Are the car radiator and antifreeze the same tank?
2 Answers
The car's radiator and antifreeze are the same tank because what is actually added to the radiator is not plain water but antifreeze. Composition of antifreeze: The main components of antifreeze are: 50% purified water, 40% methanol, and 10% other substances. Types of antifreeze: Antifreeze is generally divided into three types: ethanol-water type, glycerol-water type, and ethylene glycol-water type. Can different antifreeze brands be mixed? The same brand of antifreeze must be used. Different brands of antifreeze may have varying production formulas, and mixing them could lead to chemical reactions between additives, rendering them ineffective. How to choose antifreeze: The basic indicators of antifreeze are its freezing and boiling points. Market antifreeze comes in freezing points such as -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C. Generally, it is advisable to choose one that is at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region.
I started driving 20 years ago, and back then, I didn’t quite understand the difference between a car radiator and coolant. The radiator is actually a core component of the car's cooling system—it’s like a metal box responsible for dissipating heat and protecting the engine from overheating. Coolant, on the other hand, is the liquid that fills this radiator. It’s a special mixture that prevents freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and also guards against corrosion. These two are not the same thing: the radiator is the physical container, while the coolant is the liquid additive. If you don’t replace the coolant regularly, say every two years, the radiator can accumulate rust or even crack, leading to engine failure. From my experience, it’s crucial to regularly check the radiator’s fluid level and the coolant’s color. If you notice it’s cloudy or has an odd smell, head to a repair shop immediately for a replacement—otherwise, sudden temperature spikes during summer traffic jams can be extremely dangerous. In short, understanding them separately helps you address potential issues in a timely manner.
