Raleigh Auto Repair

Coolant is one of those fluids people almost forget exists until they see steam or a temperature gauge climbing. What you do not see is the slow chemical change happening inside the engine long before it overheats. Old coolant quietly eats away at metal from the inside, and by the time the damage shows up, you are often looking at repairs far beyond a simple flush.   Why Coolant Does More Than Just Prevent Overheating Most drivers think of coolant as colored water that keeps the engine from boiling over or freezing. In reality, it is a carefully blended fluid that also carries corrosion inhibitors, lubricants for the water pump, and additives to protect aluminum, steel, and rubber. When it is fresh, it keeps temperatures stable and surfaces protected. As miles and years go by, those protective additives are used up. The coolant still looks “wet and colorful,” but its chemistry is different. At that point, the system is far more vulnerable to ru ... read more