What is the function of car antifreeze?
4 Answers
Antifreeze is a type of coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and resisting scale and corrosion throughout the year. The key indicators of antifreeze are its freezing point and boiling point. On the market, antifreeze is available in various specifications with freezing points such as -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C. Generally, it is advisable to choose an antifreeze with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. Methods to determine if antifreeze is low: Observe the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to low antifreeze levels, though it could also be caused by excessively high engine temperatures. Check the antifreeze reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and promptly add antifreeze. Inspect the fluid level markings on the antifreeze tank. The normal antifreeze level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. If the antifreeze is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage.
As a car enthusiast, my knowledge of antifreeze is rock-solid. Its most fundamental task is to prevent the cooling system from freezing and cracking the engine block in winter, even at temperatures as low as -30°C. In summer, it truly shines—while plain water boils at 100°C, antifreeze can withstand over 120°C, preventing engine overheating and stalling. It also comes with built-in anti-corrosion properties; the aluminum and iron components in the engine's waterways rely on antifreeze additives to combat rust and scale buildup. Otherwise, the water pump and radiator could fail in no time. Using tap water as a long-term substitute? The scale buildup would clog the system like blocked blood vessels, reducing cooling efficiency and cutting the engine's lifespan by 30%. I make it a rule to change the antifreeze every two years—freezing point, boiling point, and anti-corrosion properties are all non-negotiable.
In my daily car maintenance experience, antifreeze is like a bodyguard for the engine. During freezing winters, its primary defense is preventing cracks with a freezing point over 30 degrees lower than water. In scorching summers, its high boiling point becomes crucial—keeping the engine stable even when temperatures soar to 110°C during long drives or traffic jams. Don’t forget it also acts as a rust shield for metal components: delicate parts like water pump impellers and metal coolant pipes rely on antifreeze’s corrosion inhibitors to combat oxidation. Once, a friend cut corners by using plain water, and within six months, the radiator clogged with scale, halving cooling efficiency. Now, I always check with a refractometer to ensure the antifreeze stays in peak condition.
A veteran driver with over a decade of experience tells you that antifreeze does far more than just prevent freezing. Here are its three core functions: preventing engine block cracks in winter, avoiding boil-overs in summer, and protecting against metal corrosion and rust year-round. Regular water freezes and expands at zero degrees, while antifreeze remains liquid even at -40°C. Even more impressive is the protective film formed by its additives, which prevents iron and aluminum parts from oxidizing due to water. Many people don’t realize it also prevents scale buildup—mineral deposits from tap water can clog cooling channels, whereas specialized antifreeze completely avoids this issue. It’s recommended to replace it every two years—don’t wait until the radiator leaks to regret it.
