What is the function of automotive coolant?
2 Answers
Automotive coolant serves to prevent freezing in winter, resist corrosion, inhibit scale formation, and avoid boiling over. The full name of coolant should be antifreeze coolant, meaning it is a coolant with antifreeze properties that prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block during cold weather when the vehicle is parked. Coolant is not just for winter use; it should be used year-round. In standard vehicle maintenance, the engine coolant should be replaced every year. Coolant consists of three components: water, antifreeze, and additives. Based on the antifreeze component, it can be classified into different types such as alcohol-based, glycerol-based, and ethylene glycol-based coolants.
As an average car owner with over five years of driving experience, coolant has truly been the engine's best ally. Its primary role is heat dissipation—when the engine runs, temperatures soar alarmingly high, and the circulating coolant carries away this heat, preventing the machinery from overheating and stalling. In winter, it prevents freezing; even at sub-zero temperatures, it won't solidify, safeguarding pipes from cracking due to frost. It also boasts anti-rust properties, with chemical agents in the liquid inhibiting metal corrosion and pipe blockages. I learned this the hard way: during a past trip, aged and insufficient coolant caused my car to overheat and emit smoke within just half an hour of driving, nearly ruining my plans. Thankfully, a roadside repair shop diagnosed the issue and replenished it with fresh fluid. For routine maintenance, I've adopted the habit of checking the reservoir level monthly—topping it up if it dips below the minimum line and performing a complete replacement every two years or 30,000 kilometers. This fluid also prevents corrosion, extending component lifespan while saving both money and hassle. In short, don't underestimate it—integrating cooling, freeze protection, and rust prevention, it ensures stable and safe vehicle operation. Cultivating regular inspection habits is a wise practice.
