Are Car Refrigerant and Antifreeze the Same?
2 Answers
Not exactly the same. Antifreeze is not completely equivalent to coolant. Coolant is equal to water plus antifreeze. Antifreeze includes coolant, but coolant does not include antifreeze. High-quality coolant can extend the replacement interval. The differences between coolant and antifreeze are as follows: 1. Different applicable seasons: Coolant can be either water or antifreeze, while antifreeze is suitable for all four seasons. Coolant refers to the liquid that can cool down the engine, which can be either water or antifreeze. Water is limited by seasons; antifreeze is suitable for all four seasons, with high quality and guaranteed performance. 2. Different applicable regions: Coolant is suitable for the southern regions, while antifreeze is suitable for the northern regions.
I think car refrigerant and coolant are different. Coolant is mainly used in the engine cooling system to prevent freezing in winter and overheating in summer, as well as to prevent corrosion and extend system life; refrigerant is specifically for the air conditioning system, cooling the interior air through evaporation. I've seen many new drivers confuse them, resulting in non-cooling air conditioning or engine warnings. Coolant is usually a water-based liquid, such as ethylene glycol-based; refrigerant is gas-based, like R134a. Their compositions and uses are different, and adding them to the wrong place may cause system blockages or damage parts. It's recommended to regularly check the coolant level and concentration, while refrigerant doesn't need frequent attention, but it's best to test the air conditioning pressure before each summer. In short, understanding the difference can save a lot of repair costs and time.
