Is coolant the same as antifreeze?
2 Answers
Coolant is antifreeze. There are scale marks inside the coolant reservoir. If the level is below the mark, you can add antifreeze; if it's above the mark, no addition is needed. Below are the functions of antifreeze: 1. Corrosion prevention: Antifreeze does not cause corrosion to the engine cooling system and also has anti-corrosion and rust removal functions. 2. Boil-over prevention: The boiling point of water is 100°C, while high-quality antifreeze coolant typically has a boiling point above 110°C, preventing boil-over during summer use. 3. Scale removal: High-quality antifreeze is made with distilled water and contains anti-scaling additives, which not only prevent scale buildup but also have descaling functions.
Indeed, coolant is what we commonly refer to as antifreeze, but its functions go far beyond its name. It not only prevents freezing in winter but also avoids engine overheating in summer. I've personally seen cars that didn't change their coolant on time—their radiators were full of rust and scale, drastically reducing cooling efficiency. It's recommended to replace it every two years or 40,000 kilometers. Never mix different colors of coolant, with ethylene glycol-based being the most common. When choosing, pay attention to the freezing point; -35°C is best for northern regions, while -25°C is sufficient for the south.
