 |
|
ANTIFREEZE TIPS
Transport Service Co. tractors are built and maintained at our shops with heavy-duty low silicone 50/50 truck antifreeze (50% antifreeze/50% water). Truck antifreeze and automotive antifreeze are not the same. By placing automotive brand antifreeze in the radiator of a truck you actually cause more harm to the radiator than if you were to put 100% water in. We have noticed in some of the tractors that there are Wal-Mart and other various brand containers of automotive type antifreeze. By using automotive type antifreeze you can cause the following problems:
Automotive brand antifreeze is made with a high silicone level because automobile engines and cooling systems require it. Diesel engines and cooling systems require low silicone levels. If the silicone level in a truck is high, the antifreeze begins to gel in the radiator and clogs the cooling tubes. This process doesn't happen immediately but, over a course of months and warmer temperatures, the silicone will cause the antifreeze to gel. Please obtain your replacement antifreeze from a TSC shop. If this isn't possible, then purchase antifreeze from a truck dealer and verify that it is truck grade antifreeze. (Also, cut the antifreeze to 50/50, never use straight antifreeze.) If truck grade antifreeze isn't available, use water and have your coolant checked and treated at the next service. If you have any questions regarding this tip or are uncertain of the type of antifreeze to purchase, please contact any TSC shop, myself, or call your Divisional Maintenance Manager. |