Total issues winter coolant advice
Lubricant and engine care specialist Total UK has released guidance for fleet operators regarding the importance of appropriate engine coolant selection, particularly during the winter months.
“The cooling system in an engine helps prevent damage caused by freezing, cavitation, corrosion overheating and the formation of deposits,” said the company.
“Should the cooling system not function correctly, the engine will begin to fail, as could the radiator, water pump, head gasket or engine block. At worst, the engine can be destroyed.”
Coolants are very important, therefore, says Total – adding that choosing an antifreeze or a coolant should not be a random process.
“To protect your engine from all of the above problems, and to ensure trouble-free starting in all weathers, it is important to use the correct product and with an undisputable quality,” said the firm.
The company offers a range of officially approved OEM coolant products, including for trucks, buses and vans, as well as cars, construction machines and agricultural tractors.
The range includes both ready to use and concentrate types, including many products that provide protection against freezing down to -37°C.
“Total coolants have much longer service life compared to conventional products,” said the company.
“They allow for extended drain intervals, which means less maintenance downtime, less coolant replacement costs and less possibility of harm to the environment.
“Total coolants are also formulated based on special OAT (organic acid technology) inhibitor technology. This answers the needs arising from the complexity and technology advances of cooling systems in modern vehicles. 
“Extremely low additive depletion rate ensures very long coolant operational life and complete coolant system protection under all operating conditions.
“Coolants are of course important all-year-round, but the winter brings new challenges that can affect the performance of the cooling system, and making vehicles harder to start on those freezing cold mornings,” Total continued.
“There are three main functions of coolant – to ensure heat exchange, to withstand low and high temperatures, and to ensure protection of the materials. In winter, withstanding low temperatures is more important than ever.
“Total Coolelf and Glacelf coolants both contain the additives required to protect a full range of different types of vehicles, while providing exceptional performance in the winter freeze.”
