What is the difference between coolant and antifreeze?
2 Answers
Antifreeze is not completely equivalent to coolant. Coolant can be composed of water mixed with antifreeze. Simply put, coolant refers to the liquid that can cool down the engine. This liquid can be pure water or antifreeze. However, since water can have adverse effects on the engine and is also limited by seasonal factors, most coolants today contain antifreeze. The following are the advantages of antifreeze: 1. Anti-corrosion function: The engine and its cooling system are made of metals such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, and solder. These metals, when in contact with water under high temperatures over time, can corrode and rust. Antifreeze not only does not cause corrosion to the engine cooling system but also has anti-corrosion and rust-removing functions. 2. Engine cooling function: The boiling point of water is 100°C, while high-quality antifreeze coolant usually has a boiling point above 110°C, making it less likely to boil over in summer compared to water.
I've been driving for over a decade and initially thought coolant and antifreeze were two completely different things. Later, I discovered that coolant is the general term for the liquid responsible for engine cooling, preventing overheating and part failures, while antifreeze refers more to its key property of preventing freezing, specifically avoiding engine pipe damage in winter. Essentially, many commercially available coolants already contain antifreeze agents, with the ethylene glycol ratio determining freeze resistance – usually only versions capable of -30°C or below are labeled as antifreeze. The terms are often used interchangeably, but when purchasing, check the label: antifreeze focuses on low-temperature protection, whereas universal coolant also emphasizes anti-boil and anti-rust properties. Driving in northern regions, I prefer using antifreeze-type coolant rated for -40°C, which still functions normally for heat dissipation in summer. Regular checks of fluid levels and color changes are crucial, as deterioration can corrode the system. Using the wrong type or mixing different varieties may cause thermostat failure or water pump leaks, so I recommend choosing reputable brands based on local climate, typically replacing every two years to avoid major repairs.
