What is coolant composed of?
2 Answers
Coolant consists of three parts: water, antifreeze, and additives. Based on the different components of antifreeze, coolant can be divided into the following three types: Alcohol-based coolant: Alcohol-based coolant uses ethanol (commonly known as alcohol) as the antifreeze. It is inexpensive, has good fluidity, and is simple to prepare. However, it has a low boiling point, is prone to evaporation loss, has an easily elevated freezing point, and is flammable. It is now gradually being phased out. Glycerol-based coolant: Glycerol-based coolant has a high boiling point, low volatility, is not easily flammable, non-toxic, and has low corrosiveness. However, it is less effective at lowering the freezing point, costly, and expensive. Ethylene glycol-based coolant: Ethylene glycol-based coolant uses ethylene glycol as the antifreeze and is prepared by adding a small amount of comprehensive additives such as anti-foaming and anti-corrosion agents. Since ethylene glycol is easily soluble in water, it can be mixed to create coolants with various freezing points, with the lowest freezing point reaching -68°C. This type of coolant has characteristics such as a high boiling point, low foaming tendency, good viscosity-temperature performance, and anti-corrosion and anti-scaling properties, making it an ideal coolant.
As someone who often delves into vehicle details, I find the composition of coolant quite worth discussing. It's primarily a mixture of about 50% purified water and 50% ethylene glycol. This ethylene glycol prevents the engine from freezing in sub-zero temperatures and also avoids overheating and boiling in summer. Additionally, it contains auxiliary components like antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors to protect aluminum parts from rusting. If the ratio is off, such as using too much tap water, it can easily lead to scaling and clogged pipes. I always recommend choosing pre-mixed coolant for direct pouring—it's hassle-free and safe. When replacing it, remember to avoid hot components to prevent burns. Regularly check the coolant level and color; if it appears too cloudy, the components may have degraded, requiring timely replacement.
