The reason diesel engines can deal out so much is because they can take so much. Torque is the claim to fame of these powerplants, and it’s thanks to high tolerances and over-engineered internals that these things can keep on going while producing so much muscle.
So it’s in the interests of diesel owners everywhere to keep the heart of their trucks pumping clean and fast. Cooling is an essential part of that process, and VP Racing has recently revamped its successful Cool Down “Madditive” to aid in that endeavor.
We talked to VP Racing’s Bruce Hendel to get a better understanding of how the Cool Down formula changed, why it benefits diesels, and how to use Cool Down properly in your vehicle.
The formula change, as Hendel explained, was to renew it and make it a better fit with evolution already in the market. “We improved the performance of the product and also made it compatible with the latest organic acid coolant technology,” he said. “Cool Down also meets the American Society for Testing and Materials D3306 corrosion specification, which is the same specification all fully formulated engine coolants and antifreeze blends must meet.”
The benefit to engines comes from Cool Down’s ability to increase the flow of coolant, improving heat transfer and lubrication of the internals. “Cool Down provides optimal ‘wetting’ performance for a coolant additive,” said Hendel. “It helps reduce operating temperatures under high load use, up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit at the cylinder heads.”
Proper use of Cool Down involves treatment at regular intervals, as DIYers can expect. “The ratio is 16 ounces of Cool Down to a coolant system ranging from 12 to 20 quarts,” said Hendel. “We recommend adding a pint every year or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. After five years, it is recommended to drain, flush, and fill.”
With summer already started and temperatures set to rise, it’s one more reason to give engines a fighting chance. Cool Down is a great way to be prepared, and can be explored more fully on VP Racing’s website. Reach out to the company with the provided contact information below.