Why Does Antifreeze Boil?

[Lily]

Antifreeze boiling, commonly referred to as "overheating," occurs when the high temperature of the engine during driving causes the antifreeze to heat up and reach its boiling point, resulting in overflow. When the boiling antifreeze comes into contact with hot metal parts, white smoke is produced. The reasons for antifreeze boiling include the following: 1. The radiator stops functioning, leading to excessively high water temperature. 2. Antifreeze circulation is blocked due to a malfunctioning thermostat (not opening), a non-operational water pump, or clogged water circulation pipes. 3. Insufficient antifreeze or poor-quality antifreeze with a low boiling point, making it prone to boiling. Solutions are as follows: 1. If antifreeze boils, it is recommended to pull over and let the engine idle for some time to allow the temperature to gradually decrease. Check whether the cooling system is functioning properly and inspect the antifreeze level. 2. If the boiling is caused by insufficient antifreeze, replenish it once the engine temperature has cooled down. In emergencies, a small amount of water can be added temporarily before heading to the nearest repair shop for maintenance or replacement.