What is the use of antifreeze?
2 Answers
The functions of antifreeze are: 1. When parking in cold winter, it prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block or head; 2. During high summer temperatures, it effectively prevents boiling and avoids overheating. The full name of antifreeze is antifreeze coolant, meaning a coolant with antifreeze properties. Antifreeze is a type of coolant containing special additives, mainly used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. How to choose antifreeze: 1. Select the freezing point based on the ambient temperature conditions of the car's usage. The antifreeze's grade indicates its freezing point, which should be about 10 degrees lower than the local winter's lowest temperature; 2. Choose antifreeze with rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, and descaling functions.
Antifreeze may seem insignificant, but it's actually crucial for vehicles. In winter, it prevents the coolant from freezing at sub-zero temperatures – if frozen and expanded, both the radiator and engine block could crack, leading to costly repairs. During scorching summers when engine temperatures frequently exceed 90°C, antifreeze's boiling point is over 30 degrees higher than water, preventing dangerous boiling and steam eruptions. Moreover, its corrosion inhibitors protect metal components like radiators and water pumps from rust, unlike tap water whose mineral deposits can form scale that clogs cooling passages. During routine checks, I always pop the hood to inspect antifreeze levels – if below the MIN mark, I promptly top up with OEM-approved fluid of matching color. A complete flush every two years ensures optimal protection.
