Dubai has a hot and very dry climate, which puts great stress on vehicles, especially in terms of engine cooling. A very important element in your car that prevents your engine from overheating is the car coolant. Also, very often, this fluid is ignored, but what you put in is very important. It is about choosing the right antifreeze for your make and model, understanding what temperature range your engine works in, and getting a formula that will protect your engine in the long term. At 971 Auto Garage, we help car owners in Dubai to make informed choices, which in turn will improve performance, safety, and the life of their vehicles.
Understanding the Role of Car Coolants in Engine Health
A car coolant is what we put into the engine, which is a special formulation to absorb the excess heat, which is a product of the engine’s operation. It then moves this heat to the radiator, which in turn sheds the heat into the air. Also, without the right coolant, your engine is at great risk of overheating, which in hot climates like that of Dubai in the height of summer, which sees temps over 45°C, is a very real issue. Also, coolants do the job of protecting the engine from corrosion, from freezing, which is an issue in very cold weather, and from scale build-up, which in turn shows to it that the whole cooling system runs smoothly throughout the year.
What Is Antifreeze and Why Does the Type Matter
A cooling agent is a term that is also used for antifreeze, but in fact, antifreeze is just a component of a coolant mix. Which antifreeze you put in your car will determine the freeze and boil protection that you get. While we don’t have issues with freezing in Dubai, we do have problems with the heat, which causes the coolant to boil. The main types of antifreeze are ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, which are formulated for different engine types.
At 971 Auto Garage, we usually put forward ethylene glycol-based coolants for most cars in Dubai, which we note have great high-temperature performance. Also of note is that you should adhere to the coolant that your vehicle manufacturer recommends; the use of an incorrect type can cause chemical reactions, deposits, and, in some cases, engine damage.
Decoding Coolant Colors and What They Mean
Many drivers go by color when they choose a car coolant, which is often a mistake. We see a range of colors for coolants, which include green, orange, pink, blue, and yellow, which, in fact, represent different chemical makeups. For instance, green coolant is what we see with Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT), which is used in older cars. Orange or red usually means Organic Acid Technology (OAT), which has a longer life span and is used in today’s cars. Also, you may see pink or blue, which is a representation of Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT).
Each coolant type is for certain metals and fits into different engines. We see a lot of issues from people mixing what we term incompatible coolant colors, which in turn causes sludge formation and loss of corrosion protection. At 971 Auto Garage, we do a full inspection of the cooling system, and we put in the exact type and color of coolant your engine requires to avoid any chemical incompatibility.
Matching Coolant to Dubai’s Temperature Range
In the Dubai climate, which is a large factor in the choice of car coolant, we see that the primary issue is the local temperature range. While most coolants are made to work between –20°C and 110°C, which is a wide range, in Dubai, we see that the upper end of that range is very much pushed. In this case, what is very important is that you go for high-quality coolants that do not easily boil and that also provide continuous protection. Look for coolants that have higher boiling points and extended life technology. Also, if you are a long-distance driver, heavy AC user, or get stuck in peak heat traffic, which is very common in Dubai, then it is of even more importance that you pay attention to these features.
At 971 Auto Garage, our coolants go through a thermal performance evaluation before we put them forward to you. We are into finding coolants that do best in high heat. We put your engine’s safety and performance in tough weather at the forefront.
Signs Your Car Needs a Coolant Replacement
Over time, even the best car coolants will break down and lose their performance. As the coolant deteriorates, you may see it turn rusty in color or get thick or discolored. This, at which point, will not cool the engine as effectively. Telltale signs are a climbing temperature gauge, decreased heater output, or you may see fluid levels drop or actual visual leaks. Also, some vehicles may put out a warning light, but others may start to knock in the engine from the heat or fully overheat if left untreated.
Routine maintenance of the coolant system is a must in Dubai. We put forth that a coolant check be done every 10,000 km and a full flush out at 40,000 to 50,000 km, which may vary with your driving habits. At 971 Auto Garage, we provide full coolant flush services, which we do using manufacturer-approved coolants for all major vehicle brands.
Coolant Maintenance Tips for Dubai Drivers
Maintain proper coolant levels, which is just as important as choosing the right type. At all times, check your coolant when the engine has cooled down and the truck is on level ground. The reservoir should be between the min and maximum marks. Also, do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as out of which pressurized boiling fluid may come out.
Also, see to it that you use distilled water when diluting the coolant concentrate. Tap water has minerals that, over time, will build up in the system and reduce heat transfer. Most coolants today are pre-mixed (50/50), but do check the label or come to 971 Auto Garage, and we can help you out to avoid using the wrong dilution ratios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: At what interval do I change the car coolant in Dubai?
It is recommended that you change your coolant every 40,000 to 50,000 km or every 2 to 3 years, which may vary based on what type of coolant you have and how you use your vehicle.
Q2: Which coolant color should I put in my car?
Coolant color may vary by type. We recommend you use the coolant which is specified for your vehicle by the manufacturer, and also do not mix different colors.
Q3: Is it safe to mix coolant brands or types?
Mixing various types or brands can cause chemical reactions, which in turn reduce coolant performance. For best results, stick to one type and brand.
Q4: At what time should I use water instead of coolant in hot weather?
No. While water may be used, it is missing the features of anti-corrosive and high-temperature resistance that coolant has. It is best to use it only in emergencies.
Q5: How can I tell if my coolant needs to be replaced?
Symptoms may be a rusty or dirty coolant, engine overheating, low coolant level, or a warning light. Doing regular checks will help catch issues in the early stages.