How does coolant wear out?
Engine coolant (antifreeze) has additives that help prevent rust corrosion, scale buildup, chemical breakdown, and the formation of acid, which all contribute to the likelihood of a cooling system failure. Like engine oil, these additives do wear out because of the higher Rpm’s and operating temperatures of today’s engines. It is critical that coolant be replaced before it turns acidic and destroys the cooling system it was meant to protect. For more on coolant systems, see the Automotive Tips section.