Antifreeze And Coolants - What Are The Key Differences?

If you have experience in driving cars and taking care of them for years, then this blog is probably not for you! You already have the expertise to take care of your vehicle. But if you are a beginner or want to know the various maintenance criteria for your vehicle, continue reading the blog till the end!

Antifreeze and coolants are two different things. Antifreeze prevents the engine from freezing, while on the other hand, coolants regulate the engine's temperature. This blog will provide you with enough detail to understand the distinction between the two.

Antifreeze And Its Properties

As the name suggests, antifreeze is a radiative fluid that restrains the coolant from freezing. The components used in antifreeze are ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which minimises the coolant’s freezing point and stops it from becoming ice. If there is any frozen coolant in cold weather, it might increase and induce a crack in the engine block. The main properties of antifreeze are increased water boiling points that do not allow overheating.

So how does antifreeze work?

Antifreeze is the main component that maintains the coolant’s functionality. It guarantees the coolant can work properly circulate through the vehicle’s engine and absorb heat without forming ice or steam. This process helps the engine to maintain an optimum temperature depending on the winter and summer seasons.

When it is hot outside, the antifreeze pulls heat away from the engine and radiator. The mixtures present in antifreeze ensure a smooth function of the coolant depending on the weather conditions.

Coolant and its properties

Coolant is the diluted mixture of water and antifreeze that circulates the engine and immerses heat. However, comparatively coolants contain more water than antifreeze. This unique property allows it to bear extreme temperatures – which is why the manufacturers follow accurate blends and ratios to suit certain cars in different regions.

Investing in quality coolants guarantees a very high boiling point and can withstand very high temperatures in hot regions.

So, to enjoy a smoother and stress-free life, you must carry both antifreeze and coolant.

What happens to a car with Low Antifreeze and Coolant Levels?

First of all, if you don’t have the required amount of antifreeze and coolant levels it can lead to several car problems.

Overheated engines can cause vehicle breakdown, as most parts work overtime to provide the best performance. Therefore, if there are low coolant levels, the engine gets hot or seized up. It leads to permanent damage, such as pistons wielding to the cylinders.

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You should have the right mixture of antifreeze and water that matches your vehicle’s performance and engine needs. However, vehicles need different coolants that suit their engine. Otherwise, the engine can overheat and damage the systems of your car.

You can take your car for a regular maintenance checkup to keep an eye on your car’s antifreeze and coolant levels. If the car coolant levels are low, the mechanics will add more. It’s also necessary to consider the health of the coolant with the other parts.

Coolant And Antifreeze That You Can Use In Your Car

A professional automotive care engineer and the car’s owner’s manual provide details about the type of coolant and antifreeze best for your car.

In the market, you will find many different types of coolants with distinct boiling points and freezing points. The ethylene glycol-based coolant is the most common type of coolant with a boiling point of 223 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bottom Line

Now that you know the difference between antifreeze and coolant, it’s necessary to invest in quality products. Still for any issues or problems you must consult with professionals beforehand.