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WHAT IS COOLANT???? By itself, antifreeze offers nothing to protect against corrosion and (cavitational) erosion - conditions that are reduced in an alkaline medium and accelerated in an acid medium. Which is why vehicle manufacturers (VM's) choose OE long life all seasons antifreeze/coolants that contains an additive package of inhibitors to protect metal surfaces while retaining a safe alkaline reserve. There are two basic additive types with equally complex chemistry: Silicate- based- which is nitrate, amine and phosphate free - and non Silicate Organic Acid Technology (OAT) based Silicate coolants provide a high level of protection, but their performance falls away sharply after three years or so and the coolant has to be fully replaced. OAT coolant is overwhelmingly preferred by European VMs because it extends coolant replacement intervals and reduces servicing costs during the warranty period. Between them, OAT and Silicate coolants account for over 3800 model types in the aftermarket, so it pays to understand why the VMs recommended like for like replacement - And to know for sure what goes in which vehicle. A word of caution, Never mix the two types. OAT must be used where specified. If it is mixed with a silicate coolant it could negate its anticorrosion properties and reduce its service life to that of a standard coolant i.e. from five years to two or three, or even worse, not mix at all and create some type of gel from a chemical reaction creating more serious problems.
We always test your cooling system using a refractometer to test for your antifreeze ratio level. We always advise that we use a flushing agent to remove any deposits in the system. The system flush and replacement coolant service normally takes around 40 mins. We offer this service as a while you wait service |
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Hertford Tyre & Exhaust Ltd Units 23/24 Dicker Mill Ind Est., Hertford, Herts, SG13 7AE. Est. 1992
Tel: 01992 503804 Send mail to
info@hertfordtyres.co.uk with
questions or comments about this web site.
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