Can You Put Regular Coolant in a Semi Truck?

Semi trucks are large, powerful vehicles that require special maintenance and care. They have their own specific set of needs, including the type of coolant used in their radiators. Regular coolants are not designed to handle the stresses placed on a semi truck’s engine and cooling system, meaning it’s ill-advised to use regular coolant in a semi truck.

Semi trucks contain massive diesel engines that generate large amounts of heat from the combustion process. This heat is dissipated by the radiator and cooling system, which requires a coolant specifically designed for heavy-duty vehicles. Regular coolants are not rated for such high-stress conditions, meaning they won’t be able to do the job properly.

Coolants formulated for semi trucks contain higher concentrations of glycol or ethylene glycol than regular coolants. This helps them better absorb and hold heat, allowing them to operate effectively in high-stress environments such as those found in semi trucks. They also contain additives that protect against corrosion and deposits on metallic surfaces, reducing wear and tear on the engine over time.

Coolants formulated for semi trucks also come with an extended warranty and service life compared to regular coolants. While regular coolant must be changed every 3 years or 30,000 miles, semi truck coolants can last up to 6 years or 600,000 miles before needing to be replaced – making them more cost-effective in the long run.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, using regular coolant in a semi truck is not recommended due to its inability to hold up under the stresses of a heavy-duty vehicle’s engine and cooling system. Semi truck coolants provide better protection against corrosion and deposits on metallic surfaces as well as an extended service life compared to regular coolants – making them more cost-effective in the long run.
Therefore it is best practice to use semi truck specific coolant when servicing your vehicle.

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James Gardner