Expert advice for this summer

Whether or not you think of global warming as a hoax or a gospel, one thing is indisputable: it gets hot in the summer. While air-cooled motorcycles die hard, liquid-cooled engines still need to be serviced in order to avoid overheating. Figuratively speaking, coolant is the lifeblood of your cooling system.

We’ve grilled Bryan Emrich, President of Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant, what it takes to keep engine temperatures under control on your on-road or off-road motorcycle when the sun is shining, whether you’re racing or racing. pleasure.

Ultimate motorcycle: How often should the coolant be changed?

Bryan Emrich: The best practice is to change the coolant at least once per season or several times per season for even better results and more consistent performance, especially when using your vehicle regularly. Fresh fluid is the best fluid in all powersports applications, so proper maintenance of the cooling system is essential for maximum performance and peace of mind. This recommendation is based on the high performance characteristics of Engine Ice Hi-Performance coolant and applies to all types of bikes.

In an after-sales service scenario, the recommended action is to flush and change the coolant at the same time as an oil change. This method serves two purposes. First, since the technician is already taking the machine apart for an oil change, there is not much additional time associated with changing and flushing the coolant and second, it allows the end user to ” use the time of the oil change so as not to forget to change the coolant.

MU: Why do you have to change the coolant?

TO BE: Maintenance costs less than repair. Coolant tends to be one of the most overlooked fluids in a motorcycle. Neglecting your coolant can have a big impact on your bike’s performance and the life of its components. It’s not just antifreeze, which is a misnomer, for coolant, because it does more than prevent freezing. It also prevents corrosion, raises the boiling point at temperatures above that of distilled water, and more.

By properly maintaining your motorcycle’s cooling system with the right product on time, you can rest assured that your machine will perform at its peak every time you ride it. Engines are developed to operate within a specific temperature range and the cooling system is responsible for maintaining that optimum temperature, which will also help extend the life of engine components. A properly maintained cooling system lasts longer and will result in fewer overall failures.

MU: Do I have to flush the system every time I change the coolant?

TO BE: In short, yes. It is highly recommended that whenever you change your coolant you should also flush the system. Water corrodes your system from the inside, as impurities and harmful contaminants can cause scale and other forms of corrosion in the walls of pipes, radiator, and water pump.

Over time, the coolant can become contaminated and the additives can wear out. Corrosion often leads to the production of sludge which, if left in the system, builds up and can cause rust and ultimately leak into the system. Scale is the deposit that forms inside surfaces when water is heated and impurities precipitate or settle. These deposits can build up and interfere with heat transfer or, in extreme cases, cause the cooling system and engine to fail. Flushing the system according to the manufacturer’s instructions is the best way to ensure that your new coolant is performing at its best and providing reliable results.

MU: Can you mix coolants?

TO BE: As a general rule, mixing coolants is not recommended. It is always best to top up with the same coolant or add a little distilled or reverse osmosis purified water to maintain the proper level. With different types of glycols, water and additive technologies, the risk of cross contamination or unwanted reaction in solution is very high. When you are unsure, the best action is to drain and flush the system and replace it with fresh coolant.

MU: Are additives a good idea?

TO BE: Additional additives are also not recommended. Mixing of products can cause freezing, which can drastically reduce or even stop the flow of coolant.

MU: Give us your pitch for Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant.

TO BE: Propylene glycol based coolants like Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant are chosen for their performance and environmental safety. This basic formula helps provide overfill protection up to 254 degrees Fahrenheit and freeze protection down to -7 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the propylene glycol formula is considerably less toxic than the ethylene glycol found in many other coolants used in most engines. Engine Ice high performance coolant propylene glycol base, combined with its additive packages that provide superior corrosion and wear protection and reverse osmosis purified water, produces superior coolant that maximizes performance and is environmentally friendly.