When it comes to keeping your Nissan running smoothly, regular maintenance is key–and one of the most overlooked essentials is your car’s engine coolant.
Coolant plays a critical role in regulating your engine’s temperature, keeping it from overheating in the summer months and freezing during winter. But beyond temperature control, coolant helps protect engine components from corrosion and wear, saving you hundreds of dollars in repairs down the line.
What exactly is engine coolant, and how does it work? Let’s find out!
What is Engine Coolant and What Does it Do?
Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, protects your engine from overheating and helps lubricate its internal parts to prevent unnecessary damage.
Coolant is made up of 50% water and 50% glycol—a chemical substance that, when combined with water, helps lower the freezing point of the antifreeze solution and raises its boiling point, allowing it to maintain equilibrium in all varying degrees of temperature.
What Does Engine Coolant Do?
The internal combustion engine in your vehicle works by burning fuel to generate energy. While part of the energy used allows us to get from the grocery store to the gym with ease, the remaining energy is converted into heat. While some of that heat escapes through your car’s exhaust, the rest is harnessed by the engine and its parts.
Coolant acts as a mediator between the engine and the stored heat, maintaining your engine's equilibrium without risk of overheating and engine failure.
As a bonus, coolant works in conjunction with the liquid cooling system in your vehicle to help prevent corrosion and wear on the moving parts that keep your engine running smoothly.
How Often Should You Visit a Nissan Service Center for a Coolant Flush?
Similar to an oil change, the timing and routine maintenance of your Nissan will depend on the vehicle itself.
Generally, engine coolant should be flushed and changed at least every 50,000 miles, but some newer models may require scheduling a Nissan service appointment every 10,000 miles.
Check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations or speak with a certified technician at our Nissan service center to determine what works best for your model.
How to Check the Coolant Level in Your Nissan (And Add More)!
Has the "Check Coolant" light on your vehicle's dashboard flashed, leaving you worried about what's going on under the hood?
Here’s how to check your engine’s coolant and see how soon you need to visit our Nissan dealership in Orangeburg for a coolant flush or top-off!
- After driving, give your engine 30 minutes to cool off before opening the hood and attempting to check the coolant.
- After 30 minutes have passed, pop the hood and locate the translucent plastic tank near the radiator.
- Use a rag to unscrew the cap of the coolant tank halfway, then pause. Unscrewing it all the way immediately could cause it to bubble up to the surface and burn you.
- After a brief pause, you can continue unscrewing it until the lid is off.
The coolant will vary in color, ranging from bright green or pink to orange or yellow liquid. If the coolant is a murky, brown shade, it’s time to start searching our Nissan service specials and making room in your schedule for a coolant flush appointment.
In addition to the color, it’s important to make sure your coolant level falls between the “maximum” and “minimum” lines on the reservoir tank.
If the coolant is still vibrant in color, but has fallen slightly below the minimum mark, you’ll just need to top it off. If it is slightly below the mark, add a few milliliters of water to the mix. However, if you need to add more than a liter of water, add coolant instead until it reaches the “max” line.
If you feel uncomfortable changing the coolant yourself or have never done so before, schedule a visit to our service center at Nissan of Orangeburg today.
Is Your Nissan in Need of a Coolant Flush? Head on Down to Nissan of Orangeburg Today!
Is your engine coolant in need of a top-off or change? We can help with that!
At Nissan of Orangeburg, our certified technicians provide high-quality service to get your Nissan back on the road in peak condition. With ongoing Nissan special offers near you, we provide the best value for your ride and budget with every visit.
Whether your routine maintenance requires a coolant top-off, tire rotation, or a Nissan oil change coupon to make it more affordable, we offer the keys to both affordable service and vehicle longevity!
Discover our Nissan car deals near you today, then schedule a service appointment with our team today!
