Are Brake Fluid and Antifreeze the Same Thing?

2 Answers
SanDelilah
07/28/25 8:42pm
Brake fluid and coolant are not the same type of fluid, so it is important to distinguish between them during car maintenance and fluid replacement to avoid unnecessary losses caused by using the wrong fluid. 1. Brake fluid: It is a liquid medium that transmits braking pressure in hydraulic braking systems and is used in vehicles equipped with hydraulic braking systems. Brake fluid, also known as hydraulic brake fluid, is an indispensable part of the braking system. In the braking system, it acts as a medium for force transmission. Since liquids cannot be compressed, the pressure output from the master cylinder is directly transmitted to the wheel cylinders through the brake fluid. 2. Coolant: Its full name should be antifreeze coolant, meaning it has antifreeze properties. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block during cold weather parking. However, it is important to correct a common misconception: antifreeze is not only used in winter but should be used year-round. In regular car maintenance, the engine antifreeze should be replaced every year.
Was this review help?
8
5
Share
LeMadelyn
08/12/25 1:26am
I was also confused about brake fluid and coolant when I first changed cars. They are completely different. Brake fluid is used in the braking system—when you press the brake pedal, it transmits pressure to stop the car. It's super important, so never add anything else to it. Coolant, on the other hand, is for the engine, responsible for cooling it and preventing freezing in winter, as well as avoiding overheating. It usually comes in green or orange. If you mix them up, like adding coolant to the brake fluid reservoir, the brakes could fail, which is extremely dangerous. I once saw a friend do this and nearly cause an accident. Also, their replacement schedules differ: brake fluid should be changed every two years, while coolant needs checking every one to two years depending on the season. Remember, don’t mix them just because they look different—vehicle safety comes first.
Was this review help?
9
3
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What is the displacement of the Lifan Xuanlang?

Lifan Xuanlang is equipped with three engines: a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, and a 1.5L turbocharged engine. Therefore, the displacements of this car are 1.8L, 2.0L, and 1.5L. Below are the relevant details: 1. The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine of the Lifan Xuanlang delivers 141 horsepower and a maximum torque of 185 Nm. This engine can output maximum power at 6000 rpm and maximum torque between 4200 and 4400 rpm. It features multi-point fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum cylinder head with a cast iron cylinder block. This engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. 2. The 1.8L naturally aspirated engine produces 133 horsepower and a maximum torque of 168 Nm. It reaches maximum power at 6000 rpm and maximum torque between 4200 and 4400 rpm. This engine also employs multi-point fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum cylinder head and block. It is matched with a 5-speed manual transmission. 3. The 1.5L turbocharged engine generates 141 horsepower and a maximum torque of 234 Nm. It achieves maximum power at 4580 rpm and maximum torque between 1750 and 3500 rpm. This engine is equipped with direct fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum cylinder head with a cast iron cylinder block. It is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an 8AT.
18
3
Share

What is the Hazard Warning Flasher Called?

The hazard warning flasher is officially called the 'hazard warning signal light,' commonly referred to as the 'double flasher.' It is a signal light on a vehicle, primarily used to alert other vehicles and pedestrians that the vehicle is experiencing a special situation, prompting them to yield in time. When to use the hazard warning flasher: When the vehicle breaks down: If the vehicle encounters a malfunction while driving and cannot be moved to a safe area promptly, the hazard warning flasher should be activated immediately to alert passing vehicles and pedestrians for safety. Additionally, call for help and wait for assistance. Breakdown on the highway: If the vehicle breaks down on the highway, it should be parked in the emergency stopping lane, and the hazard warning flasher should be turned on immediately. Place a warning sign 150 meters behind the vehicle and call for help promptly. The driver and passengers should wait outside the guardrail in front of the vehicle. Towing a malfunctioning vehicle: When towing a malfunctioning vehicle, both the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle should activate the hazard warning flasher simultaneously to alert passing vehicles and pedestrians, especially those behind, to avoid sudden lane changes or insufficient safety distance, which could lead to dangerous situations. Sudden heavy rain while driving: In case of sudden heavy rain during the day or night, when visibility is extremely low and stopping is not an option, the hazard warning flasher should be turned on immediately to alert others for safety. Transporting critically ill patients: When rushing to transport a critically ill patient, turn on the headlights along with the hazard warning flasher, honk appropriately, and display clear external markings to alert others for safety. Emergency brake failure while driving: If the vehicle experiences brake failure while driving and cannot stop promptly, turn on the headlights and hazard warning flasher, honk continuously, and take necessary measures such as downshifting or other safety precautions. Temporary parking on the road: When temporarily parked on the road, especially in non-motorized lanes or borrowed lanes, activate the hazard warning flasher immediately to alert others. The driver should not leave the vehicle casually. Vehicle involved in an accident: If the vehicle is involved in an accident, activate the hazard warning flasher immediately, alert others, and call for help or wait for further handling. Other situations: When the vehicle is reversing or making a U-turn; when a training vehicle is practicing; when performing or assigned special tasks; special circumstances on the highway.
3
0
Share

What is the fuel tank capacity of the Camry in liters?

The Camry has a total of 10 models currently on sale. Among them, the hybrid versions including the 2.5HQ Flagship, 5HGVP Leading, 2.5HS Sport, and 2.5HG Luxury models have a fuel tank capacity of 49 liters, while the remaining models have a 60-liter fuel tank. This data is officially released, and Camry owners can also check it on their vehicle's configuration sheet. The Camry uses 92-octane fuel. The hybrid versions (2.5HQ Flagship, 5HGVP Leading, 2.5HS Sport, and 2.5HG Luxury) have a fuel consumption of 4.1L per 100 kilometers, allowing a maximum range of 1,195km on a full tank. The other models have a fuel consumption ranging from 5.5L to 6.0L per 100 kilometers, providing a range of 1,000km to 1,090km on a full tank. During daily driving, it's essential to monitor the remaining fuel level in the tank. This is typically observed through the fuel gauge in the vehicle. Under normal circumstances, the fuel level is accurately reflected on the gauge. The fuel gauge usually has 5 to 6 segments, and it's advisable to refuel when only 2 segments remain to avoid running out of fuel mid-journey. In actual refueling situations, the amount of fuel may exceed the marked capacity. This occurs because the manufacturer's specified tank capacity is measured from the tank bottom to the safe fill level, with additional space left between the safe fill level and the tank opening. This extra space accommodates fuel expansion due to temperature increases, preventing overflow. If fuel is filled up to the tank opening during refueling, the actual fuel quantity may exceed the marked tank capacity.
2
1
Share

How to Identify if a New Car is a Stock Vehicle?

To determine whether a car is a stock vehicle, follow these methods: 1. Check the vehicle nameplate: The vehicle nameplate is usually located below the B-pillar on the passenger side and is easy to find. The nameplate displays basic vehicle information, including the manufacturer, model, engine power, total weight, load capacity or passenger capacity, production number, production date, and manufacturer name. First, look at the manufacturing date. If the manufacturing date is within three months of your purchase date, it is not a stock vehicle. If it exceeds three months, it is likely a stock vehicle. 2. Inspect tire wear and production date: Generally, new car tires show minimal wear. The tread hairs on the tire sidewalls should be clearly visible. If you notice the absence of tread hairs, be cautious. Next, check the tire production date. The tire sidewall has a series of numbers, such as 0717. The latter two digits (17) represent the production year, and the first two digits (07) represent the week, indicating the tire was produced in the seventh week of 2017, i.e., mid-February 2017. Compare this with the vehicle's production date on the nameplate. If they are close, it is not a stock vehicle. A significant difference warrants attention. 3. Examine the exhaust pipe interior: Insert a finger into the exhaust pipe. If it comes out clean, it is a new car. If dirty, be cautious. A new car's exhaust pipe should not be dirty. Additionally, the odometer reading should not be the primary reference. 4. Inspect the engine compartment: Open the hood and check the engine compartment. If there is thick dust or oil stains, it indicates prolonged storage or excessive mileage. Also, inspect components for deformation, discoloration, alignment, or signs of removal. 5. Check rubber parts for aging or detachment: Open the doors and trunk lid to inspect seals and other rubber parts. If seals are loose or aged, it suggests prolonged storage. If the seals fit snugly without replacement marks, it is a new car. 6. Examine the foot pedals: Open the doors and inspect the foot pedals thoroughly. Wear or excessive dust in the gaps may indicate a test-drive or stock vehicle. Clean pedals suggest a new car.
2
3
Share

What are the precautions for Volkswagen's first maintenance?

Items to bring for the first maintenance include: driver's license; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's registration certificate; vehicle's purchase invoice, and take the vehicle to the designated first maintenance facility for service. The key precaution is to make an appointment with the 4S shop in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after a new car has been driven, with the specific timing varying by vehicle, typically after driving 3,000~5,000 kilometers or about half a year. It is essential to attend the first maintenance on time, neither early nor late. The completion of the first maintenance marks the end of the car's break-in period, allowing it to be driven under standard load and normal speed as required by the vehicle. The timing for the first maintenance is calculated from the date of vehicle pickup. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance: mileage and time. Whichever comes first will be the standard. The first maintenance items include: changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter, checking various fluid levels for normality, inspecting the generator belt and wiper blades for damage, checking tire pressure for normality, and examining tires for damage or bulges. Estimated time required: Approximately 2 hours to complete all tasks. The most crucial aspect of a new car's first maintenance is changing the engine oil and oil filter. When changing the oil, the oil filter must also be replaced. The selection of engine oil must refer to the "Vehicle Usage and Maintenance Manual," as different vehicle models specify different oil grades. Maintenance precautions: Do not wash the interior of the car body with water: Many people clean their cars during holidays, washing the body with water and wiping it with a cloth. It is important to note that the interior of the car body should not be directly washed with water. If the floor mats are dirty, use a vacuum cleaner or take them out to brush with detergent, dry them, and then put them back. There are many drainage holes under the rubber mats on the floor of the driver's compartment. If water enters, it will not dry naturally but will flow through these holes to the gearbox and other parts, causing erosion and corrosion. The best practice is to clean with a vacuum and then wipe with a cloth to prevent water accumulation. Do not mix different brands of antifreeze: When the antifreeze in the car is low, it is recommended to drain the antifreeze and add the same brand from the beginning. Since antifreeze brands differ, their chemical properties vary significantly. Various functional additives may corrode others. Different brands of antifreeze use different additives, so they should not be mixed to avoid unnecessary trouble. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When bolts on a moving car rust, they are often oiled to function again. Some people apply lubricant to bolts and nuts to prevent rust, but this poses a risk to safe driving. At high speeds, bolts and nuts may loosen or even fall off, leading to driving malfunctions. Do not press the accelerator when starting an EFI car: The starter of an EFI car is different from that of a conventional car. Its fuel injection control device can automatically adjust the fuel supply based on the starter's temperature and operating conditions, ensuring a smooth start.
15
1
Share

How to Check Vehicle License Information?

Log in to the local traffic police website, click on the vehicle information query, then enter the license plate number, engine identification code, and the verification code required by the website. Once the page opens, all the vehicle's information will be displayed, such as purchase date, inspection date, penalty points, etc.
5
2
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.