Preventing Engine Coolant Freezing: Best Practices for Heavy-duty Truck Owners

An essential component that is essential in controlling the temperature of heavy-duty vehicle engines is engine coolant. However, the possibility of engine coolant freezing increases during the chilly winter months. Severe engine damage from frozen coolant can result in expensive repairs and downtime. Implementing sensible measures to avoid engine coolant freezing is crucial if you want your heavy-duty vehicles to run dependably in cold weather. 

For all your coolant system maintenance needs, you can rest assured knowing Freeway Truck Repair, located in Delta, BC, has your back. 

Learning About Engine Coolant

The purpose of engine coolant, commonly referred to as antifreeze, is to control the engine's temperature by dispersing heat. Additionally, it guards against freezing in cold weather and overheating in hot weather. The cooling system of the engine relies on coolant to maintain ideal operating temperatures and guard against damage.

The Perils of Freeze-Dried Coolant

Engine and cooling system components can sustain considerable damage as a result of the expansion that occurs when engine coolant freezes. Coolant that has frozen has the potential to burst hoses, harm radiators, and even shatter engine blocks. The engine can thus overheat, operate poorly, and maybe fail catastrophically.

The best ways to avoid engine coolant freezing are as follows: 

Use the Correct Coolant

To begin, follow the truck manufacturer's recommendations for the required coolant type and mix ratio. Various coolants have different freeze points, therefore it's important to choose the right one for the environment in your area.

Maintain the Correct Coolant-to-Water Ratio

A 50/50 blend of coolant and water is generally considered to be optimum. The finest defence against both freezing and overheating is offered by this ratio. The efficiency of the coolant can be harmed by using excessive amounts of either the coolant or water.

Use a Coolant Tester 

Using a coolant tester or refractometer, check the coolant's freezing point on a regular basis. You can do this quick test to make sure the coolant mixture can endure the coldest conditions in the operational region.

Regularly Flush and Replace Coolant

Over time, rust, dirt, and other impurities can contaminate coolant, reducing its efficiency. To keep the coolant's freeze protection qualities, clean it often and replenish it as directed by the manufacturer.

Check Hoses and Connectors

Look for evidence of wear, cracks, or leaks in the coolant hoses and connectors. Reduced freeze protection and coolant loss can result from damaged hoses. Replace any faulty components right away.

Deal with Leaks Right Away

Coolant leaks can cause a drop in coolant levels, which can raise the chance of freezing. To keep the right amount of coolant in the system, deal with coolant leaks as soon as they are identified.

Install a Coolant Heater

When the vehicle is parked, a coolant heater can be installed to maintain a warmer temperature in the engine and coolant. This guarantees simpler cold-weather starts and keeps the coolant from freezing overnight.

Park Your Truck Inside

When feasible, park your heavy-duty vehicles inside or use block heaters to protect them from the bitter cold. If parking inside is not an option, think about utilizing block heaters to keep the engine warm.

Maintain Radiator Cleanliness

A well-maintained radiator encourages effective heat transfer and guards against overheating. To maintain adequate airflow, clean the radiator and its neighbouring parts, particularly before the arrival of colder weather.

Warm Up the Engine

Before driving in cold weather, let the engine warm up. This lessens the possibility of freezing by allowing the coolant to circulate and achieve ideal operating temperatures.

Educate Your Drivers

Show your drivers the value of coolant freeze prevention and how to react to freezing warning indications. Encourage them to immediately report any strange engine activity or warning lights.

Prepare for Emergencies 

Prepare for emergencies by stocking your vehicles with additional coolant, coolant testers, and equipment for fixing minor coolant-related problems.

Coolant Freeze Point Test

A quick but efficient approach to make sure your coolant is protected from freezing temperatures is to routinely test its freeze point. Here is how to go about it.

Adhere to Instructions 

Refer to the directions that come with the coolant tester or refractometer to follow them. Typically, the device's prism will show the freezing point on the scale once you put a few drops of the coolant sample onto it.

Final Thoughts

A crucial part of winterizing your heavy-duty vehicles is avoiding engine coolant freezing. You are taking proactive measures to protect the lifespan, dependability, and effectiveness of your truck engines throughout the winter months by adhering to the recommended practices described in this article.

Keep in mind that effective coolant management requires regular maintenance, adherence to manufacturer guidelines, and customization of procedures to your particular operating circumstances. Prioritize the use of suitable coolant types, routine maintenance, and timely problem-solving to avoid freezing-related damage.

You can boldly face the difficulties of cold weather and protect the engine—the beating heart of your heavy-duty trucks—from the destructive effects of frozen coolant by putting these preventative steps into place and encouraging a culture of coolant awareness among your drivers and maintenance personnel.