Imagine the damage your car will sustain if your regular engine coolant freezes in the frigid winters? The harm would be no less if the coolant starts boiling with intense engine heat. The best way to prevent this? Antifreeze!
Antifreeze is almost always manufactured as a brightly coloured fluid. However, it is not a coolant in itself. The Antifreeze Coolant is prepared by mixing it with water in a 50/50 proportion. The antifreeze property prevents the coolant from freezing or boiling under extreme temperature conditions. Besides, it also contain additives that render anti-corrosive & anti-rusting properties thus disarming the corrosive effect of water.
The Subtle Benefits Of Antifreeze
The name Antifreeze itself is self-explanatory, and most car owners are either already using it or have come across the name somewhere. The benefits of an Antifreeze are plenty when added to water and the mixture used as an engine coolant. Besides the fundamental effectiveness as an Antifreeze, additives also render anti-corrosive and anti-oxidizing properties to the coolant mixture.
The addition of Antifreeze to water widens the temperature band within which the coolant effectively performs. When added to water, Antifreeze elevates the boiling point and decreases the freezing point of the water. Essentially, the addition of Antifreeze to water makes it highly effective as an engine coolant for all temperature extremities.
How Does Antifreeze Work?
The main ingredient in an Antifreeze is ethylene glycol. This chemical serves as the base for the manufacture of almost all Antifreeze. Manufacturers also add other additives to improve the usability of the coolant. Coolant technology has always been a source of fascination for innovators, and today, the product is available both as a concentrate as well as a pre-mixed ready-to-use coolant.
The coolant is poured into the coolant reservoir or radiator. Integrated pumps inject the coolant throughout the engine block to maintain a consistent operating temperature while the weather outside fluctuates from hot to cold.
Does My Car Need Antifreeze Coolant?
Even under normal conditions, car engines heat up considerably and require some cooling solution. In extreme heat, engine temperatures can soar above the boiling point of water leading to damage. On the other hand, under frigid conditions, freezing & expansion of regular coolant can cause radiator tubes to rupture. Improved coolant combination can function more effectively than regular coolants lacking antifreeze chemicals. Additionally, Antifreeze offers extra benefits like rust & corrosion protection and offers higher replacement intervals.
When To Replace Coolant?
The ideal coolant level is situated halfway between the “min” and “max” levels. Coolant replacement must be done if it has fallen below the minimum level. When using any coolant, one must check for discolouration or suspended particles which call for an immediate replacement of the coolant.
Good Antifreeze prevents engine damage from overheating and the ensuing high repair costs. Repair services sent mechanics to thousands of houses on the first days of the cold seasons to assist frustrated drivers. That’s because a lack of optimised coolant caused damage to their radiators, cylinder heads, or other auto parts.
