When your vehicle needs coolant, it might seem like you can grab any jug of antifreeze off the shelf and top it off. In reality, modern vehicles use several different types of coolant, and using the wrong one can cause real problems. Understanding this helps Columbia drivers protect one of the most important systems in their car, especially during a hot Middle Tennessee summer.

Coolant, or antifreeze mixed with water, does more than prevent freezing. It protects your engine against overheating, resists boiling, and includes additives that guard against corrosion inside the cooling system. The catch is that different vehicles are engineered for specific coolant formulations, and these come in different chemistries and colors.

Mixing incompatible types, or using one not designed for your vehicle, can reduce the protection, cause the additives to break down, or even lead to gunk and corrosion that damages expensive components like the radiator and water pump. Color alone is not a reliable guide, since different formulas can look similar, which is why it is important to use what your manufacturer specifies. Keeping the correct coolant clean and at the right level is essential to preventing overheating and costly repairs.

At Exhaust Plus in Columbia, we know the correct coolant for your specific vehicle and can check its condition, top it off, or perform a proper flush and fill with the right type. If your coolant is low or overdue for service, stop by our Columbia shop and let us take care of it correctly.