What does supplemental coolant additive do?
Supplemental coolant additive (SCA) is a chemical compound added to the coolant system of vehicles to help maintain the health and performance of the cooling system. SCA plays a crucial role in preventing corrosion, scale buildup, and other issues that can arise in the cooling system over time.
The Purpose of Supplemental Coolant Additive
The primary purpose of SCA is to protect the various metal components within the cooling system, such as the radiator, water pump, and engine block, from corrosion. Over time, the coolant can become acidic, which can lead to the gradual breakdown of these metal parts. SCA helps to neutralize the acidity of the coolant, maintaining a proper pH balance and preventing corrosion.
In addition to corrosion prevention, SCA also helps to inhibit the formation of scale and deposits within the cooling system. These buildups can restrict coolant flow, leading to overheating and other issues. By keeping the system clean, SCA ensures efficient heat transfer and optimal cooling performance.
Benefits of Using Supplemental Coolant Additive
- Corrosion Prevention: SCA neutralizes the acidity of the coolant, protecting metal components from corrosion and extending the lifespan of the cooling system.
- Scale and Deposit Reduction: SCA inhibits the formation of scale and deposits, maintaining optimal coolant flow and heat transfer.
- Improved Cooling Efficiency: By keeping the cooling system clean and free of buildup, SCA helps to ensure efficient heat transfer and prevent overheating.
- Extended Coolant Life: SCA helps to prolong the useful life of the coolant, reducing the need for frequent coolant changes.
Overall, the use of supplemental coolant additive is a crucial maintenance step for vehicle owners to ensure the long-term health and performance of their cooling system.
What does adding coolant to your car do?
For one, they help keep your engine cool by absorbing heat. This is especially important in hot weather or when driving for long periods. Overheating can cause serious engine damage, so keeping the system full of coolant is important. Another benefit is that they help protect your engine from rust and corrosion.
Should I use a coolant additive?
You don't need to add anything to your coolant if you're not having a problem. Anything you add will probably make cooling worse. But if you have a leak, then of course you can add stop leak but then it might make the car run hotter and you risk blowing a head gasket.
What happens if you don't add coolant?
So, without enough coolant, the engine could overheat or seize up. Continued use of an overheated engine could lead to permanent damage, such as pistons welding to the cylinders and complete engine failure.
Is it bad to add coolant without draining the old?
Can I Top Up Coolant Without Flushing? Yes, you can top up your coolant without flushing the system. However, it's important to use the proper type of fluid and make sure that the coolant is appropriate for your vehicle, clean, and doesn't contain any dangerous components.
What is a supplemental coolant additive?
SCAs, or supplemental coolant additives, are formulations added to the coolant stream to provide, as the name suggests, supplemental anti-corrosion and cavitation (or liner pitting) protection.
Does changing coolant improve performance?
Coolant can improve engine performance and extend its life. It prevents corrosion and overheating, two leading causes of engine failure. It also leads to better fuel economy. A coolant flush-and-fill maintains your car's health – It's recommended every two years or 30,000 miles.
How do coolant additives affect the cooling system?
Lowers the freezing point of the coolant. Increases the boiling point of the coolant. Reduces friction and sludge. Prevents corrosion at high temperatures.
What happens when coolant is low?
Without sufficient coolant, your engine could overheat. Many modern vehicles have an automatic engine cut-off feature when the engine overheats to help prevent significant damage. If this happens, it's best to tow your vehicle to your nearest automotive professional for a proper diagnosis.
Do coolant stop leak additives work?
It's important to understand that stop-leak is usually only a temporary solution, or a solution to a minor leak. Why is there a leak in your radiator? Stop leak additives may seal the pinhole leak in your radiator, but they may not deal with the source of the damage.
How long does coolant additive last?
IATs or their additive package have an average lifespan of 2-3 years or between 48,000 and 72,000 km, depending on the package. After that, they can no longer protect the cooling system even though the coolant might still meet the freeze protection requirements.
