That misconception is costing drivers money.

Modern coolant does far more than stop water from freezing, as tap water alone can be detrimental to radiators and other cooling system components. It raises the boiling point of the coolant, protects against corrosion, lubricates components like the water pump, thermostat, pressure caps, and helps prevent overheating in harsh operating conditions. In a country known more for heat than cold, that protection matters year-round.

One of the biggest mistakes motorists make is topping up with plain tap water. Water alone offers no corrosion protection and the minerals and chemicals found in tap water can cause scale build-up inside radiators and engine passages. Over time, this reduces cooling efficiency and increases the risk of overheating and costly engine damage.

Another common myth is that all coolants are the same. They are not. Different antifreeze manufacturers use different coolant technologies and mixing incompatible products can create sludge, corrosion or reduced protection. Motorists should always follow manufacturer recommendations and compatibility guidelines.

Drivers will also notice different mix ratios such as 50/50 or premix. These refer to the balance between antifreeze and water. A 50/50 premix is the most common recommendation for daily driving, providing effective temperature control and corrosion protection with no additional water required. Concentrated coolant should always be mixed with distilled or demineralised water before use, unless otherwise specified.

South African driving conditions place enormous strain on cooling systems. Long-distance travel, heavy traffic, high temperatures, towing, and stop-start taxi operations all increase the importance of using quality coolant.

Cheap, low-quality coolant may save money initially, but poor formulations can lead to expensive repairs later. Replacing a radiator, water pump, head gasket or cylinder head costs far more than maintaining the cooling system properly from the start.

Antifreeze is not just a winter product. It is an essential year-round engine protection fluid and one of the simplest ways motorists can extend the life and reliability of their vehicles.

Shield Petrol Injector Cleaner

The Shield Petrol Injector Cleaner is a must-have for petrol engines, designed to clean the entire fuel system. Regular use of this product can significantly improve engine performance, reduce emissions, and restore lost power. It’s especially useful for vehicles experiencing issues like rough idling, hesitation, or decreased fuel economy.

How to use:

1. Prepare the tank: Ensure your fuel tank is nearly empty.
2. Add the cleaner: Pour the entire bottle of Shield Petrol Injector Cleaner into the fuel tank.
3. Refuel: Fill up the tank with petrol.
4. Drive: Drive normally to allow the cleaner to circulate and clean the system.
5. Repeat: This process should be repeated every 5000km.

Note: It’s recommended to replace your fuel filter at the first treatment as suggested by Shield.

At AutoZone, we pride ourselves on offering only the highest quality products, including the renowned Shield range. Shield Injector Cleaners are designed to keep your vehicle performing at its best. Shop this quality product via AutoZone Online today

Shield Diesel Injector Cleaner

The Shield Diesel Injector Cleaner is specifically formulated to clean and protect diesel injectors. It helps in removing harmful deposits that can cause engine knocking, reduced fuel economy, and poor starting. Using this cleaner ensures smoother engine operation and enhanced fuel efficiency.

How to use:

1. Prepare the Tank: Ensure your fuel tank is nearly empty.
2. Add the Cleaner: Pour the entire content of the Shield Diesel Injector Cleaner into the fuel tank.
3. Refuel: Fill up the tank with diesel fuel.
4. Drive: Drive as usual to let the cleaner work through the system.
5. Repeat: This process should be repeated every 5000km.

Note: It’s recommended to replace your fuel filter at the first treatment.

For a step-by-step guide, refer here

Upgrade your ride with Shield Diesel Injector Cleaner, available at your convenience via AutoZone Online

Benefits of regular injector cleaning

Enhanced Performance

Regular use of injector cleaners helps maintain peak engine performance by removing deposits that can clog injectors and affect fuel flow. This leads to smoother acceleration and more responsive power delivery. Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged with carbon deposits, which can negatively impact engine performance. By using Shield Injector Cleaners, you can restore your engine’s efficiency and power, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and reliably.

Visit your nearest AutoZone for more details and expert advice

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Clean injectors ensure better fuel atomisation, leading to more efficient combustion. This means your engine burns fuel more completely, reducing waste and improving your vehicle’s overall fuel economy. With rising fuel costs, maintaining clean injectors can result in significant savings over time. Shield Injector Cleaners help you get the most out of every litre of fuel, maximising your vehicle’s mileage and reducing trips to the fuel station.

Reduced Emissions

Cleaner engines produce fewer harmful emissions. By removing carbon deposits and other residues, injector cleaners help your engine run more efficiently and burn fuel more cleanly. This contributes to lower emissions and a healthier environment. Regular use of Shield Injector Cleaners supports your vehicle in meeting emission standards, which is crucial for both legal compliance and environmental protection.

Cost Savings

By maintaining your engine’s efficiency with regular use of injector cleaners, you can avoid costly repairs. Clean injectors reduce the likelihood of engine misfires, knocking, and other issues that can lead to expensive maintenance and repairs. Additionally, improved fuel efficiency results in long-term savings on fuel costs. Investing in Shield Injector Cleaners is a proactive measure that can save you money by preventing engine problems and extending the lifespan of your vehicle.

Incorporating Shield’s injector cleaners into your routine vehicle maintenance can significantly enhance performance, fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions. These products not only help in maintaining your vehicle but also save you money on repairs and fuel in the long run.

Visit your nearest AutoZone store to explore these products and ensure your engine runs smoothly and efficiently

• Petrol Injector Cleaner
• Diesel Injector Cleaner

Keep your vehicle in top shape with Shield Injector Cleaners, and experience the difference in performance and efficiency!

INDEMNITY: These hints and tips are for information purposes only. For more details, please consult the relevant workshop manual for your vehicle. Neither Auto Parts Distributors Pty (Ltd) nor any of the AutoZone outlets will be held liable for any damage or injury whatsoever resulting from the use of the information contained in this article.

Understanding the Causes:

Before delving into the steps to take when your car overheats, it’s essential to understand the potential causes. South Africa’s climate, with its hot temperatures, puts extra strain on a vehicle’s cooling system. Common reasons for overheating include low coolant levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty radiator fan, or a leaking cooling system. Regular maintenance and the use of OE-equivalent parts can significantly reduce the risk of these issues.

Signs of an Overheating Engine:

Recognizing the signs of an overheating engine is crucial for prompt action. Watch out for warning lights on your dashboard, steam rising from the hood, an unusual increase in engine temperature, or a sweet smell, which could indicate a coolant leak.

Immediate Actions:

1. Pull Over Safely: When you notice signs of an overheating engine, pull over to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Turn Off the Engine: Allow your engine to cool down by turning it off. Open the hood to facilitate faster cooling, but be cautious, as escaping steam can cause burns.
3. Check Coolant Levels: If it’s safe to do so, check the coolant levels in the radiator. Be cautious, as the coolant may be hot. If levels are low, add coolant or water if necessary.
4. Inspect for Leaks: Look for any visible signs of leaks in the cooling system, such as puddles under the vehicle. A leaking radiator, hose, or water pump could be the culprit.
5. Call for Assistance: If you’re unable to identify or rectify the issue, it’s advisable to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. Attempting to drive an overheated vehicle can lead to severe engine damage.

The Role of OE-Equivalent Parts:

Investing in OE-equivalent parts is a proactive step to prevent overheating issues. Opting for reputable brands and ensuring regular maintenance can significantly enhance your vehicle’s performance and reliability. OE-equivalent radiators, cooling fans, and thermostats are available to suit various budgets and vehicle types, offering an excellent alternative to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.

Dealing with an overheating car can be stressful, especially in South Africa’s challenging driving conditions. Understanding the causes, recognizing signs, and taking immediate and appropriate actions are crucial steps in minimizing potential damage. Additionally, prioritizing the use of OE-equivalent parts in your vehicle can contribute to a more reliable and resilient driving experience. Stay cool on the roads and keep your vehicle in top condition with these proactive measures.

Don’t forget all the parts you need can be purchased from your nearest AutoZone store – https://autozone.co.za/store-locator/

a-Professional is a premium ethylene glycol-based fluid specially formulated with industry leading additives to provide optimum performance in all petrol, and light and heavy-duty diesel engines.

This exciting new product was developed to:

• Protect against corrosion of all cooling system metals, including aluminium.
• Provide maximum freeze and boiling over protection.

a-Professional is compatible with all major car brands and is Phosphate-free with low silicate. It has also been specially formulated to work with high-quality deformer systems and is not harmful to hoses, plastics or gaskets.

Three incredible variations are available in this range and offer superb protection in both summer and winter. Each variation is available as a Concentrate or in a Ready to Use offering and is sold in 1L or 5L options. Learn more about them below.

a-Professional Low Phosphate Antifreeze Concentrate and Ready to Use

This is a premium ethylene glycol-based antifreeze which is free of silicates, borates, amines and nitrates. LPC Antifreeze has been specially formulated with technology that meets the stringent requirements of various Asian Original Equipment Manufacturers such as Toyota, Nissan, Kia and Hyundai.

This new product offers sublime protection for 250 000km and is available in 2 formats – Concentrate, which must be diluted with deionized water, and RTU (Ready to Use), which must not be diluted.

a-Professional Economical Multi-Purpose Concentrate and Ready to Use

AutoZone a-Professional Economical Multi-Purpose antifreeze was specially designed for vehicle models older than 10 years and contains ethylene glycol to protect against boiling, freezing and corrosion.

This antifreeze is available in 2 formats – Concentrate, which is 95% concentrate and must be diluted with deionized water for optimized performance and protection, and RTU (Ready to Use), which must not be diluted.

a-Professional OAT Extended Life Concentrate and Ready to Use

This is a premium Organic Acid Technology (OAT) – based extended life antifreeze that is free of silicates and nitrates. OAT Extended Life is specially formulated with technology that meets the stringent requirements of various American and European Original Equipment Manufacturers including Mercedes, Ford, VW, Audi and BMW.

This superb product offers overall protection for the cooling system against rust and corrosion ensuring extended drain intervals are achieved and cooling performance is optimised. This antifreeze will provide total protection for 250 000km in passenger motor vehicles.

a-Professional Deionized Water

a-Professional Deionized Water contains no solid minerals which makes it perfect for diluting Antifreeze, Screenwash and topping up batteries. This premium product is carefully formulated to ensure it doesn’t form scales when exposed to prolonged heat, thereby providing proper heat transfer, long durability and less maintenance of equipment compared to non-treated water.

To experience this exclusive new range of coolants and antifreeze, visit your nearest AutoZone store. Whether it’s for your vehicle or for a customer, our in store experts will be able to advise the best formulation for you!

For expert technical advice, give our AutoZone experts a call on 086 112 2111 or email us at customer.care@autozone.co.za.