Are you having trouble starting your car? Did you add some coolant to it, and it refused to start? In this article, we will provide you with steps on how you can get the problem solved.
What is the Work of a Coolant?
To start with, your car has a cooling system that keeps the engine from overheating. Coolants are fluids that are added to engines to prevent overheating. They also reduce friction between moving parts, such as pistons and rings. Coolants include water, ethylene glycol (antifreeze), and synthetic oil.
When you add coolant to the system, it helps prevent damage to the engine. However, if you don’t replace the coolant every year or two, it can cause problems. Adding coolant to your vehicle should never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended amount. If you do, your engine won’t run properly or at all. This can cause serious damage to your engine.
Possible Reasons Why Car Won’t Start After Adding Coolant
Car radiator
1. Coolant was not added correctly
The first thing to check is if the coolant bottle was properly filled with water. The coolant may not reach its full potential if you have a bad seal. A good way to test this would be to add some coolant to a cup of hot tap water. If the coolant does not mix well, then you should try again.
2. Air filter clogged
If the air filter is clogged, you may need to clean it. You can use compressed air to blow out any debris stuck inside. Make sure to remove the cap before using compressed air.
3. Fuel pump malfunctioned
Check the fuel pump and make sure it’s working properly. If it doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace it.
4. Battery drained
Make sure the battery isn’t dead or low. If it is, you’ll need to recharge it.
5. Ignition switch faulty
You’ll need to check the ignition switch and ensure it’s turned on. If it’s off, turn it on.
6. Starter solenoid failed
A starter solenoid is a small device that controls the flow of electricity to the engine. If it fails, then you’ll need to replace the entire unit.
7. Spark plug fouled
This means the spark plugs were dirty. Clean them thoroughly.
Types of Car Coolant and Which One You Should Use
Coolants work by absorbing heat from the engine block. The two main classes of coolants are water-based and oil-based. Water-based coolants absorb heat better than oil-based ones. However, they tend to be less effective at cooling engines when temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Oil-based coolants are more efficient at higher temperatures but require regular maintenance.
1. Water
Water is the simplest and most effective cooling fluid for cars. It does not require electricity to work and is cheap and accessible. However, water does have some disadvantages. First, it evaporates easily, which means that if you don’t use it enough, it will get hot and lose performance. Second, it expands when heated, meaning that if you put a lot of water inside a small space, it could burst open. Third, water is heavy, meaning that if you need to move something around, you’ll have to carry a ton of weight. Fourth, water is flammable, meaning that if you spill any, you might catch fire. Finally, water doesn’t conduct heat well, meaning that if you want to keep your engine running at peak efficiency, you’ll need to add antifreeze.
2. Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
Ethylene glycol works like water, except it doesn’t expand when it gets hot. It also conducts heat much better than water, making it ideal for keeping engines cold. It’s also lighter than water, so you won’t have to lug around a ton of extra weight. Unfortunately, ethylene glycol isn’t good for anything else. Spilling it turns into a toxic substance called antifreeze acid, which is extremely corrosive. It would be best to never pour it down drains or leave it out where animals can drink it. Also, ethylene glycol is highly flammable, so store it safely.
3. Propane/butane
Propane and butane are both liquefied petroleum gases. Both propane and butane are nonflammable liquids that are great for keeping things cold. Butane is slightly cheaper than propane, so it may be worth using it instead. Like ethylene glycol, butane can be dangerous if you spill it. Make sure you dispose of it properly and avoid breathing it in.
Distilled water remains one of the best options for car coolant. Distilled water has no impurities and is safe to use. It’s also very light and easy to handle.
4 Tips on How to Preserve The Radiator of Your Car
1. Avoid buying water-based products. Water is cheap. If something costs less than $20 for a 10-gallon jug, assume it’s not worth the trouble.
2. Avoid buying liquid additives. There are only three reasons to buy liquid additives; they smell good, they taste good, or you’re trying to cheat someone out of their hard-earned money. Just stick with simple distilled water if you have a legitimate reason to add anything to your cooling system fluids (like if you’re using Molybdenum).
3. Avoid any product that says it will repair your radiator. It would be best to never pour fluid directly into your tank unless it comes straight from the factory. Read the instructions carefully when you find yourself pouring some additives into your cooling system! If the directions say to fill to maximum capacity, don’t exceed 10% over what your system was originally filled with.
4. Check the expiration date. Many think the longer you wait after opening a bottle of liquid antifreeze, the safer it is. Be smart about it. Use what you need, and discard the rest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different types of coolants available today. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Just remember that distilled water will always be the safest option.
