What is antifreeze and do I need it?
Photo Credit: Alex Pepperhill
What Is Antifreeze?
Antifreeze is a liquid mixture of water and ethylene glycol that is used to prevent the freezing and overheating of the engine in your Land Rover. You may have heard the term “coolant” interchanged with “antifreeze,” they are similar, but comprised of different concentrations.
Antifreeze is concentrated and must be mixed with water, whereas coolant is already mixed (a combo of antifreeze and distilled water).
Why Does My Land Rover Need Antifreeze?
Antifreeze plays a crucial role in ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of the engine in your Land Rover in the winter. When the temperature drops, water in the engine’s cooling system can freeze up, potentially causing the engine block or radiator to expand and crack. Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the liquid in the cooling system to help prevent it from solidifying in cold temperatures.
Antifreeze also helps to raise the boiling point of coolant, which helps to guard against the engine from overheating, especially in warmer months. So really antifreeze is needed all year long. And because of this, antifreeze is essential to help keep your Land Rover running smoothly.
How Often Should I Check/Top Off/Change Antifreeze?
General recommendations say it should be checked at least twice a year (before summer and winter), or if you notice a coolant warning light on your dash. It is best to check with your owner’s manual and with the advice of your local independent Land Rover repair tech during your routine Land Rover maintenance.
Don’t damage your engine because you have improper water and antifreeze levels! Get to your local Land Rover service center to have them check out and top off your antifreeze. They will be able to recommend the proper type of antifreeze for your Land Rover.