Antifreeze And Car Coolant – A Detailed Guide
Key Takeaways –
- Coolant and antifreeze are not the same
- Both fluids work in cooling down the engine in their distinct ways
- The coolant absorbs heat, and antifreeze is part of the coolant mixture to ensure it does not freeze or boil
- Both fluids require frequent maintenance; if you want to maximize the utility you derive from them
- Top off coolant regularly to ensure your engine does not overheat
- Always look out for common signs of engine overheating
What you put in your car is important. If it’s not the right stuff, your engine could overheat or even freeze. In this comprehensive guide to antifreeze and car coolant, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to keep your car running all winter smoothly long. So please pull up a chair, and let’s get started!
What is Coolant – And How Does it Work? –
Your car’s coolant is a mixture of water and glycol. Glycol comes from the family of alcohols, but it’s also used in antifreeze. The coolant runs through your engine, absorbing heat as it goes. Then, it passes through your radiator, where the heat is dissipated into the air passing through the fins on the radiator.
Why Do I Need Coolant? –
You need coolant because, without it, your engine would overheat. Coolant regulates engine temperature, keeping it cool even when things are really heating up under the hood.
What’s the Difference Between Coolant and Antifreeze? –
A coolant solution consists of antifreeze and water. Antifreeze is a crucial ingredient because it lowers the freezing point of the coolant mixture, keeping your engine cool even in freezing weather. Water alone would freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit but, when mixed with antifreeze, can withstand temperatures as low as -34 degrees Fahrenheit. The main difference between coolant and antifreeze is that coolant is a mixture of water and glycol, while antifreeze is just glycol. Antifreeze has a higher boiling point than water, so it can withstand the high temperatures in an engine. Antifreeze is also resistant to cold so that it won’t turn into ice at cold temperatures like water. So, if you drive in a region with cold winters, you’ll want to use antifreeze in your coolant mixture to keep things from freezing up. Antifreeze also has corrosion inhibitors and other additives that coolant doesn’t have. These additives help protect your engine from corrosion and overheating.
How to Add Coolant to Your Vehicle? –
If your coolant levels are below recommended levels, you’ll need to add more. Begin by removing the radiator cap and pouring coolant into the overflow reservoir. Once the coolant level reaches the top of the reservoir, put the cap back on and start your engine. Let the engine throttle for a while, then turn it off and recheck the coolant level. Add more coolant if necessary.
Also, read – 3 Signs Your Car Has a Faulty Radiator
How Often Should You Change Your Coolant? –
There’s no fixed time to change coolant, but most mechanics recommend doing it every 30,000 miles or so. The interval to change coolant levels can vary depending on the coolant you use and the conditions you drive in. For example, if you live in a hot climate, you might need to change your coolant more frequently than someone living in a cold climate.
Types of Coolant and Antifreeze –
The market is ripe with different coolant and antifreeze types. All radiator fluids promise to cool the engine and claim to be the best in the business. However, auto technicians and car experts generally categorize coolants and antifreeze into two distinct types.
- Inorganic coolants and antifreeze
- Organic coolants and antifreeze
Inorganic coolants are made from a combination of water and silicate. This coolant type has been in use for many years now and is considered to be quite effective. However, it does have some drawbacks. For starters, the water in this coolant can evaporate over time, leaving behind the silicate. Additionally, the silicate can settle at the bottom of the radiator, which can lead to clogging. If you’re using an inorganic coolant, it’s essential to check the coolant level regularly and top it up as needed. You should also flush and replace coolant frequently.
On the other hand, organic coolants are made from a mixture of water and glycol. Glycol is a type of alcohol that helps to prevent the coolant from freezing. Additionally, it prevents the coolant from evaporating as quickly as inorganic coolants. This coolant type is newer than inorganic coolants, but it’s becoming increasingly popular because it doesn’t have the same drawbacks. However, organic coolants can be more expensive than inorganic coolants.
How to Check Your Coolant Levels-?
It’s essential to regulate your coolant levels periodically to make sure they are where they should be. You can do this by removing the coolant reservoir cap and looking inside. If the coolant level is low, add more coolant until it reaches the “full” line..
What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Coolant? –
If you don’t change your coolant, it will eventually dilute and will no longer be effective at keeping your engine cool. This can lead to engine overheating and cause considerable damage. With time and use, the coolant inside your car becomes acidic; when the contaminated coolant flows through the engine, it can cause corrosion.
Signs Your Engine is Overheating –
If your engine is overheating, you will see the temperature gauge on your dash panel moving into the red zone. You may also see steam from under the hood or coolant leaking under the car. If you see any of these signs, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible to avoid severe damage.
What Happens When You Drive with Low Coolant Levels? –
Low coolant levels are a risky proposition because they can lead to your engine overheating. When coolant levels are low, there is not enough liquid to absorb heat, causing the coolant to boil. If this happens, it will cause a vapor lock when the coolant turns into a gas instead of a liquid. This can cause significant damage to your engine by preventing coolant from flowing through it properly.
Maintaining the correct coolant and antifreeze levels is essential for your car’s overall health. Luckily, this is a simple process that our team at Eastern Shore Hyundai, serving Satsuma, AL, can handle. We recommend regularly bringing your vehicle in for a service checkup to ensure all systems run smoothly.
Schedule an appointment today, and let us take care of everything for you. Thanks for reading!
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