Key Takeaways:
- Antifreeze is not the same as coolant and should not be used interchangeably.
- Your engine will not overheat if you maintain radiator fluid properly.
- Antifreeze prevents your automobile’s cooling system from freezing over in the winter and helps balance the engine’s heat all year.
- Check with a local automobile dealer or mechanic to ensure that the fluid type is correct for your car, or look in the manufacturer’s handbook.
- Mike Patton CDJR offers car maintenance and repair services to customers in Pine Mountain, GA, and the surrounding areas.
Regular maintenance is critical to keeping your engine cool. That is why automobile owners should know the differences between coolant and antifreeze. Coolant aids in the prevention of engine overheating, whereas antifreeze prevents your car from freezing in cold temperatures. Mike Patton CDJR will explain the distinctions between coolant and antifreeze and which kind of fluid you’ll need for your vehicle.
Car’s Cooling System
The cooling system maintains the engine’s temperature at a constant level. The radiator fluid, coolant, or antifreeze, is used to remove heat from the engine and distribute it throughout the vehicle. The liquid then travels back to the machine, absorbing additional heat and repeating the process.
What Is Coolant?
The coolant is composed of water and ethylene glycol, with chemical additions to keep the engine from overheating by circulating through the radiator.
What Is Antifreeze?
Antifreeze is a coolant that includes an additive to prevent it from freezing in cold weather and raise the boiling point to stop it from overheating in hot weather. Most antifreeze contains either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.
Which Radiator Fluid Should You Choose?
The difference between coolant and antifreeze is critical since using the incorrect fluid in your automobile can result in severe damage. If you are in a hot environment, you will require coolant for your car. Coolant aids in heat dissipation from your engine and protects the metal components against corrosion. In cold weather, your vehicle will require antifreeze. Antifreeze prevents your car’s engine from freezing during cold conditions and helps to keep it cool in hot weather.
To determine which fluid works best for your car, speak with a car dealership or a qualified mechanic. They can help you determine which type of fluid is better for both your vehicle and the climate where you live.
How Does Radiator Fluid Work?
– Over time, the water and glycol solution in the coolant evaporates due to heat from the engine. As a consequence, the glycol is left behind, preventing corrosion.
– Antifreeze is a substance that, when mixed with water, lowers the liquid’s freezing point. Adding antifreeze to your car’s radiator ensures that the mixture won’t freeze and damage your engine, even on cold days.
Types of Coolant
There are three types of coolants if classified by technology:
1. Inorganic Acid Technology Coolant (IAT)
Inorganic coolant, while having a longer service life than organic coolants, doesn’t protect metal surfaces from corrosion as long.
2. Organic Acid Technology Coolant (OAT)
Unlike their inorganic counterparts, organic car coolants offer enhanced protection against metal surfaces and improved heat transfer capabilities. They must be changed more frequently than inorganic automobile fluids since they begin to build up on engine components after a while. An OAT coolant is now used in several new vehicles.
3. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology Coolant (HOAT)
HOAT is the best car coolant as it provides the benefits of both organic and inorganic fluids. It is long-lasting and offers superior protection against corrosion.
How to Choose the Right Coolant?
Depending on your car, the type of coolant you require varies. Some suggest that a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze should be used year-round for all models, as it helps prevent freezing and overheating. Whichever climate you live in, we recommend following the guidelines from the car’s manufacturer. The manufacturer’s instructions should provide all the information you need. You can also check with your local car dealership to see what car coolant is ideal for your vehicle. It’s also critical to use the correct proportion of water and coolant. The ratio differs based on the type of coolant you’re using.
How to Check If Your Car Needs A Coolant Or Antifreeze Flush/Change?
Flushing or changing your car’s coolant/antifreeze is simple if you know the signs that it needs to be done. For example, one way to tell is by checking the fluid’s color – if it’s brown or rusty, it needs to be changed. Another method of telling is examining the fluid level. If the level indicator shows low, more antifreeze must be added. Finally, the odor of the liquid may also provide valuable insight. If it smells sweet, this indicates that too much sugar (one of the basic components) has been deposited in your radiator, clogging its pipes. You’ll need to clean and flush your radiator.
Also, read our blog about engine overheating symptoms so you can prevent them from occurring.
What Happens If I Use Coolant and Antifreeze Interchangeably?
Is it okay to put coolant in my automobile if I need antifreeze? The answer is no. If the outside temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, using coolant instead of antifreeze can severely harm the engine. Check your owner’s handbook or talk to a specialist at the car dealership to determine which type of fluid your car needs.
Use Coolant and Antifreeze Responsibly
You must use the proper fluid type in your automobile now that you know the difference between coolant and antifreeze. Check your owner’s manual for precise instructions about the sort of fluid to use. If you’re unsure, consult with someone who knows what they are talking about; it isn’t complicated.
Dispose of any fluids you don’t plan on using so they can’t unintentionally hurt our planet. Help the environment by recycling containers that can be used repeatedly.
Keep your car running smoothly by regularly checking the coolant level and adding more as needed. Insufficient coolant levels can overheat the engine and cause severe damage.
If you’re unsure which coolant to use, how to check the level, or how often it needs topping up, ask the experts at your local car dealership next time you’re in for a service.
Need Car Maintenance and Repair Services in Pine Mountain, GA? No Problem!
We at Mike Patton CDJR want to ensure that your automobile is well cared for, even when it comes to the little things like maintaining or refilling car fluids. So please stop by our Pine Mountain, GA, car dealership before filling up your radiator fluid with whatever you have on hand so we can take a look. We’ll refill the compatible coolant or antifreeze for your automobile and assist you in staying stress-free on the road.
Schedule services now while you’re here, and look at our new collection and used vehicle inventory!
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