The Difference Between Antifreeze and Coolant?
3 Answers
There is no difference between antifreeze and coolant; they are the same liquid. More information about antifreeze and coolant is as follows: 1. The full name of antifreeze and coolant is antifreeze coolant, meaning a coolant with antifreeze function. Antifreeze can prevent the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block when the vehicle is parked in cold seasons. 2. The engine and its cooling system are made of metal, including copper, iron, aluminum, steel, and solder. These metals, when in contact with water at high temperatures for a long time, can corrode and rust. Antifreeze not only does not cause corrosion to the engine cooling system but also has anti-corrosion and rust-removing functions.
I've been running an auto repair shop for many years, and car owners often ask this question. Coolant is the liquid in a car's cooling system, primarily used for heat dissipation to prevent engine overheating, and it can be used all year round. Antifreeze, on the other hand, is a specially formulated type of coolant that contains additives like ethylene glycol, designed specifically to prevent freezing in winter. The difference lies in their names: coolant refers to all heat-dissipating liquids, while antifreeze emphasizes its anti-freezing function. In practice, most products on the modern market are hybrid antifreeze coolants that combine both functions. However, in cold regions, such as the north, it's essential to ensure the liquid has a sufficiently low freezing point, like -40 degrees, otherwise using just water or ordinary liquid will cause freezing, potentially bursting the radiator and leading to expensive repairs. It's recommended to regularly check the fluid level and concentration, with a replacement every two years being ideal.
As an ordinary driver, I've learned my lesson the hard way. Coolant is used for daily heat dissipation to prevent the engine from overheating and breaking down in summer. Antifreeze, on the other hand, is designed for winter, capable of withstanding sub-zero temperatures without freezing. Once I forgot to switch to antifreeze, and the radiator froze and cracked during a cold snap, costing me over a thousand bucks in repairs. Now I've wised up—most coolants actually contain antifreeze components, but you need to check the label for the freezing point, like -25°C which suits my area. The key is not to mix different brands, as chemical reactions can cause sedimentation. I check the reservoir every season to maintain proper fluid levels, saving money and giving me peace of mind.
