Is coolant the radiator?
2 Answers
Coolant is antifreeze. There are scale marks on the coolant. If the level is below the scale marks, you can add antifreeze. If it's above the scale marks, there's no need to add any. Here are the functions of antifreeze: 1. Anti-corrosion: Antifreeze does not cause corrosion to the engine cooling system and also has anti-corrosion and rust removal functions. 2. Prevents boiling: The boiling point of water is 100°C, while the boiling point of high-quality antifreeze coolant is usually above 110°C, which helps prevent boiling during summer use. 3. Scale removal: High-quality antifreeze is made with distilled water and contains anti-scale additives, which not only prevents scale buildup but also has scale removal functions.
I often encounter this issue while driving. Coolant is actually the cooling liquid, typically antifreeze, not the radiator itself. The radiator, on the other hand, refers to the heat exchanger at the front of the car. It's a container that holds the coolant to circulate and cool the engine. Many people mistakenly think they are the same thing, which is understandable because in daily conversation, when we say 'add water to the radiator,' we actually mean adding coolant. From my experience, confusing the two can lead to incorrect coolant addition, such as directly adding tap water, which can corrode the pipes or cause engine overheating issues. I recommend regularly checking the radiator fluid level, keeping it between the Min and Max marks, and replacing the coolant every six months to ensure the cooling system operates efficiently, avoiding sudden breakdowns on the road and ensuring safe driving.
