What is the difference between antifreeze and engine coolant?
2 Answers
Below are the specific differences between antifreeze and engine coolant: 1. Purpose: The function of coolant is to cool the engine, while antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing in cold winter conditions when the vehicle is parked, thereby avoiding damage to the radiator and engine cylinder block or head. 2. Composition: The main component of coolant is CO2 in solid form, whereas antifreeze is primarily composed of 95% ethylene glycol. 3. Functionality: Antifreeze has anti-corrosion and anti-rust properties, providing protective effects against corrosion for cooling system components and preventing scale buildup. Coolant can prevent freezing in winter, as well as offer anti-corrosion and descaling functions.
Antifreeze and coolant are essentially the same thing, with the primary function of protecting the engine from overheating and seizing in summer and freezing in winter. Antifreeze specifically emphasizes preventing freezing. For example, in northern winters, vehicles must use a version with a higher proportion of ethylene glycol; otherwise, water hoses and radiators can freeze and crack, leading to major repairs. Coolant is the general term, encompassing functions like heat dissipation, corrosion prevention, and lubricating the water pump. Commonly used are mixtures of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. Having driven trucks for over a decade, I know that during summer long-hauls, it's essential to regularly check the coolant's boiling point to ensure it doesn’t evaporate and cause overheating. In winter, the focus is on the freezing point—using plain water as coolant can instantly freeze and damage the system. Remember to replace the mixed coolant every 2-3 years or 50,000 kilometers, and don’t mess up the ratio—just a 50% water and 50% concentrate mix will do.
