AutoZone – Branded Blog

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Download and read through AutoZone Brand Voice Guide

Keywords:

• Use each keyword at least once.
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• DO NOT CHANGE KEYWORDS AT ALL, even if they are awkward.
• Please BOLD all keywords, so client can easily spot them.
• If applicable, include cross links with anchor text listed in the special instructions (Column F).
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• Word the title EXACTLY as it appears in Column D on the spreadsheet, adjusting title case as necessary.
• ALWAYS include headers, lists and/or bullet points within the article.
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• Use H2 in Microsoft Word for all headers.
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• Here are some examples of formatting to adhere to:
  • https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/what-kind-of-brake-pads-should-i-buy
  • https://www.autozone.com/diy/seasonal/wet-weather-driving-tips
  • https://www.autozone.com/diy/exhaust/whats-better-flowmaster-or-magnaflow
• No need to number the paragraphs like you’ll see on their current blog, as their WordPress function does that automatically.
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  • Copy and paste the content into this free online converter
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    • Double check to make sure no extra text was added to to the end of your document. (see below)
    • 

• Save as a Word document “AutoZone – title.”
  • For example, “AutoZone – How To Change Out A Blower Motor”
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  • Use the category name listed in column D of the spreadsheet as the filename.
  • Have the regular version of your blog first, and the HTML conversion below the regular version.
  • Put AutoZone Branded Blog in the subject line of the email and send to [email protected]
• Enter the file name on the spreadsheet in Column M, exactly as it was saved.

The Tools Needed To Change Spark Plugs

Few other straightforward projects provide a more immediate benefit than replacing old, damaged or ineffective spark plugs. After all, your vehicle’s spark plugs are essential for its overall performance. Whether you are tackling your first or 101st sparkplug project, you must know about the tools needed to change spark plugs effectively.

When To Change Your Vehicle’s Spark Plugs

Whether you are an automotive enthusiast or just prefer to avoid car trouble, occasionally replacing spark plugs is part of overall maintenance. Put simply, if you ignore your spark plugs, you are asking for trouble.

Spark plug manufacturers design their products both to be durable and have a long life. That is, you may not need to worry about your vehicle’s spark plugs for 30,000 miles or more. Still, you should not forget to replace your spark plugs when it is time to do so. Driving with bad spark plugs affects vehicle performance.

An old, damaged or ineffective spark plug may cause your vehicle’s engine to misfire. Alternatively, old plugs can cause the emissions from your engine to increase. Even worse, a bad spark plug can leave you stranded somewhere you would rather not be.

If any of the following applies to your vehicle, it may be time to change its spark plugs:

• Your owner’s manual recommends changing spark plugs.
• Your car’s engine misfires.
• Your check engine light illuminates.
• Your car has difficulty starting.
• Your car accelerates slowly.
• Your car’s engine idles roughly.

While other problems and maintenance issues can cause the above situations to occur, spark plugs are often to blame. If changing your vehicle’s spark plugs does not remedy your vehicle’s engine problems, you may need to do some troubleshooting. Still, swapping out bad spark plugs often fixes issues with your vehicle’s overall performance.

How To Choose the Right Spark Plug Tools

On most vehicles, replacing spark plugs is not a difficult project. In fact, you can likely do the job in just a couple hours on the weekend. Nevertheless, you need the right tools to replace spark plugs correctly. While you may run into problems, the following tools are often essential for achieving professional-grade results.

1. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Before you can replace spark plugs, you need to know where to find them and how to access them. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is an excellent resource. If the manual does not shed sufficient light on the subject, you may want to invest in a vehicle-specific aftermarket manual. Clymer and Haynes have some excellent manuals that give you a step-by-step guide to locating and replacing spark plugs as well as a list of tools to replace spark plugs.

2. A spark plug socket. To remove spark plugs, you need a spark plug removal tool that grabs and twists the spark plugs inside your vehicle’s engine. For most vehicles, a standard 5/8-inch or 13/16-inch socket gets the job done. Of course, your spark plugs may require a socket of a different size. Further, because spark plugs can be in awkward positions, you may also need an extension for your spark plug socket. Choosing one that locks in place may help you avoid the sort of aggravation that occasionally accompanies a spark plug replacement.

3. A wobble socket. If a standard socket does not work, choosing a wobble socket may be a better idea. Wobble sockets are often essential equipment for removing iridium spark plugs. The wobble socket is also smaller than traditional spark plug sockets, allowing you to access tight spaces easier. If a regular socket simply does not fit into the confined area in which you must work, trying a wobble socket may be a better approach.

4. Spark plug boot puller pliers. Occasionally, spark plug boots fuse with your vehicle’s plugs. If this is the case, you do not want to pull on the wires themselves. If you do, you may damage wires, essentially rendering them unusable after your spark plug replacement. Instead, use spark plug boot puller pliers to gently work boots free.

5. A flexible handle ratchet. Sometimes you must be a bit creative to remove spark plugs. If your vehicle’s engine configuration requires you to work in tight or bizarre places, using a flexible handle ratchet allows you to remove spark plugs without standing on your head. Using one in conjunction with a wobble socket may be the perfect solution for removing your vehicle’s spark plugs from areas where space is a premium.

6. A torque wrench. When replacing spark plugs, how much you tighten each plug matters. If you do not tighten plugs sufficiently, you risk a bad connection. Too much tightening, though, can destroy both your spark plugs and your engine. Therefore, use a torque wrench and manufacturer specifications to get tighten each spark plug appropriately.

7. A spark plug gap gauge. Your new spark plugs need the correct gap to function optimally. Rather than estimating gap, use a spark plug gap gauge to space your new plugs perfectly. To correctly use these tools needed to change spark plugs, first consult manufacturer recommendations. Then, place the gauge between the plug’s center and its electrodes, lining it up to meet manufacturer specifications.

8. An anti-seize product. If you do not want your vehicle’s spark plugs to seize, you may think about using an anti-seize product. When you apply this product to the spark plugs before installing them, you reduce the risk of having plugs fuse to engine parts. When using an anti-seize product, though, you likely need to reduce the torque by up to 10% on each plug.

9. Spark plug wires. You may be able to reuse your existing spark plug wires after replacing old, damaged or ineffective plugs. Still, your plug wires are essential components. If you notice signs of wear and tear or other damage, replacing spark plug wires when you add new spark plugs is a good idea.

10. A new distributor cap. Just as spark plugs and wires can wear out over time, your vehicle’s distributor cap may not last forever. After replacing spark plugs and wires, inspect the distributor cap for signs of damage. If you see any, opt for a new distributor cap.

Achieving Success

Replacing bad spark plugs is probably a project you can tackle on a weekend. Before you do, though, you must be sure you have the tools needed to change spark plugs. With a bit of planning and the correct tools, you can achieve success.

HTML Version:

<h2>The Tools Needed To Change Spark Plugs</h2>
<p>Few other straightforward projects provide a more immediate benefit than replacing old, damaged or ineffective spark plugs. After all, your vehicle&rsquo;s spark plugs are essential for its overall performance. Whether you are tackling your first or 101st sparkplug project, you must know about the <strong>tools needed to change spark plugs</strong> effectively.</p>
<h2>When To Change Your Vehicle&rsquo;s Spark Plugs</h2>
<p>Whether you are an automotive enthusiast or just prefer to avoid car trouble, occasionally replacing spark plugs is part of overall maintenance. Put simply, if you ignore your spark plugs, you are asking for trouble.</p>
<p>Spark plug manufacturers design their products both to be durable and have a long life. That is, you may not need to worry about your vehicle&rsquo;s spark plugs for 30,000 miles or more. Still, you should not forget to replace your spark plugs when it is time to do so. Driving with bad spark plugs affects vehicle performance.</p>
<p>An old, damaged or ineffective spark plug may cause your vehicle&rsquo;s engine to misfire. Alternatively, old plugs can cause the emissions from your engine to increase. Even worse, a bad spark plug can leave you stranded somewhere you would rather not be.</p>
<p>If any of the following applies to your vehicle, it may be time to change its spark plugs:</p>
<ul>
<li>Your owner&rsquo;s manual recommends changing spark plugs.</li>
<li>Your car&rsquo;s engine misfires.</li>
<li>Your check engine light illuminates.</li>
<li>Your car has difficulty starting.</li>
<li>Your car accelerates slowly.</li>
<li>Your car&rsquo;s engine idles roughly.</li>
</ul>
<p>While other problems and maintenance issues can cause the above situations to occur, spark plugs are often to blame. If changing your vehicle&rsquo;s spark plugs does not remedy your vehicle&rsquo;s engine problems, you may need to do some troubleshooting. Still, swapping out bad spark plugs often fixes issues with your vehicle&rsquo;s overall performance.</p>
<h2>How To Choose the Right Spark Plug Tools</h2>
<p>On most vehicles, replacing spark plugs is not a difficult project. In fact, you can likely do the job in just a couple hours on the weekend. Nevertheless, you need the right <strong>tools to replace spark plugs</strong> correctly. While you may run into problems, the following tools are often essential for achieving professional-grade results.</p>
<ol>
<li>Your vehicle&rsquo;s owner&rsquo;s manual. Before you can replace spark plugs, you need to know where to find them and how to access them. Your vehicle&rsquo;s owner&rsquo;s manual is an excellent resource. If the manual does not shed sufficient light on the subject, you may want to invest in a vehicle-specific aftermarket manual. Clymer and Haynes have some excellent manuals that give you a step-by-step guide to locating and replacing spark plugs as well as a list of <strong>tools to replace spark plugs</strong>.</li>
</ol>
<ol start=”2″>
<li>A spark plug socket. To remove spark plugs, you need a <strong>spark plug removal tool</strong> that grabs and twists the spark plugs inside your vehicle&rsquo;s engine. For most vehicles, a standard 5/8-inch or 13/16-inch socket gets the job done. Of course, your spark plugs may require a socket of a different size. Further, because spark plugs can be in awkward positions, you may also need an extension for your spark plug socket. Choosing one that locks in place may help you avoid the sort of aggravation that occasionally accompanies a spark plug replacement.</li>
</ol>
<ol start=”3″>
<li>A wobble socket. If a standard socket does not work, choosing a wobble socket may be a better idea. Wobble sockets are often essential equipment for removing iridium spark plugs. The wobble socket is also smaller than traditional spark plug sockets, allowing you to access tight spaces easier. If a regular socket simply does not fit into the confined area in which you must work, trying a wobble socket may be a better approach.</li>
</ol>
<ol start=”4″>
<li>Spark plug boot puller pliers. Occasionally, spark plug boots fuse with your vehicle&rsquo;s plugs. If this is the case, you do not want to pull on the wires themselves. If you do, you may damage wires, essentially rendering them unusable after your spark plug replacement. Instead, use spark plug boot puller pliers to gently work boots free.</li>
</ol>
<ol start=”5″>
<li>A flexible handle ratchet. Sometimes you must be a bit creative to remove spark plugs. If your vehicle&rsquo;s engine configuration requires you to work in tight or bizarre places, using a flexible handle ratchet allows you to remove spark plugs without standing on your head. Using one in conjunction with a wobble socket may be the perfect solution for removing your vehicle&rsquo;s spark plugs from areas where space is a premium.</li>
</ol>
<ol start=”6″>
<li>A torque wrench. When replacing spark plugs, how much you tighten each plug matters. If you do not tighten plugs sufficiently, you risk a bad connection. Too much tightening, though, can destroy both your spark plugs and your engine. Therefore, use a torque wrench and manufacturer specifications to get tighten each spark plug appropriately.</li>
</ol>
<ol start=”7″>
<li>A spark plug gap gauge. Your new spark plugs need the correct gap to function optimally. Rather than estimating gap, use a spark plug gap gauge to space your new plugs perfectly. To correctly use these <strong>tools needed to change spark plugs</strong>, first consult manufacturer recommendations. Then, place the gauge between the plug&rsquo;s center and its electrodes, lining it up to meet manufacturer specifications.</li>
</ol>
<ol start=”8″>
<li>An anti-seize product. If you do not want your vehicle&rsquo;s spark plugs to seize, you may think about using an anti-seize product. When you apply this product to the spark plugs before installing them, you reduce the risk of having plugs fuse to engine parts. When using an anti-seize product, though, you likely need to reduce the torque by up to 10% on each plug.</li>
</ol>
<ol start=”9″>
<li>Spark plug wires. You may be able to reuse your existing spark plug wires after replacing old, damaged or ineffective plugs. Still, your plug wires are essential components. If you notice signs of wear and tear or other damage, replacing spark plug wires when you add new spark plugs is a good idea.</li>
</ol>
<ol start=”10″>
<li>A new distributor cap. Just as spark plugs and wires can wear out over time, your vehicle&rsquo;s distributor cap may not last forever. After replacing spark plugs and wires, inspect the distributor cap for signs of damage. If you see any, opt for a new distributor cap.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Achieving Success</h2>
<p>Replacing bad spark plugs is probably a project you can tackle on a weekend. Before you do, though, you must be sure you have the <strong>tools needed to change spark plugs</strong>. With a bit of planning and the correct tools, you can achieve success.</p>

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Brakes?

Brake work is one of many maintenance procedures you will have to perform over the lifespan of your vehicle. It also happens to be one of the most important. Without properly working breaks, you risk both your own safety and the safety of others on the road. Once you accept the reality that you have to pay for brake repair every so often, you need to budget accordingly. How much do brakes cost, and how often will you need to foot that bill?

Frequency of Brake Jobs

How often you need to schedule a brake job depends on a number of factors, including how often you drive your vehicle, in what conditions you drive your vehicle, the quality of the parts with which you equip your vehicle and how often you have your brake system maintained. That said, there are certain standards to which you can refer.

Most brake pad companies and mechanics can agree that quality brake pads should last anywhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. However, some may need replacement every 25,000 miles, while others can last far longer than 70,000 miles.

Brake rotors and calipers, which are far more expensive and difficult to replace than pads, typically last three times longer than brake pads. However, the frequency with which you should change either component will depend on several factors. Typical factors that affect the wear of brake components include the following:

• Environment: Stop-and-go driving, such as the type of driving people experience in cities, can drastically shorten the lifespan of a vehicle’s braking system. So too can mountainous environments where drivers have to ride the brakes to control downhill speeds.
• Driving Habits: Drivers who ride the brakes or routinely stop abruptly risk wearing out their brakes prematurely. However, those who are in the habit of stopping gradually may enjoy a longer brake lifespan.
• Materials: Brake pads, rotors and calipers are all made of different materials, each of which affects their durability. For instance, carbon-ceramic brakes last longer than standard metal or steel brakes. However, because they’re more durable, they often cost much more than their weaker counterparts.

Now that you understand how often you’ll need to get your brakes replaced, you may wonder what the actual price for new brakes and rotors actually is. How much will this particular aspect of vehicle maintenance eat into your monthly or annual budget?

The Actual Cost of Brakes

If you can make the brake repair yourself, you can save a good deal of money on brake pad and rotor replacement. However, not everyone is mechanically inclined and not everyone has the time to put into brake maintenance. To ensure you get the best possible deal, call around for quotes from a few different mechanics. Some questions each mechanic should ask you to give you an accurate brake job quote are as follows:

• What Brand of Vehicle Do You Drive? Typically, parts for European-made vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Jaguars will cost you more than parts for domestic or Japanese-made vehicles. Also, because European vehicle systems differ from American-systems, the mechanic may require more time to make the switch, which means higher cost.
• What Kind of Vehicle Do You Drive? In addition to asking about the brand of vehicle you drive, the mechanic should ask about the make and model. The driver of a Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax diesel will pay exponentially more for new brakes than the driver of, say, a Ford Fiesta. This is because the size and weight of a vehicle plays a role in the type of materials the brake system needs as well as how long the brake repair job will take.
• What Kind of Driving Do You Do? If you use your vehicle for standard city or highway driving, your answer to this question shouldn’t affect the overall cost of the repair job. However, if you like to push your vehicle to the max, you likely need a performance brake system, which will cost you more.
• What Kind of Materials Do You Want To Use? The friction of brake pads comes in a variety of materials, including ceramic, semi-metallic and organic, all of which perform differently and come with varying price tags. If you purchase aftermarket brake pads from a premium brand, expect to pay premium prices. Likewise, if you go with an off-brand, you can save a bit. If you want OEM brake parts, expect to pay a pretty-penny, as original parts are often the most expensive.

Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast answer to the question of how much new brakes should cost. Every mechanic charges a different hourly rate and every manufacturer prices its parts singularly. That said, for brake pad replacement only, you can expect to pay between $35 and $150 for parts for all four wheels. Labor typically runs between $80 and $120 per axel, making for a grand total of between $115 and $270 per axel.

If you need new rotors, you can expect to pay nearly double the cost of brake pad repair. Rotors cost anywhere from $30 to $75 each. Labor to replace rotors and pads is approximately $150 to $200 per axel. Brake rotor and pad repair generally comes out to be anywhere between $250 and $500 per axel.

Calipers are the most difficult and expensive aspect of the braking system to replace. A single caliper can cost up to $130. A complete brake repair — one that includes pad, rotor and caliper replacement — typically averages between $300 and $800. However, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you can easily spend more than $1,000 on a complete brake job.

Of course, you can save a significant amount of money if you learn to replace the pads, rotors and calipers yourself. Before you go the DIY route, though, bear in mind that your safety should come before cost. If you don’t feel comfortable making the repair yourself, hire a mechanic.

If you do feel comfortable making the repair yourself, make sure you have the proper tools. Pick up the tools you need, along with the appropriate parts, from AutoZone today.

HTML version:

<h2>How Much Does It Cost To Replace Brakes?</h2>
<p>Brake work is one of many maintenance procedures you will have to perform over the lifespan of your vehicle. It also happens to be one of the most important. Without properly working breaks, you risk both your own safety and the safety of others on the road. Once you accept the reality that you have to pay for brake repair every so often, you need to budget accordingly. <strong>How much do brakes cost</strong>, and how often will you need to foot that bill?</p>
<h2>Frequency of Brake Jobs</h2>
<p>How often you need to schedule a brake job depends on a number of factors, including how often you drive your vehicle, in what conditions you drive your vehicle, the quality of the parts with which you equip your vehicle and how often you have your brake system maintained. That said, there are certain standards to which you can refer.</p>
<p>Most brake pad companies and mechanics can agree that quality brake pads should last anywhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. However, some may need replacement every 25,000 miles, while others can last far longer than 70,000 miles.</p>
<p>Brake rotors and calipers, which are far more expensive and difficult to replace than pads, typically last three times longer than brake pads. However, the frequency with which you should change either component will depend on several factors. Typical factors that affect the wear of brake components include the following:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Environment: </strong>Stop-and-go driving, such as the type of driving people experience in cities, can drastically shorten the lifespan of a vehicle’s braking system. So too can mountainous environments where drivers have to ride the brakes to control downhill speeds.</li>
<li><strong>Driving Habits:</strong> Drivers who ride the brakes or routinely stop abruptly risk wearing out their brakes prematurely. However, those who are in the habit of stopping gradually may enjoy a longer brake lifespan.</li>
<li><strong>Materials:</strong> Brake pads, rotors and calipers are all made of different materials, each of which affects their durability. For instance, carbon-ceramic brakes last longer than standard metal or steel brakes. However, because they’re more durable, they often cost much more than their weaker counterparts.</li>
</ul>
<p>Now that you understand how often you’ll need to get your brakes replaced, you may wonder what the actual <strong>price for new brakes and rotors</strong> actually is. How much will this particular aspect of vehicle maintenance eat into your monthly or annual budget?</p>
<h2>The Actual Cost of Brakes</h2>
<p>If you can make the brake repair yourself, you can save a good deal of money on brake pad and rotor replacement. However, not everyone is mechanically inclined and not everyone has the time to put into brake maintenance. To ensure you get the best possible deal, call around for quotes from a few different mechanics. Some questions each mechanic should ask you to give you an accurate <strong>brake job quote</strong> are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>What Brand of Vehicle Do You Drive?</strong> Typically, parts for European-made vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Jaguars will cost you more than parts for domestic or Japanese-made vehicles. Also, because European vehicle systems differ from American-systems, the mechanic may require more time to make the switch, which means higher cost.</li>
<li><strong>What Kind of Vehicle Do You Drive?</strong> In addition to asking about the brand of vehicle you drive, the mechanic should ask about the make and model. The driver of a Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax diesel will pay exponentially more for new brakes than the driver of, say, a Ford Fiesta. This is because the size and weight of a vehicle plays a role in the type of materials the brake system needs as well as how long the brake repair job will take.</li>
<li><strong>What Kind of Driving Do You Do?</strong> If you use your vehicle for standard city or highway driving, your answer to this question shouldn’t affect the overall cost of the repair job. However, if you like to push your vehicle to the max, you likely need a performance brake system, which will cost you more.</li>
<li><strong>What Kind of Materials Do You Want To Use?</strong> The friction of brake pads comes in a variety of materials, including ceramic, semi-metallic and organic, all of which perform differently and come with varying price tags. If you purchase aftermarket brake pads from a premium brand, expect to pay premium prices. Likewise, if you go with an off-brand, you can save a bit. If you want OEM brake parts, expect to pay a pretty-penny, as original parts are often the most expensive.</li>
</ul>
<p>Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast answer to the question of how much new brakes should cost. Every mechanic charges a different hourly rate and every manufacturer prices its parts singularly. That said, for brake pad replacement only, you can expect to pay between $35 and $150 for parts for all four wheels. Labor typically runs between $80 and $120 per axel, making for a grand total of between $115 and $270 per axel.</p>
<p>If you need new rotors, you can expect to pay nearly double the cost of brake pad repair. Rotors cost anywhere from $30 to $75 each. Labor to replace rotors and pads is approximately $150 to $200 per axel. Brake rotor and pad repair generally comes out to be anywhere between $250 and $500 per axel.</p>
<p>Calipers are the most difficult and expensive aspect of the braking system to replace. A single caliper can cost up to $130. A complete brake repair &mdash; one that includes pad, rotor and caliper replacement &mdash; typically averages between $300 and $800. However, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you can easily spend more than $1,000 on a complete brake job.</p>
<p>Of course, you can save a significant amount of money if you learn to replace the pads, rotors and calipers yourself. Before you go the DIY route, though, bear in mind that your safety should come before cost. If you don’t feel comfortable making the repair yourself, hire a mechanic.</p>
<p>If you do feel comfortable making the repair yourself, make sure you have the proper tools. Pick up the tools you need, along with the appropriate parts, from AutoZone today.</p>

Your Antifreeze/Coolant Questions Answered

It might seem like antifreeze should be used in cold weather and coolant in warm weather, but those are actually two names for the same thing. No matter what you call it, figuring out the optimal antifreeze for your car and the right amount to keep in the tank in cold and warm weather is a key part of learning to do basic maintenance for yourself. Before you add anything to your coolant tank, let’s take some time to answer common questions that people ask about the stuff that keeps your car’s engine running at just the right temperature.

What Kind of Engine Coolant Should I Use?

Most basic antifreeze formulas are interchangeable, and very few vehicles have hard requirements about what they require. You should check your owner’s manual, though, because most car manufacturers do recommend certain formulations for peak performance. Of course, there are also cars that require a special antifreeze formula too. They might be less common, but GM owners will find certain models require DEX COOL® antifreeze and no other type.

Of course, there are specialty formulas of antifreeze available, and understanding the options there could make your car ownership experience a lot better. Some examples of special variants you might find useful under the right circumstances include:

• Cold weather protection to -34 degrees is available from many manufacturers
• Antifreeze that is non-toxic to animals is also very popular
• Some coolant manufacturers offer extreme heat formulas similar to their cold weather options

In the end, as long as you are choosing a formula that is compatible with your vehicle, what antifreeze to use is largely dependent on your needs.

What Kind of Coolant Does My Car Need?

If you are still unsure what to pick, the best starting point is to buy the coolant recommended in your owner’s manual. If you check the brand’s variants, you can probably find the variants discussed above. If you need a special formula, the manual is also your best bet to learn which one, too.

Are Basic Antifreeze Formulas the Same?

Almost every antifreeze chosen by OE designers is 95 percent ethylene glycol, but the additives in the rest vary a lot from manufacturer to manufacturer and provide each brand and variant with its unique characteristics. With a few exceptions like the GM cars that require DEX COOL formulas, this makes them compatible. The practice of following the recommendations is one of using the antifreeze that tested best under controlled conditions.

How Often Do I Need To Change My Coolant?

A full coolant replacement is generally recommended every year or two by manufacturers, depending on the model. Sometimes this is phrased in mileage, but it usually calculates to the average driven over a couple years. In reality, you can check the specific gravity and color of your coolant to see if it is time. You’ll need a test kit to do it yourself. Most of the time, coolant is good longer than the estimate in the owner’s manual, but sometimes it breaks down early and you lose performance. That’s why regular checks on the coolant will serve you better than an estimate in time or miles. You can get a longer lifespan out of extended life varieties, with some formulas boasting life expectancies out as far as five years. If you are curious about extended life varieties, check out whether your manufacturer has made any recommendations about a maximum life formula in addition to the OEM one.

Do I Need To Add Coolant Regularly?

In an ideal world, no. Theoretically your coolant system should be self-contained, reusing the same fluid until it breaks down enough you need to change it. The way things usually work, though is that the system has an overflow tank for a reason, and sometimes it overflows. If the level is slightly too high a normal temperature could do it. If you’re in extreme heat and temperatures get slightly above optimal, you could also lose coolant you normally depend on due to volume changes.

Checking the coolant on a regular basis will tell you whether you need to add it, as well as how well it is working. Most people will find they only rarely have to add coolant when a vehicle is new, but as cars age many of them start to have lower efficiency cooling systems. Preventive maintenance and good upkeep in general can both help slow down this process, and a full vehicle restoration can turn back the clock if you are dedicated to preserving a vehicle.

Does Antifreeze Do Anything Else?

Yes! Antifreeze is a vital lubricant for the car’s water pump, and it also helps prevent against corrosion in the vehicle’s components. That’s why you should always use the mixture recommended in your manual, and why it’s important to keep the coolant at optimal levels.

The Car Is Losing Antifreeze? Is There a Leak?

There are many reasons a vehicle could lose antifreeze, including overflow and evaporation if a cap is left unfastened. If you have lost a stead amount of coolant regularly and you can predict about how much you need each time you check your vehicle, then you probably do have a leak and not typical coolant loss. If you want to find where you’re leaking from, a drop cloth under the vehicle can help pinpoint the leak because it will show a stain where the antifreeze drips. If you don’t see a drip, you could have a leak at a point where it only leaks when the car is functioning.

Consulting a professional for hard to pinpoint leaks can save you time, but coolant system diagnostic guides are out there for the dedicated do-it-yourself enthusiast. Remember to follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement, including the replacement of hoses and valves at the recommended times. This will help prevent leaks from developing, and it’s much easier to pick up than troubleshooting the system for a bad seal or a leaky hose. The best part is, refreshing the system will help it hold on to that efficiency new cars have, so it’s easier to ask your engine to perform at a higher level for longer.

HTML version:

<h2>Your Antifreeze/Coolant Questions Answered</h2>
<p>It might seem like antifreeze should be used in cold weather and coolant in warm weather, but those are actually two names for the same thing. No matter what you call it, figuring out the optimal antifreeze for your car and the right amount to keep in the tank in cold and warm weather is a key part of learning to do basic maintenance for yourself. Before you add anything to your coolant tank, let&rsquo;s take some time to answer common questions that people ask about the stuff that keeps your car&rsquo;s engine running at just the right temperature.</p>
<h2>What Kind of Engine Coolant Should I Use?</h2>
<p>Most basic antifreeze formulas are interchangeable, and very few vehicles have hard requirements about what they require. You should check your owner&rsquo;s manual, though, because most car manufacturers do recommend certain formulations for peak performance. Of course, there are also cars that require a special antifreeze formula too. They might be less common, but GM owners will find certain models require DEX COOL&reg; antifreeze and no other type.</p>
<p>Of course, there are specialty formulas of antifreeze available, and understanding the options there could make your car ownership experience a lot better. Some examples of special variants you might find useful under the right circumstances include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Cold weather protection to -34 degrees is available from many manufacturers</li>
<li>Antifreeze that is non-toxic to animals is also very popular</li>
<li>Some coolant manufacturers offer extreme heat formulas similar to their cold weather options</li>
</ul>
<p>In the end, as long as you are choosing a formula that is compatible with your vehicle, <strong>what antifreeze to use</strong> is largely dependent on your needs.</p>
<h2>What Kind of Coolant Does My Car Need?</h2>
<p>If you are still unsure what to pick, the best starting point is to buy the coolant recommended in your owner&rsquo;s manual. If you check the brand&rsquo;s variants, you can probably find the variants discussed above. If you need a special formula, the manual is also your best bet to learn which one, too.</p>
<h2>Are Basic Antifreeze Formulas the Same?</h2>
<p>Almost every antifreeze chosen by OE designers is 95 percent ethylene glycol, but the additives in the rest vary a lot from manufacturer to manufacturer and provide each brand and variant with its unique characteristics. With a few exceptions like the GM cars that require DEX COOL formulas, this makes them compatible. The practice of following the recommendations is one of using the antifreeze that tested best under controlled conditions.</p>
<h2>How Often Do I Need To Change My Coolant?</h2>
<p>A full coolant replacement is generally recommended every year or two by manufacturers, depending on the model. Sometimes this is phrased in mileage, but it usually calculates to the average driven over a couple years. In reality, you can check the specific gravity and color of your coolant to see if it is time. You&rsquo;ll need a test kit to do it yourself. Most of the time, coolant is good longer than the estimate in the owner&rsquo;s manual, but sometimes it breaks down early and you lose performance. That&rsquo;s why regular checks on the coolant will serve you better than an estimate in time or miles. You can get a longer lifespan out of extended life varieties, with some formulas boasting life expectancies out as far as five years. If you are curious about extended life varieties, check out whether your manufacturer has made any recommendations about a maximum life formula in addition to the OEM one.</p>
<h2>Do I Need To Add Coolant Regularly?</h2>
<p>In an ideal world, no. Theoretically your coolant system should be self-contained, reusing the same fluid until it breaks down enough you need to change it. The way things usually work, though is that the system has an overflow tank for a reason, and sometimes it overflows. If the level is slightly too high a normal temperature could do it. If you&rsquo;re in extreme heat and temperatures get slightly above optimal, you could also lose coolant you normally depend on due to volume changes.</p>
<p>Checking the coolant on a regular basis will tell you whether you need to add it, as well as how well it is working. Most people will find they only rarely have to add coolant when a vehicle is new, but as cars age many of them start to have lower efficiency cooling systems. Preventive maintenance and good upkeep in general can both help slow down this process, and a full vehicle restoration can turn back the clock if you are dedicated to preserving a vehicle.</p>
<h2>Does Antifreeze Do Anything Else?</h2>
<p>Yes! Antifreeze is a vital lubricant for the car&rsquo;s water pump, and it also helps prevent against corrosion in the vehicle&rsquo;s components. That&rsquo;s why you should always use the mixture recommended in your manual, and why it&rsquo;s important to keep the coolant at optimal levels.</p>
<h2>The Car Is Losing Antifreeze? Is There a Leak?</h2>
<p>There are many reasons a vehicle could lose antifreeze, including overflow and evaporation if a cap is left unfastened. If you have lost a stead amount of coolant regularly and you can predict about how much you need each time you check your vehicle, then you probably do have a leak and not typical coolant loss. If you want to find where you&rsquo;re leaking from, a drop cloth under the vehicle can help pinpoint the leak because it will show a stain where the antifreeze drips. If you don&rsquo;t see a drip, you could have a leak at a point where it only leaks when the car is functioning.</p>
<p>Consulting a professional for hard to pinpoint leaks can save you time, but coolant system diagnostic guides are out there for the dedicated do-it-yourself enthusiast. Remember to follow all the manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations for replacement, including the replacement of hoses and valves at the recommended times. This will help prevent leaks from developing, and it&rsquo;s much easier to pick up than troubleshooting the system for a bad seal or a leaky hose. The best part is, refreshing the system will help it hold on to that efficiency new cars have, so it&rsquo;s easier to ask your engine to perform at a higher level for longer.</p>