What is the use of antifreeze?
2 Answers
Antifreeze, fully known as antifreeze coolant, primarily serves as a coolant with antifreeze properties. Below are the main functions of antifreeze: 1. During cold winter parking, antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing, which could otherwise cause the radiator to crack or damage the engine cover or block. Antifreeze is not just for winter use; it should be used year-round. 2. The first function of antifreeze is corrosion prevention. Most parts of a car are made of metals such as copper, iron, aluminum, and steel. These metals, when exposed to high temperatures and water over time, can corrode and rust. Antifreeze plays a crucial role here by not only preventing corrosion in the engine's cooling system but also offering anti-corrosion and anti-rust properties. 3. The second function is its higher boiling point. Water boils at 100°C, whereas high-quality antifreeze typically has a boiling point above 110°C. This makes it effective in preventing the overheating of water (commonly known as 'boiling over') during summer use.
Antifreeze is incredibly useful. As someone who drives frequently, I consider it a little guardian for engine protection. Its primary role is to prevent the coolant from freezing into solid ice in winter, avoiding radiator and hose cracks, especially indispensable in northern sub-zero regions. In summer, it raises the boiling point, preventing the engine from overheating or boiling under scorching temperatures, ensuring smooth operation. This stuff also contains anti-corrosion additives that help inhibit rust and oxides, protecting metal components like the water pump and coolant passages from erosion, thus extending engine life. Its cleaning function shouldn’t be overlooked either—it flushes out accumulated sludge and debris in the system. Regularly checking antifreeze levels and color changes is crucial; replacement every two years or by mileage is recommended. Neglecting it leads to degraded efficiency over time, potentially causing cooling system failures and costly repairs—like a friend of mine who spent thousands last year fixing his car due to skipped antifreeze changes. In short, maintaining antifreeze keeps your car running worry-free and saves money.
