Does Car Antifreeze Prevent Rust?
2 Answers
Car antifreeze prevents rust. Antifreeze does not corrode the engine's water passages. The car's engine must use specialized antifreeze; tap water cannot be used as a substitute for antifreeze. If tap water is used instead of antifreeze, it can cause rust in the water passages. The functions of antifreeze are: 1. To provide anti-corrosion protection for the engine's cooling system; 2. To prevent the engine temperature from reaching 100 degrees Celsius and causing the water to boil; 3. To prevent the formation of scale, avoiding a reduction in the radiator's cooling efficiency; 4. To ensure the engine operates properly under low temperatures. The method for replacing antifreeze is: 1. Open the vehicle's engine hood, and the coolant reservoir can be seen in the upper right corner; 2. Open the antifreeze drain plug under the radiator to drain the old antifreeze; 3. Add new antifreeze, tighten the cap, and the antifreeze replacement is complete.
As someone who has been tinkering with engines for years, I know that antifreeze indeed has anti-rust properties. It contains inhibitors, such as silicates or phosphates, which protect the metal components of the cooling system from rusting. For example, areas like the engine block and radiator pipes can accumulate rust and become clogged if anti-rust measures are inadequate, leading to poor heat dissipation, engine overheating, or even cylinder explosion. This is no trivial matter—it's about driving safety. That's why I emphasize regularly checking the fluid level and color changes. If the antifreeze becomes cloudy or has sediment, it's time to replace it. Besides its functions of preventing freezing in winter and boiling in summer, this anti-rust protection also extends the system's lifespan. I recommend replacing it every two years or as specified in the owner's manual—don't skimp on this, or the repair costs could be several times higher.
