Hey friends 👋 If you've ever popped your hood and thought, "What even is coolant?" or "When should I change it?" — you're not alone.

I used to ignore it too... until one summer day my engine almost overheated in traffic. 😅 So let's chat about this — quick, simple, and straight from experience!

Why coolant actually matters

Coolant (or antifreeze) isn't just some random colorful liquid in your engine — it keeps your engine from overheating when it's blazing hot and stops it from freezing when it's cold out. It also prevents corrosion inside the engine and radiator, which means less damage in the long run. In short: coolant = peace of mind 🧊🔥

So... how often should we change it?

Most car manufacturers recommend changing your coolant every 2 to 5 years or around 30,000 to 60,000 km. But here's the thing — not all cars are built the same. Some newer cars use long-life coolant that lasts longer. So always check your owner's manual first (yes, that little book in your glove box 😉).

If you don't remember the last time you changed it... it might be time. 🤷‍♂️

Signs your coolant needs a refresh

Here are some red flags I've learned to watch for:

✅ The coolant color looks rusty or dirty (it should be bright — like green, orange, or pink)

✅ Your car's temperature gauge keeps climbing

✅ You smell something sweet under the hood (yep, that could be leaking coolant)

✅ Visible coolant leaks on the driveway

How I check mine

Every few months, I just peek at the reservoir when the engine's cold (super important: never open the cap when it's hot! 🚫🔥). If it's low, I top it off with the same type of coolant already in the system. If it's dirty or looks off, it's time to flush and refill.

Should you DIY or go to a shop?

Honestly, if you're comfy doing basic car care, flushing and refilling coolant isn't too hard. But if you're unsure, letting a trusted shop handle it once every few years is totally fine too. Just make sure it gets done — this isn't something to skip! 😉

Final tip: match your coolant!

Don't just grab a random bottle at the store. Different cars need different types (like ethylene glycol vs. propylene glycol or OAT vs. HOAT). Mixing the wrong ones can mess up your system. I always take a quick photo of the bottle in my car so I know what to buy.

Let's keep it cool 😎

Keeping your coolant fresh really saves your engine from heat damage, breakdowns, and a whole lot of future trouble. Trust me, learning this the hard way wasn't fun.

How often do you check your coolant? Or have you ever had an engine overheat? Drop a comment — I'd love to hear your stories and tips too! 🚗💬