Let's Ride The Fluid Guide: Engine Coolant Vs. Antifreeze

Key Takeaways:

1. Antifreeze is made primarily from glycol, while coolant is made from water and glycol. Coolant has a higher boiling point, so it can better protect your engine from overheating.
2. The coolant absorbs heat and carries it away to be cooled by the radiator. It’s located in front of the engine and consists of a series of metal fins that help to dissipate heat.
3. Coolant can become contaminated over time, leading to corrosion and clogging.
4. A coolant flush is a simple process that can save you a lot of money in the long run.
5. Glycol-based coolants are more effective at lowering the freezing point and boiling point of water.
   

What's the difference between coolant and antifreeze? Do you need both? Can you use one in place of the other? You're not alone if you've ever wondered about the difference between coolant and antifreeze. But, whatever you do, before attempting to handle these fluids, wear protective gloves & consult your car owner’s manual.

The fluids can be toxic and need a trained professional to bland them right. And whether you’re an amateur mechanic or a first-time car owner, read on to learn everything you need about engine coolant and antifreeze.

Differences Between Antifreeze and Coolant

Most people don't know the difference between antifreeze and coolant and use the terms interchangeably. They are similar yet different in a way.

But we'll talk about a few key differences!

• Antifreeze is made primarily from glycol, while coolant is made from glycol, corrosion inhibitors, additives, and water.
• Antifreeze has a higher boiling point than a coolant, so it can better protect your engine from overheating by way of heat absorption & dissipation.
• Antifreeze is more effective at preventing freezing & boiling of the engine coolant, while mere coolant is not enough for cars driven in climate extremes.

So, next time you're at the store looking for either of these automotive fluids, ensure you get the right one for your needs. Or simply let your

How Does the Coolant Work?

• The coolant circulates through the radiator hoses of the car & helps to keep the engine at a stable temperature.
• The coolant is stored in a reservoir under the hood and is pumped through the engine by the water pump.
• As it circulates through the engine, it absorbs heat and then carries it away to be cooled by the radiator.
• The radiator is usually located in front of the engine and consists of a series of metal fins that help to dissipate heat.
• The cooled fluid then flows back through the engine to absorb more heat.
• This cycle continues as long as the engine is running and helps keep the engine at a safe operating temperature.

How to Check Engine Coolant Level?

It's important to check the levels of engine coolant in your car regularly. Low levels can lead to engine overheating, which can cause serious damage. Checking the coolant level is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here's how:

• First, locate the coolant reservoir. This is usually located in front of the engine and will have a marked line.
• The level should be between the "full" and "low" marks.
• Slowly pour until it reaches the "full" mark.
• Put the cap back on and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off and check the level again. Add more coolant if necessary.

Checking your coolant level regularly is a simple way to help keep your car running smoothly.

How to Drain Coolant?

Draining coolant is also a fairly simple process. Here's how:

• Locate the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator.
• Open the valve and let the coolant drain out.
• Close the valve when the coolant is at the desired level.
• Refill with fresh coolant.

What’s a Coolant Flush Service?

Coolant flush service is essential to maintaining a healthy cooling system, and you should do it regularly to prevent problems. The coolant in your system can become contaminated over time, leading to corrosion and clogging.

Flushing the system cleans out all the contaminants. It allows fresh coolant to flow, keeping your engine running cooler and more efficiently. It's a simple process that can save you a lot of money in the long run, so don't neglect it!

Types of Coolant

There are two main types of coolant: glycol-based and propylene glycol-based.

• Glycol-based coolants are traditional engine coolants that use ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol as the base.
• Propylene glycol-based coolants, on the other hand, use propylene glycol as the base.

Glycol-based coolants are more effective at lowering the freezing point and boiling point of water than propylene glycol-based coolants. They are also better at preventing corrosion.

However, glycol-based coolants are toxic and can harm humans and animals if ingested. Propylene glycol-based coolants are not as effective at lowering the freezing point and boiling point of water as glycol-based coolants. Still, they are non-toxic and considered safe for both humans and animals.

Tips to Keep Your Engine's Cooling System Healthy

1. Check your coolant level regularly & top it off when necessary.
2. Inspect your radiator hoses and other cooling system components for signs of wear or leaks.
3. Flush & replace your coolant according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
4. Keep an eye on your engine's temperature gauge and get to a mechanic if it starts to climb into the red zone.
5. Whenever in doubt about radiator corrosion, schedule your car for a service.

If you notice unusual symptoms, have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Also read:

Can I Use Water Instead of Engine Coolant?

You can use water instead of engine coolant, but it's not advisable. Water will evaporate quickly and does not protect against corrosion as engine coolant does. Additionally, water will not lower the freezing point or boiling point of your engine's fluids as effectively as engine coolant. If you're in a bind & need to top off your engine's fluids, use distilled water.

Conclusion

Engine coolant and antifreeze are vital for running your car smoothly, particularly in hot or cold weather. It's important to keep all of your car's fluids at the correct levels. Whether it's oil, coolant, or washer fluid, it's important to ensure that your vehicle has enough. Our service center at Supreme Chevrolet West, serving Prairieville, LA, offers fluid-level checks and corrections. We'll top off any fluids that are low and drain any that are too full. We'll also let you know if there are any other maintenance issues we notice while looking under the hood.

Schedule a service now!