What is coolant composed of?

[DeAlessandra]

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: 1. Alcohol-based coolant uses ethanol (commonly known as alcohol) as the antifreeze. It is cheap, has good fluidity, and is simple to prepare, but it has a low boiling point, is prone to evaporation loss, has an easily increased freezing point, and is flammable. It has gradually been phased out; 2. Glycerin-based coolant has a high boiling point, low volatility, is not easy to ignite, is non-toxic, and has low corrosiveness, but its freezing point reduction effect is poor, and it is costly and expensive; 3. 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 into 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.

[ElijahMarie]

The composition of coolant is actually quite simple. I've handled many vehicle maintenance cases, and it's mainly a base fluid mixed with water, which accounts for the majority and is responsible for heat transfer and cooling. The typical mixing ratio is around 50%. Ethylene glycol is the core component, preventing freezing in winter and also raising the boiling point to avoid overheating. Additives are the highlight, such as corrosion inhibitors to protect engine parts from rust, anti-foaming agents to ensure smoother cooling, and dyes to help identify leaks easily. Don't overlook this—different colors represent different formulations, and compatibility is crucial. I also recommend checking the fluid level regularly and replacing it every two years, as excessive sediment can affect cooling efficiency. It's truly the guardian of engine longevity.

[DeEvelyn]

As a car owner who has driven a sedan for ten years, I know that coolant is essentially a mix of water and additives. Water serves as the primary heat transfer medium, while additives like ethylene glycol provide anti-freeze and anti-rust properties, ensuring the engine operates safely under extreme temperatures. I remember during a cold snap last winter, it was the coolant that prevented the engine from freezing. During every maintenance check, I consult the manual to ensure the correct type and mixing ratio are used—50:50 is the standard blend. For daily use, it's advisable to use distilled water to avoid impurity buildup, which can extend the system's lifespan and prevent cooling efficiency from diminishing. Regular maintenance is the key to peace of mind—never skip it.

[VanMaverick]

The core of coolant is a combination of water and ethylene glycol. Water is responsible for heat conduction, while ethylene glycol lowers the freezing point. Anti-freeze additives such as silicates prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan of engine components. It ensures temperature stability within the range of -30°C to 130°C. Maintain proper concentration during use and avoid mixing incompatible types for safety and efficiency.