Is Antifreeze the Same as Coolant?
1 Answers
Antifreeze is not the same as coolant. Coolant is equivalent to water plus antifreeze, referring to the liquid that can lower the engine's temperature, which can be either water or antifreeze. Water is a very low-grade coolant and is also subject to seasonal limitations. The full name of antifreeze should be antifreeze coolant, meaning a coolant with antifreeze properties. It prevents the coolant from freezing and expanding during cold winter stops, which could crack the radiator and damage the engine cylinder block or head. The engine and its cooling system are made of metal, including copper, iron, aluminum, steel, and solder. These metals, when in contact with water under high temperatures over time, will corrode and rust. Antifreeze, however, not only does not cause corrosion to the engine cooling system but also has anti-corrosion and rust removal functions.