessive heat builds up, causing a fire. Some overheating engines (such as cylinder heads and pistons) risk permanent damage.
Head Gasket Problem
The head gasket is necessary for the vehicle to achieve the ideal capacity.
If thermal overload blows this part, you will notice a marked reduction in the vehicle’s power, along with smoke rising from the exhaust or engine.
Engine Failure
No one wants a trip interrupted suddenly in the middle of the road because of a hot coolant system, but it can happen!
In this case, the only solution is to call the rescue team to send the vehicle to the nearest repair center.
Is Coolant Still Good If The Car Has Not Been Driven For A Long Time?
When staying for too long, the liquid inside the cooling system becomes contaminated (due to dust and residue), leading to acid accumulation.
Once the ability to resist boiling and freezing point is lost, this coolant will inevitably fail, adversely affecting the engine.
We advise that, even if you don’t use the vehicle for a long time, you should change this fluid regularly and ensure the level is always between the “min” and “max” marks.
Final Verdict
The coolant system is a great supporter of car engines to operate with stable performance and prevent thermal overload.
If this part has a problem (faulty or missing) that is not fixed in time, the driver will face dozens of severe damage or even be forced to stop the journey in the middle of the road.
So, how long does coolant last in a car, and what is the sign if this system is having problems? Hopefully, after our article, you will eliminate all issues related to this department, whether in the present or the future.
Always remember that regular inspection and proper maintenance is the key to keeping your vehicle “healthy.”
Wish you will have the best driving experience!