03/10/2025

Antifreeze and Its Importance for Commercial Vehicles

Close-up of a truck cooling system with antifreeze container and corrosion warning signs.

Commercial vehicles travel long distances every day, often in different climate conditions, and work under heavy load. In such conditions, the cooling system of the engine must be well protected – this is where antifreeze becomes important.

Antifreeze is a special liquid that goes through the cooling system of the engine. It protects the parts of the vehicle from rust and helps the engine keep the right temperature – in cold winter days and also in hot summer to prevent overheating.

What happens if the antifreeze is not in good condition?

Old or wrong antifreeze in the engine system can cause:
• Freezing in winter
• Overheating in summer
• Rust in the cooling system, which can damage the radiator and pump
• High pressure inside the system, which can damage the pipes and engine block

Tips for truck drivers about antifreeze:
• Follow the producer’s recommendation and always use the same type of antifreeze (the most common colors are red, green, and blue).
• Do not mix different types of antifreeze, otherwise the engine can be damaged (e.g. , G11 – green and G12 – red).
• Check the level regularly, especially before long trips.
• If the antifreeze level goes down suddenly, the system may be leaking and needs checking.
• It is recommended to change the antifreeze every 1.5–2 years or after 100,000 km (depending on the truck model and system).

Antifreeze is not just a simple liquid – it keeps the engine alive!

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