What is the use of antifreeze?
3 Answers
Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, mainly used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It has excellent properties such as preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and preventing scale and corrosion throughout the year. Composition of antifreeze: The main components of antifreeze are: 50% pure water, 40% methanol, and 10% other substances. Types of antifreeze: Antifreeze is generally divided into three types: ethanol-water type, glycerol-water type, and ethylene glycol-water type. Can antifreeze be mixed? The same brand of antifreeze must be used. Different brands of antifreeze may have different production formulas. If mixed, multiple additives may undergo chemical reactions, causing the additives to become ineffective. How to determine if antifreeze is lacking: Observe the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely that antifreeze is lacking, although it could also be due to excessively high cylinder temperature. Check the antifreeze reservoir. If the liquid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and add antifreeze promptly. Check the water level scale on the antifreeze bottle. Normally, antifreeze should be between the maximum and minimum water levels. Whether antifreeze is lacking depends on the scale. If the antifreeze is below the minimum water level, it indicates a lack of antifreeze.
Antifreeze is essentially the guardian angel of your engine. In cold weather, it prevents freezing and protects the cooling system from cracking; in hot weather, it raises the boiling point to avoid engine overheating. Crucially, it also prevents rust and corrosion, ensuring the longevity of metal components and the water pump. Having driven many cars, I’ve suffered from neglecting antifreeze checks—winter no-starts are costly and time-consuming to fix. Replace it annually before winter, ideally with a 50/50 water-to-antifreeze ratio. Bright color indicates it’s still good. Always check the reservoir’s fluid level—too low? Top it up immediately, or the entire cooling system could fail, and tow trucks don’t come cheap.
As someone who frequently deals with cars, here's a practical tip for you: antifreeze not only prevents freezing but also aids in engine lubrication and temperature balance. Regularly check the fluid level under the radiator cap; it should be between the min and max marks. If it's low, use an antifreeze tester or top it up with distilled water. Replace it every two years or 40,000 kilometers, and make sure to choose the correct color as specified in the manual to avoid chemical issues. If the fluid appears cloudy or has an unusual odor, take it to a shop immediately—don't try to save money only to end up with major repairs. If the cooling system fails and the engine overheats, you could face significant losses, with repair costs potentially equaling half a year's worth of fuel expenses.
