Key Takeaways:
- Antifreeze prevents an engine from freezing in cold weather, while coolant is used to keep an engine from overheating.
- An ideal coolant typically contains 50% antifreeze and 50% water. The right proportion depends on the climate.
- Suppose you notice any signs of engine overheating. In that case, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic to have your car checked and topped off.
- Never try to concoct a coolant-antifreeze ratios unless supervised by an auto mechanic!
Keeping your automobile’s engine cool is critical, and there are many options on the market. The two most popular car radiator fluids are coolant and antifreeze. Both the fluids perform the same function, i.e., keeping the temperature of your engine stable. But what’s the difference between these two? We’ve put together a quick guide!
Antifreeze is a radiator fluid added to the water in your car’s cooling system to keep the engine from freezing during cold weather. It also helps to keep the vehicle’s engine from overheating during hot weather. Coolant is simply a mixture of antifreeze and water.
But it’s not that simple – there are many other things that you need to know about the two cooling fluids!
Read: Is coolant the same as antifreeze?
The Key Differences Between Coolant and Antifreeze
Water Content
Coolant always has water, while antifreeze may or may not have water. Some types of antifreeze are made of glycols, chemicals that prevent freezing and overheating.
Most coolants are a mixture of water & antifreeze, but most antifreeze contains little to no water.
Fluid Color
Antifreeze has a sweet smell, while coolant typically has a more bitter odor. It’s usually green, red, or yellow, while coolant can be any color. The color doesn’t affect how the fluid works but can help you tell them apart. Coolant is often dyed blue or orange.
While you can mix different coolant colors, it’s generally not recommended as it can make it difficult to tell if the mixture is still effective.
Function
The main difference between coolant and antifreeze is that coolant is used to keep the engine cool, while antifreeze prevents the engine from overheating. Antifreeze also raises the coolant’s boiling point, which helps prevent the engine from overheating.
Boiling Point
The boiling point of the engine coolant is lower than the boiling point of antifreeze. This is because coolant contains water with a lower boiling point than glycols. The boiling point of antifreeze is higher than the boiling point of coolant because it doesn’t contain water.
Freezing Point
Water freezes at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). But when you add antifreeze to water, the freezing point goes down. That’s important because if the coolant freezes, it can crack the engine block or radiator.
Price
Antifreeze is usually more expensive than coolant because it lasts longer and provides better protection against both freezing and overheating.
Pro Tip: You should never mix coolant and antifreeze without expert opinion because they perform different functions and have different chemical compositions. Mixing the two in the right proportions is very important. Not doing so can cause your engine to overheat or freeze.
How Do the Antifreeze and Coolant Work Together to Keep Your Engine Cool?
The radiator draws heat away from the engine using coolant. The coolant then travels through a series of hoses to the radiator, cooled by air flowing over it. The cooled coolant then flows back to the engine, where the cycle restarts.
In hot weather, the thermostat opens to allow more coolant to flow through the system, and in cold weather, it closes to prevent the coolant from cooling too much and freezing.
Antifreeze lowers the ice point of water so it can circulate through the system even in very cold temperatures without freezing and damaging the engine. It also raises the water’s boiling point so it can circulate through the system at higher temperatures without boiling and creating steam. Additionally, it contains corrosion inhibitors to protect the engine from rust and other forms of corrosion.
Check your owner’s manual for specific replacement intervals, as they can vary depending on the make & model of your vehicle.
What’s The Right Proportion of Antifreeze in Coolant?
An ideal coolant typically contains 50% antifreeze and 50% water. The right proportion of antifreeze in the car coolant will depend on the climate.
A higher concentration of antifreeze is needed in colder climates to prevent the coolant from freezing.
In warmer climates, a lower concentration of antifreeze is typically used to prevent the coolant from overheating.
The best way to determine the right proportion for your car is to consult your owner’s manual or a professional mechanic.
Signs of Low Coolant
Here are a few signs that you may need to add more antifreeze to your coolant.
- If your engine is overheating, this could indicate that the coolant level is low and needs to be replenished.
- If you notice any leaks from under your car’s hood, your coolant may be leaking.
- If your car’s radiator or hoses feel hot to the touch, this could be another sign that the coolant level is low.
- Another sign of low coolant levels is if the temperature gauge on your dashboard is reading higher than usual.
- You may also notice steam from under your car’s hood, indicating that the coolant is boiling and needs replenishment.
Suppose you’ve started noticing any odd signs. In that case, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic to have your car checked and topped off with the appropriate amount of antifreeze.
Read: How to tell if your car radiator needs replacing?
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing the difference between coolant and antifreeze is important. Coolant is a liquid that helps to keep your car’s engine cool, while antifreeze is a chemical added to the coolant to help protect your car’s engine from freezing or overheating. If you notice any signs that your car’s cooling system is not working properly, be sure to consult a professional mechanic to have it checked out. Thanks for reading!
At Mike Patton Auto Group, we know that keeping your car in good condition is important to you. That’s why we offer a wide range of services, from oil changes to coolant flushes. Our highly trained technicians will take care of your car as if it were their own, and they’ll make sure to get the job done right the first time. We know your time is valuable, so we offer convenient appointment times and a comfortable waiting area with complimentary refreshments. So, whether you need a simple tune-up or a major repair, you can count on Mike Patton Auto Group to get the job done right.
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