Today’s gas station is different. It’s no longer where you check in, fill up your car, and leave. Instead, you can sit and enjoy snacks, quench your thirst with various drinks, or even eat to your fill. So, as you get to a gas station for fuel or to balance the tire pressure, you may also seek further services. This is why many people will be inquiring about the things sold at gas stations. One common question you may ask is, “Do gas stations sell coolant?“
Yes, most gas stations sell coolant or antifreeze. You can always check in at the station if you need a top-up. It’s important to ensure that your vehicle has an adequate amount of coolant to ensure it runs smoothly and prevent the engine from overheating.
Read on to learn more about coolant/antifreeze and whether you can easily access them at gas stations. You’ll also learn whether coolant and antifreeze are the same items.
Contents
- 1 Do Gas Stations Sell Coolant?
- 2 What Should You Know When Buying Coolant at a Gas Station?
- 3 What Happens If You Use the Wrong Type of Coolant?
- 4 Why is Antifreeze Mixed with Water?
- 5 Does It Matter What Coolant I Use?
- 6 What Does a Standard Coolant Cost?
- 7 Where Should the Coolant Be Stored?
- 8 Is Antifreeze and Coolant the Same Thing?
- 9 What Other Car Supplies Can You Buy at Gas Stations?
- 10 FAQs
- 11 Conclusion
Do Gas Stations Sell Coolant?
Yes, most gas stations sell coolant. The red, yellow, green, blue, or pink antifreeze/coolant is vital to help keep engines from freezing during the winter. So, in most cases, you can buy the product at your local gas station.
Actually, you’ll find many gas stations selling antifreeze all year round. This is because it also keeps engines cool during the summer. So, you need it in all seasons.
What Should You Know When Buying Coolant at a Gas Station?
When buying coolant at a gas station, you must confirm the expiration date if it’s stated on the container. Remember that coolant usually goes bad over time. So, if it stays so long on the shelves, it might lose its effectiveness.
Again, reading the coolant’s label carefully is essential to guarantee that you are buying the appropriate product for your motor vehicle. That’s why it won’t hurt to ask the gas station attendant whether they can recommend specific brands of coolant. Based on their experience, they can best help by directing you to the right product that aligns with your vehicle.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Type of Coolant?
Why is Antifreeze Mixed with Water?
You need to have the antifreeze mixed in equal portions with water. It is the diluted form of antifreeze that acts to prevent overheating. This is important to form a coolant solution that offers both boilover and freezing protection.
Since water is an efficient heat conductor, it cools the engine and transfers heat to the heater and radiation. Note that your vehicle’s coolant reservoir is often packed with antifreeze. So, to dilute the coolant, it must be mixed with water for concentration.
Today’s automotive cooling systems don’t need to be drained or flushed. So, you must have coolant and water in your trunk for emergencies.
Does It Matter What Coolant I Use?
What Does a Standard Coolant Cost?
A standard coolant costs anything between $15 and $25. The cost varies based on the type of coolant. Please note that if you mix different types or use the coolant inappropriately, your car’s performance may suffer. So, it helps to find the right one.
A typical coolant change costs between $100 and $200.
Where Should the Coolant Be Stored?
Coolant should be stored in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, far from oxidizing agents, ignition sources, strong acids, clothing, or foodstuffs. It should also be well-stored with a tight lid on and kept in difficult-to-reach locations.
You can store it in a shed, a locked cupboard, or a garage. The most important thing is to keep it in a hard-to-reach place. Always ensure that there’s a child-safety lock in place and that the coolant’s lid is tightly fixed.
Is Antifreeze and Coolant the Same Thing?
People consider antifreeze and coolant to be one and the same. But the key difference between the two is their purpose. Coolant acts to regulate the overall engine temperature. On the other hand, antifreeze helps safeguard the coolant from extreme cold.
In short, your vehicle’s radiator contains the coolant, which is an antifreeze-water mixture. This means that the premixed engine coolant incorporates antifreeze and water (a mixture of glycol and water makes the coolant).
What Other Car Supplies Can You Buy at Gas Stations?
- Gas and automotive supplies
- Motor oil
- Auto parts
FAQs
What is Engine Coolant?
Engine coolant is often referred to as antifreeze. It’s mixed with water to help prevent the radiator from freezing in extreme cold. It also keeps the radiator from overheating in extreme heat. There are various types of coolant, so you need to know which type is ideal for your vehicle.
Does Shell Gas Station Carry Coolant?
Yes, some Shell gas stations carry coolant, which you’ll always find alongside other automotive fluids.
Can I Use Water Instead of Coolant?
No, you can’t use water instead of coolant. Water lacks boiling and freezing point ranges and cannot protect your vehicle’s engine.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Enough Coolant in Your Car?
How Long Can I Drive When My Car Has Low Coolant?
It coolant varies depending on the level. If your car has really low coolant, you can’t drive far. But if it’s low but above the minimum, you can drive the vehicle for several days. So, if it’s below the minimum, please avoid running your engine before you fill up the coolant.
Conclusion
If your vehicle’s engine is low on coolant or overheating, you definitely need to replace the cooling system with fresh coolant/antifreeze. Even though you use coolant, you should never add it to a hot engine. Instead, wait until it cools off for at least two hours and, if possible, overnight.
Anytime you need to top up your vehicle with new coolant, please remember to use the correct mixture. You can purchase it from motor supply stores or even at gas stations. Remember that low coolant levels can cause overheating, which can damage the engine and perhaps interrupt an important journey.
So, in the event of a sudden emergency, you can have a quick check-in at a nearby gas station. With the low coolant levels, it is crucial that the engine be heated as quickly as possible. Fortunately, you can also get your car serviced at some gas stations by a skilled mechanic.
For over ten years, Eric has served as a manager, advisor, and marketer in the retail and consumer service sector. Moreover, he is the head writer and managing editor at thestoregeeks.com. Eric is a father of two and an avid shopping geek.
