What is the difference between car coolant and antifreeze?
2 Answers
The differences between car coolant and antifreeze are: 1. Applicable seasons differ: Coolant refers to any liquid that can lower the engine temperature, which can be water or antifreeze. Water is limited by seasons; antifreeze is suitable for all seasons, with high quality and guaranteed performance. 2. Applicable regions differ: Coolant is suitable for the southern regions; antifreeze is suitable for the northern regions. The functions of car antifreeze are: 1. Providing anti-corrosion protection for cooling system components; 2. Preventing scale formation to avoid reducing the radiator's cooling efficiency; 3. Ensuring the engine operates within the normal temperature range. Precautions for using antifreeze: 1. The antifreeze level should be checked regularly and replenished promptly if it falls below the minimum level; 2. Observe whether the antifreeze has any turbid sediments, and replace it in time if there are; 3. Different car models have antifreeze of different colors, which should not be mixed; 4. Before winter, measure the freezing point of the antifreeze to prevent it from freezing.
With my over ten years of auto repair shop experience, I can tell you that coolant and antifreeze are essentially the same thing with different names. In summer, people usually call it coolant, while in winter, it's referred to as antifreeze. At their core, both are water solutions mixed with ethylene glycol, primarily tasked with helping the engine dissipate heat. The name 'antifreeze' emphasizes its winter function—preventing freezing. Ordinary water freezes at zero degrees and can burst water pipes, but the mixture can withstand temperatures dozens of degrees below zero. Pay attention to the freezing point marked on the packaging: -25°C or -40°C determines its cold resistance. Another misconception is that antifreeze is only for winter use. In fact, it should be used year-round; in summer, it also prevents the engine from overheating. Always choose the same color as the original factory fluid, as mixing different types can cause chemical reactions that clog the pipes.