Coolant and Antifreeze: Get It Checked Before the Freeze

It's called antifreeze for a reason. As temperatures drop across Nova Scotia, the coolant in your engine is what keeps it from freezing solid — and freezing coolant can crack an engine block, one of the most expensive repairs there is. A quick check now is cheap insurance.

What coolant actually does

Coolant (antifreeze) circulates through your engine to carry away heat, but it also lowers the freezing point of the liquid so it stays flowing in the cold. The right mix — usually about 50/50 antifreeze and water — protects well below any temperature Nova Scotia will throw at you.

What we check

• The concentration, so it won't freeze at winter temperatures

• The level in the reservoir

• The condition — old coolant loses its protective properties

• Signs of leaks in hoses, the radiator, or the water pump

Warning signs something's wrong

Watch for the temperature gauge running high or low, sweet-smelling steam, or puddles of green, orange, or pink fluid under the car. Any of these means get it looked at promptly.

Part of winterizing

A coolant check is a standard part of our maintenance check — one stop to get your car winter-ready.

Get your coolant checked before winter. Book online or call (902) 999-7277. Royalz Tire & Lube — 923 Main Street, Dartmouth, NS. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM–7 PM.