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By Counterman
On modern vehicles, overheating is a rare occurrence thanks to high-quality hoses, thermostats and better engine management. Unfortunately, the weak point is still the coolant. Whether it’s a 100,000-mile or 150,000-mile coolant, eventually it will break down and lose the ability to protect the components with which it comes into contact.
Coolant at 100,000 miles may look the same as coolant with zero miles, as the real difference between good and bad coolant can’t be seen with the naked eye; it is in the chemistry and based on mileage.
Coolant contains additives called buffers that keep it at a neutral pH but these buffers are meant to last forever. When these chemicals become depleted, the pH can’t be controlled. It rises dramatically in a short period of time the moment the buffers are fully depleted. This is why replacing the coolant at the recommended interval is critical.
Coolant has two specifications that can be used to justify replacement — the condition of the additive package and the freezing point.
The additive package is the secret sauce for a coolant. Its main function is to control corrosion. Other components of the additive help with heat transfer and cavitation reduction. Some additive packages use seal conditioners to extend the life of the gaskets and plastic carriers.
The freezing point is measured by the overall specific gravity of the coolant, which has a direct relationship to the coolant/water mixture. This test can help spot coolant that has been compromised by the owner topping off with water. This measurement works well on systems that do not have pressurized reservoirs.
The strength or freezing point of coolant can be measured with a simple hydrometer. This device uses a calibrated float or plastic balls (not as accurate) to show the specific gravity of the coolant. This, in turn, shows how much freezing/boiling protection the coolant offers. You must remember to compensate for temperature because the specific gravity (density) of the coolant is lower when the coolant is hot.
The more professional tool for this purpose is an optical refractometer because it is very accurate and automatically compensates for temperature. Be aware: these are not simple, inexpensive tools. A refractometer can cost up to $300 or more because of the precision optics in its lens. Ethylene glycol (EG) and polyethylene glycol (PG) antifreeze have slightly different densities, so you have to use a hydrometer or refractometer with the appropriate scale (or one with a dual scale) for accurate test results.
Color-coded chemical test strips that are dipped into the coolant can be used to quickly and easily reveal the condition of the coolant. These strips of coated capillary paper react to the presence of certain dissolved minerals in the coolant and change color to give a good, marginal or bad indication of the coolant’s pH condition. Some test strips also show the concentration of antifreeze in the coolant.
The added benefit of test strips is that the results can be shared with the owner by attaching the used strip to the inspection form.
But, mileage is the gold standard for any coolant replacement recommendation. Engineers and chemists spend a lot of time formulating the coolant to match the engine and interval.
If you are performing a water pump, heater core or hose repair, recommend a full coolant flush. Just topping off the coolant can lead to a mixed bag when measuring the pH and freezing point. Also, check the specific gravity before a repair. Many customers know how to top off their coolant with water that could dilute the coolant concentration.
Selling any fluid maintenance service is difficult these days. But, if you document and educate customers on the importance of coolant, it becomes more than just an “add on” service.
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By NAPA
The NAPA Network supplies adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts with the best RV cleaning products to keep their home away from home fresh and road ready. Whether you drive a large recreational vehicle with its own engine or tow-behind camper trailers, including Airstreams, pop-ups and fifth wheels, we have you covered. And of course, NAPAonline and NAPA Auto Parts stores carry
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By Counterman
A “road earring” is a term that can be used to describe a single coil found on the side of the road. These bits of broken spring have become more common in recent years.
A spring on a vehicle is an energy-storage and energy-transfer device. As the wheel and tire follow the road, the spring reacts to undulations in the road and movements of the body and chassis.
Spring Rate
Spring rate refers to the amount of weight that’s needed to compress a spring 1 inch. Some spring rates are linear, and their rate increases as the spring is compressed. For example, if you have a 100-pound-per-inch spring, the first inch of compression requires 100 pounds. For 2 inches of compression, it will require 200 pounds.
For progressive spring rates, the first inch of compression might require only 100 pounds. But, as the springs compress, the spring rate increases progressively. The next inch of compression might require 300 pounds.
To make a progressive spring, the windings on the spring change in diameter and pitch in specific areas of the spring. The softer spring rates that might handle small bumps in the road are placed at the ends of the spring. The coils in the center of the spring will have a stiffer spring rate to counteract larger movements of the suspension and body. But, this can induce fatigue in the areas designed to give a softer spring rate because it always yields to the forces in the suspension.
Spring Steel
Springs are made of steel called spring steel. This steel is medium- or low-carbon steel. It is engineered and forged, so it has no large inclusions or scale. As a result, the steel has a high yield point and can return to its original shape quickly when it does yield.
Once the spring steel has been delivered to the spring factory, the steel can be drawn, bent and heated into springs. The engineers can change the spacing and pitch of the coils to generate different spring rates. They also can change the geometry of the spring by making it a barrel shape that affects how side loads are absorbed.
How the spring is formed and treated can influence the spring rate as well. Unfortunately, progressive spring designs have one disadvantage: They can fatigue in specific areas. When this happens, the spring can break.
A spring’s design is tuned to many factors. Engineers will use terms like frequency and amplitude to describe spring construction. For the layman, these terms translate to how fast and how far the spring has to travel. Frequency and amplitude are tuned for ride quality, the vehicle’s center of gravity and the sprung and unsprung weight.
One area of the spring might be great for controlling body lean, but it could be too hard to provide a comfortable ride. To increase the versatility of the spring, engineers can tune the coils so they are progressive and change the spring rate when compressed or put under certain forces.
Why Do Springs Fail?
Spring steel at an atomic or molecular level is not a consistent structure. Depending on how the metal is cast, forged and bent, the molecular structure of the steel can have grain and microstructures that can change the properties and performance of the spring.
These tiny structures can change and even weaken the spring as it is cycled. These movements of the suspension cause the grain and microstructures to shear and eventually develop microscopic cracks. If the cracks grow larger during the following cycles, it can lead to structural failure of the spring.
Why Are Some Vehicles More Prone to Broken Springs?
Automakers want a suspension that delivers a plush ride over rough roads, and a sporty responsive feel when the driver takes a corner. The only way to achieve this is with progressive springs. But, some automakers might take it too far and compromise the longevity of the spring.
The other factor is how the suspension is cycled, which can be driver- and geography-dependent. For example, if a driver lives in an area with rough roads, the springs are more likely to fail when compared to the same vehicle that may drive only on smooth roads. The same also is true for the distance they drive.
The other factor is the condition of the shocks or struts. If a shock or strut cannot control the movement of the suspension, the spring will cycle more and with a greater range of movement. This can increase the rate of fatigue.
What Happens When a Spring Breaks?
If a spring breaks, it can cause multiple problems.
The first symptom is poor ride and handling. This is caused by unequal spring rates and changes in ride height. This will typically be accompanied by noise and the suspension bottoming out. On strut applications, missing coils can cause the steering to bind. Finally, in some cases, the broken spring can damage a tire and cause a sudden blowout.
Setting aside all of the science and engineering, you can see that springs are a wear component that need to be inspected. And you also must realize that even though a spring has no actual internal moving parts, it’s just as complex as a fuel injector or electronic module.
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By Counterman
NTN Bearing Corp. of America is sharing its story of support for a local animal rescue.
On Nov. 16, NTN donated a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with its cargo hold full of supplies to Wright-Way Rescue, but it didn’t happen without a bit of good fortune.
In October, Wright-Way Rescue, an animal rescue organization based in Morton Grove, Illinois, had an accident with a van used for its animal-rescue missions. The accident rendered the van a total loss with an insurance payout that would not be sufficient to purchase a replacement vehicle.
With countless animal lives hanging in the balance, Wright-Way put out a call to the community to help raise funds for a replacement vehicle.
Meanwhile, NTN recently had replaced its Technical Training Unit van, and had begun looking for a deserving home for the previous van, a 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500.
Even after 12 years of onsite bearing-training service, the van has been well-maintained and has a lot of useful life left in it, according to NTN. The NTN team contacted multiple charities looking for a cause that could make good use of the van, but had not found the right fit. And that’s when the stars aligned.
Wright-Way’s call for help was picked up by local Chicago media outlets, and the headline “Suburban Rescue in ‘Dire’ Need of New Van to Save Animals from Being Euthanized” came to the attention of the NTN team.
NTN reached out to Christy Anderson, founder of Wright-Way, to see if the van would help get the organization back on the road, and she was thrilled to accept our donation offer. Because of its former duty, the van is equipped with a loading ramp, shelving and a cargo bulkhead, which all will be very useful for its new mission with Wright-Way.
“We were looking for a good home for our technical training van, and we feel fortunate to have found a deserving organization, in urgent need, based less than 10 miles away from our U.S. headquarters,” said Pete Eich, president and CEO. “Wright-Way Rescue fulfills a critical role in our community, saving the lives of dogs and cats on a daily basis, and we are thrilled that our van will go from bearing training duty to animal rescue duty. When we shared this news internally, our employees opened their hearts and filled the van with much needed supplies for Wright-Way, making an even bigger impact. I couldn’t be more proud of the NTN team.”
On Nov. 16, a group of NTN employees delivered the van to Wright-Way’s Morton Grove location. The NTN team was greeted by the grateful team from Wright-Way Rescue to hand off the vehicle, tour their facility and meet some of the animals Wright-Way works so hard to rescue.
At the end of the day, Wright-Way had gained a much-needed vehicle and supplies, and the NTN team had gained the satisfaction that they were able to help a deserving organization in the community. Wright-Way also was left with one less dog to find a home for, as a member of the NTN HR team fell in love with a puppy and had to take her home.
NTN launched a new Community Spirit and Engagement Policy in January 2023, with the purpose of managing the company in a responsible and ethical manner and making a positive impact on the communities in which the company operates. The goals of the policy include maintaining a community involvement program that contributes time and resources to charitable organizations and encourages employees to have an active role within the local community, and making positive contributions to the community and building partnerships with other groups and organizations, according to NTN.
“NTN’s donation of this vehicle to Wright-Way Rescue aligns perfectly with the goals of NTN’s Community Spirit and Engagement Policy,” said Brad Fideli, director, human resources. “The effort of our team to go the extra-mile in collecting needed supplies from our employees and community are a great example of the impact a program like ours can have. We are proud to contribute to our community and build relationships with wonderful organizations like Wright-Way.”
Wright-Way Rescue, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) animal rescue organization, has multiple locations in the Chicago suburbs and downstate Illinois. To learn more about Wright-Way Rescue and how you can help support its mission, visit
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