What is car coolant?
2 Answers
Coolant is antifreeze, which does not freeze and protects your engine. Function: As the medium required for cooling a car's engine, its freezing and boiling points are different from water. Simply put, when gasoline burns inside the engine cylinders, it generates temperatures of thousands of degrees. The metal and rubber/plastic components of the engine cannot withstand such high temperatures, so a liquid is needed for cooling. Additional Information: The concentration of the coolant's components determines its performance. Composition: Engine coolant consists of ethylene glycol, anti-corrosion additives, anti-foaming additives, and water. Among these, ethylene glycol is the core component that expands the liquid's temperature adaptation range. By mixing with water, high-concentration coolant can avoid boiling or freezing within a range of 197°C to -60°C.
The car's coolant, also known as antifreeze or cooling fluid, is the core liquid in the automobile engine's cooling system. It is responsible for absorbing and transferring heat during engine operation, preventing engine overheating damage or freezing and bursting in winter. It is typically an ethylene glycol-based mixture, blended with water, anti-corrosion agents, and anti-boiling additives to ensure stability under extreme temperatures. After prolonged use, the coolant will age and change color, reducing its anti-corrosion capability and affecting cooling efficiency. Therefore, I recommend checking the fluid level and color every two years or 20,000 kilometers. If it appears cloudy, replace it to avoid engine performance degradation. Additionally, selecting the appropriate type of coolant is crucial, as different colors correspond to different formulations suited for various climate zones. Avoid mixing them arbitrarily to prevent chemical reactions that could damage the radiator.
