Key Takeaways –
- Car technicians often use antifreeze and coolant interchangeably
- The proper coolant levels ensure the engine does not overheat
- The coolant absorbs heat from the engine, while antifreeze ensures the coolant does not freeze in lower temperatures
- Regardless of the differences, car owners need both for a smooth performance
- Refer to your car owner’s manual or experienced technician to choose the correct antifreeze or coolant
If your car doesn’t start on a cold winter morning, you might be tempted to grab that jug of antifreeze under the sink and start pouring. But is antifreeze really what your car needs? Engine coolant and antifreeze are used in cars to keep the engine from overheating. But what’s the difference between them? Is it merely semantics, or is there a real difference? Let’s take a closer look.
What is an Engine Coolant? – Explained
Engine coolant is a liquid solution that – you guessed it right – cools your car’s engine. It is typically made up of water and glycol and can include other additives for corrosion protection, freezing point reduction, and boil-over temperature increase. The coolant absorbs engine heat and then flows through the radiator, where the surrounding air cools it.
Antifreeze Explained – It’s Relation with Engine Coolant – What Does It Do?
Car owners and technicians use antifreeze and coolant interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. Antifreeze is an additive mixed with water to create engine coolant. Antifreeze lowers the coolant’s freezing point so that it can still circulate and do its job even during cold weather. Antifreeze also raises the coolant’s boiling point to prevent overheating.
A coolant mixture is usually 50/50 water and glycol-based antifreeze. The water absorbs heat, while the glycol prevents the solution from freezing during cold weather. The coolant depends on these two ingredients to function correctly.
If your coolant level is low, it must be refilled with a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze. It’s important not to add just water or just antifreeze to the coolant reservoir because this can throw off the proportions and cause engine problems.
If you’re unsure what kind of coolant or how much coolant your car needs, consult your owner’s manual or ask a professional mechanic. They’ll be able to help you get the right mix for your car’s make and model.
Topping off Coolant Levels – Why is it Important?
The coolant mixture becomes acidic over time and starts to corrode engine parts. To prevent this, you must replace the coolant at regular intervals. You should flush and replace the coolant once you notice clear signs of contamination.
You might wonder why you can’t just add water to the coolant reservoir when it’s low. While water is fine on its own as a coolant, it boils at a lower temperature and will cause your engine to overheat more quickly. Antifreeze lowers the boiling point of water and prevents it from vaporizing in the engine.
Keeping a watchful eye on coolant levels is essential; car owners should ensure they top off coolant levels as needed.
How to Add Coolant? – A Guide
If your coolant’s low, you’ll need to add more. Follow these steps to do so:
- Park your car in a secured place and turn off the engine.
- Wait for the engine to cool down before opening the coolant reservoir cap.
- Once the engine cools, locate the coolant reservoir and remove the cap.
- Add coolant to the radiator reservoir until it reaches the “full” line
- Replace the cap and tighten it until it’s snug.
- Check for leaks and repair as necessary.
Using the correct type of coolant/antifreeze in your car is essential. The incorrect solution can damage your engine, so check your owner’s manual or ask a professional before adding coolant.
What Happens When You Drive with Low Coolant Levels? –
Low coolant levels are a recipe for disaster, as your engine will overheat and sustain severe damage. An overheating engine can cause a total breakdown as the heat seizes up the moving parts.
If you notice your coolant levels are low, add coolant as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with low coolant can lead to costly repairs or even a total replacement of your engine.
Signs of Low Coolant Levels –
There are several signs that you have low coolant levels, including:
- A temperature gauge that is higher than usual
- Frequent engine overheating
- Steam or coolant leaks
- Check engine light is on
If you notice these signs, check your coolant levels and add coolant as needed. Again, use the correct type of coolant for your vehicle.
What Type of Antifreeze and Coolant Should I Use for My Car? –
The coolant in your car needs to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. It also needs to be designed for compatibility with the materials used in your engine. The most common type of coolant is ethylene glycol antifreeze, usually green, yellow, or orange. If you’re not sure what technology of coolant to use, consult your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.
If you live in an area with a colder climate, you’ll need to use a coolant with a higher boiling point, so it doesn’t freeze in your engine. You’ll need a coolant with a lower freezing point in hot climates so it doesn’t overheat. Some coolants are designed for specific types of vehicles, such as those with aluminum engines.
Why do Most Auto Technicians Use Both Coolant and Antifreeze Interchangeably? –
Antifreeze is a coolant, but coolant is not always antifreeze. It’s easy to see how you could use the terms interchangeably because they both perform the same function and use the same base ingredients. But you should be aware of some essential differences between coolant and antifreeze. Expert technicians skilled and experienced at their job know the difference between the two and realize how each is important to prevent your engine from seizing.
Also, read – Why You Need Professionals to Inspect Your Car?
Antifreeze and engine coolant are designed to keep your car’s engine running at the correct temperature. However, there are some critical differences between the two that you should be aware of to ensure proper car maintenance. Our team of experts at Vann York Toyota, serving High Point, NC, can help you ensure your car has the right antifreeze or engine coolant level. Schedule a service today, and let us take care of everything.
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