It’s important to address the situation carefully to prevent damage to the engine or cooling system. Here’s what you can do:

1. Turn Off the Car

If the car is running, turn it off immediately to avoid damaging the engine. Do not try to start the car if the coolant is frozen, as running the engine could cause damage to components like the water pump, radiator, or hoses.

2. Wait for the Coolant to Thaw

The first step is to wait for the coolant to thaw. If the car is outside in freezing temperatures, moving it to a warmer location, like a garage, can help speed up the thawing process. Make sure the engine is off and cool before you proceed.
Never try to pour hot water directly onto the frozen radiator or engine, as this can crack the radiator or other parts. Allow the freezing to naturally resolve by allowing the engine and coolant to warm up gradually.

3. Check the Coolant Reservoir and Radiator

Once the coolant begins to thaw, check both the coolant reservoir and the radiator for any visible damage, such as cracks or leaks. Freezing coolant can cause the radiator or hoses to crack, leading to potential leaks once it thaws.
Inspect the hoses to make sure they aren’t frozen or damaged. If they appear swollen or brittle, they may need to be replaced.

4. Start the Engine Carefully

After the coolant has thawed, you can try starting the engine. Let it run for a while to allow the warm engine to continue thawing the coolant. Monitor the temperature gauge closely as the engine warms up to ensure it doesn’t overheat.
If the car seems to be running fine and the temperature gauge stays normal, allow the car to run for at least 10-15 minutes.

5. Check Coolant Levels

Once the engine is warmed up and running smoothly, check the coolant level. Be sure to turn off our car and let the engine cool before checking coolant levels. A hot engine contains hot coolant, which can be dangerous. If it appears low, top it up with the proper mixture of coolant and water (usually a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water, depending on your vehicle’s specifications).
Ensure the antifreeze level is correct for your climate to prevent future freezing.

6. Inspect for Damage

After the engine has warmed up, check for any leaks around the radiator, hoses, or water pump that may have been caused by the frozen coolant. Frozen coolant can cause cracks or damage that will need to be repaired.

7. Consider Flushing the Cooling System

If you find that your coolant mixture was too weak (more water than antifreeze), it may be necessary to flush and refill the cooling system with the proper antifreeze mix to prevent future freezing. Horeb offers Coolant flushes using BG Products. With the BG Cooling System Service, this not only flushes the coolant, but helps eliminate any dirt, smudge, and debris within the system, ensuring a fresh clean system for your new coolant.

8. Prevent Future Freezing

Ensure proper coolant mix: Before winter hits, check that your coolant mixture has enough antifreeze to protect your car’s cooling system in freezing temperatures.
Park in a warmer area: During extreme cold weather, park your car in a garage or other sheltered area to reduce the chances of coolant freezing.

9. Seek Professional Help

If you’re unsure about the damage or can’t thaw the coolant properly, it’s advisable to take your car to a mechanic. Frozen coolant can cause permanent damage if not handled correctly, and an inspection at Horeb can allow for accurate knowledge to prevent more serious issues