Following the last post on brake fluid and why it is essential to change it, we will move on to the nature of coolant. Another essential service.
When I was younger, the coolant was changed every two years or forty thousand kilometers. Now with extended-life coolant, the intervals are much longer. The inhibitor package technology has allowed the ability of the coolant to remain effective for several years. But it still degrades over time, especially in extreme temperature environments and uses.
Coolant, which is actually antifreeze mixed with high-quality water, has several functions.
It keeps the motor cool because it is ideal for heat transfer from the engine block.
It keeps the engine from freezing in extreme climates.
It keeps the rust and corrosion build-up to a minimum.
It has a low viscosity, allowing it to pump through the engine with less effort. As it moves through the engine, it absorbs heat along the way.
Antifreeze contains anti-foaming agents and rust inhibitors. It prevents hard water deposits and scale build-up as well.
Inside the engine, many components are susceptible to rust. As the coolant breaks down, those components start to rust, which is then carried through the entire system and deposited in the tiny passages inside the engine block.
All of these buffers keep it from getting acidic. Its ideal pH is 7.
The main ingredient in antifreeze is glycol. Why is this used? Water turns to steam at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Mixing it with glycol increases the boiling point to 223 degrees Fahrenheit. This is very close to the operating temperature of most engines. The boiling point increases when that system is under pressure, giving the engine optimal protection against overheating damage.
As coolant ages, its ability to transfer heat diminishes, and the buffers protecting the engine deplete, leading to scale build-up and, thus, poor circulation, which can cause overheating and damage to major components.
Not a believer yet? In my very long and sorted history as an advisor, evidence of these facts has been proven. I have seen coolant eat through a 1/4-inch thick timing cover on a diesel truck and erode impellors on water pumps with my own eyes.
As the vehicle sits there, the coolant may not be circulating, but it interacts with the heavy metals that make up the composition of the engine block. There is a constant chemical reaction happening there. This is a fact. Whenever there is a liquid held in a metal container, there is a chemical reaction occurs.
What are some signs the coolant needs to be exchanged?
The temperature is running higher than usual or overheating conditions are apparent.
There is a sweet maple syrup smell from the vehicle.
Leakage has developed.
The strength is weak—less than -45 degrees Celsius.
I am a hound when it comes to the coolant. My nose is very sensitive to it for whatever reason. I can smell the smallest leak as soon as a vehicle comes in. Leaking coolant is bad. This means that the system is no longer under pressure; which does what? Lowers the boiling point of the system. Which means it cannot absorb heat any longer.
So if you are an advisor tasked with explaining the benefits of exchanging versus the long-term detriments of not changing the coolant, you now have some knowledge and skill with which to do so.
If you are a science type like I am, you may enjoy this study on the immense benefit of the inhibitors included in the coolant found in this study.
Selling service takes skill, practice, and posture. You need to know why you are selling certain things to present the facts with the stance you need in some cases.
If you need help selling, reach out! adviseme@goldstandardservicetraining.com
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