Is Automotive Coolant the Same as Antifreeze?
2 Answers
Coolant is not entirely the same as antifreeze. Coolant is essentially water mixed with antifreeze. In simpler terms, coolant refers to any liquid that can cool down the engine, which can be either water or antifreeze. Method for Replacing Antifreeze: Before completely replacing the antifreeze, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leaks or cracks in the pipelines, with a particular focus on the five-way hose. The five-way hose gets its name from having five connecting interfaces to different parts. Antifreeze flows through the five-way hose and is then distributed to various parts of the car to perform its function. If there are any signs of antifreeze leakage in this section, replace the hose or re-secure the connections as needed. Drain the old antifreeze, then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the antifreeze reservoir and continue filling it to allow water to flow continuously through the engine cooling system. Then, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. The water initially draining from the reservoir may have a faint pink tint. Continue adding clean water until the drained water runs clear. Remember to disconnect the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. Approximately one hour after draining, add the new antifreeze through the radiator hose to allow it to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another container of antifreeze to the reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. During this time, the coolant level may drop as air is purged from the system. Top up the antifreeze to the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
Automotive coolant is indeed antifreeze. I've been repairing cars for ten years and deal with this stuff every day. Essentially, it's a mixture of ethylene glycol and water with some anti-corrosion additives added. In winter, it prevents freezing and bursting the radiator, while in summer, it can raise the boiling point from 108°C to 129°C, preventing overheating. Different colors (red, green, blue) have different formulations, so never mix them! It's recommended to replace it every two years or 40,000 kilometers. When replacing, remember to check the freezing point indicator; -25°C is sufficient.
