There is so much that goes into maintaining your vehicle and keeping it looking and performing its best, from regular tyre rotations to oil changes and regular washes.
But, do I need to put antifreeze in my car, or does this chemical not really matter as much as you’ve been led to believe? Make no mistake, antifreeze is an essential part of keeping your vehicle running smoothly through the colder months. It helps regulate engine temperatures while preventing rust and corrosion. There are fuel efficiency implications, too.
Learn more about the importance of antifreeze below and how often you need to put it in your car. We’ll also help you navigate the process of picking the proper coolant/antifreeze and adding it to your vehicle’s reservoir.
Take the first step by browsing our selection of car antifreeze at Jennychem today, the UK’s trusted choice for all things chemicals. Protect your vehicle’s engine and other components today!
First, let’s take a moment to explain what antifreeze is. One of the most common questions we get is, is antifreeze the same as coolant? Not exactly. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction.
Antifreeze is a concentrated chemical solution typically made from ethylene glycol or propylene glycol to prevent freezing and overheating. When mixed with water, it becomes coolant, which circulates through the engine to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
This mixture is what keeps your engine from freezing during the winter and overheating in the summer. So, why do I need to put antifreeze in my car?
Antifreeze obviously plays an important role in regulating your vehicle’s temperature during the freezing winter months and the scorching summer season, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s why you shouldn’t neglect your vehicle’s antifreeze levels.
Engines generate immense heat while running and would overheat without a proper cooling system, causing severe damage or total engine failure. Coolant antifreeze helps safeguard against this.
Meanwhile, antifreeze prevents the water in the radiator from freezing in colder climates, which could otherwise cause engine parts to crack or burst due to expanding ice.
In short, antifreeze allows your vehicle to operate smoothly in any season by keeping the engine at the correct temperature - whether it's hot or cold. Why else do I need to put antifreeze in my car, though?
Modern antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors that protect the metal components of your car’s engine and cooling system. Water can cause rust over time, which can lead to leaks or clogged parts in the radiator, water pump, and hoses.
The good news is you can enjoy peace of mind protecting against this simply by using antifreeze. You're safeguarding your engine from rust and corrosion and prolonging the life of these crucial components.
In contrast, skipping or delaying antifreeze replacement can lead to costly repairs as corrosion begins to eat away at internal parts. Trust us, it’s worth a bit of work to avoid this nightmare.
As you may be able to imagine, an engine that’s running at the right temperature is also more fuel-efficient. If your engine overheats or underperforms due to freezing, your vehicle starts burning more fuel to compensate for the imbalance.
In this sense, antifreeze saves you money every time you fill your car with gasoline. But, it also prevents more costly repairs associated with wear and tear on your engine.
So, yes - you need to put antifreeze in your car! It’s just a matter of figuring out when to do it.
You know now that antifreeze is an essential part of keeping your vehicle running its best for the long haul. But how often do I need to put antifreeze in my car?
There’s no uniform answer as it depends on your driving habits, the age of your car, and the specific type of antifreeze you use. We’ll help you get a better sense of fill-up frequency below.
The best way to know if your car needs antifreeze is to check the levels in your reservoir and top off as needed. We suggest doing this once a month or at least once every few months, especially before long journeys or if you’re driving in extreme weather conditions.
Most vehicles have a transparent coolant reservoir located near the radiator, with “low” and “full” markings to indicate the proper level. If it’s below the “low” mark, top it up to keep your engine protected.
Always make sure the engine is cool before checking, as opening the coolant cap on a hot engine can cause hot steam or coolant to spray out, leading to serious injury.
Even if your antifreeze levels are optimal, it’s not a bad idea to open the reservoir cap and inspect the condition of the chemical itself. It can break down over time and lose its effectiveness, so watch out for a murky or rusty appearance. This indicates it may be time to flush and refill the antifreeze.
Your vehicle will have its own timeline for regular flushes and refills, which you can find in the owner’s manual. Typically, this should be done every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every 2 to 5 years depending on the type of antifreeze used.
Older cars, or those with more frequent heavy use, might need to replace antifreeze more frequently. Some cars are equipped with “long-life” antifreeze that lasts longer than traditional types, but even these need periodic flushing and replacement to prevent contaminant build-up.
If you’re unsure of when your antifreeze was last replaced, or if you’re noticing signs of engine overheating or rust in the coolant system, get in touch with a mechanic. Remember, timely antifreeze replacement helps you avoid major engine issues and keeps your vehicle running efficiently.
Before we wrap things up we want to help you pick the optimal antifreeze for your unique make/model and navigate the refill process. Let’s start with an overview of the different types you have at your disposal and why Jennychem’s selection is the #1 choice in the UK.
There are several types of antifreeze on the market, each formulated with specific properties to suit different engine requirements. The right type for your vehicle depends on the make, model, and manufacturer recommendations, but here’s an overview of four great options:
So, what antifreeze for my car is ideal? When in doubt reach out - after all, Jennychem is your trusted provider of the best antifreeze coolant in the UK!
Whether you need long-lasting red antifreeze with advanced corrosion inhibitors or a universal option for versatile engine types, we have the right product for you.
Our antifreeze extends the life of your engine and prevents costly repairs, giving you peace of mind on the road. Explore our selection today and choose the best antifreeze to keep your car running smoothly all year round.
Most antifreeze needs to be mixed with water before being added to your vehicle's cooling system.
The typical ratio is 50:50 antifreeze to water, although this can vary depending on the climate you live in. For example, colder climates may benefit from a higher concentration of antifreeze (such as 70:30) to prevent freezing.
Always use distilled water when mixing antifreeze, as tap water can contain minerals that may cause scaling or corrosion inside the engine. Check the specific instructions for the antifreeze you're using before dilution, as some products come pre-mixed.
Now, where does antifreeze go? How much coolant does my car take? Actually navigating the refill process for the first time can be stressful, but it’s fairly straightforward:
Our blog has more tips on how to dispose of antifreeze along with resources like how much AdBlue to add, screen wash not working, how to polish a car by hand, how to use snow foam, and more. At this point, though, it’s time to wrap this guide up with a few final thoughts.
So, do I need to put antifreeze in my car? Hopefully you can see why this fluid is so important in keeping your vehicle running smoothly across all seasons.
It prevents overheating in the summer and freezing in winter while protecting your engine from corrosion, rust, and unnecessary fuel consumption. So, don’t overlook its importance - and be sure to keep your reservoir topped off.
If you haven’t already, stock up on the top-quality antifreeze from Jennychem that your car needs, joining thousands of UK vehicle owners who trust our formulations. Keep your engine protected with Jennychem today!
