Key Takeaways:
• Coolant is a diluted form of antifreeze, but the ratio of both liquids depends on your area’s climate.
• The main components of coolant are water, antifreeze, dye, and silicate.
• Finding a suitable water-to-antifreeze ratio is crucial to preventing engine damage.
• A 50/50 mix is used in most moderate climates, but some newer cars are designed for a 60/40 mix.
You might have heard the terms “antifreeze” and “coolant” used interchangeably, but did you know they’re two different things? In this blog post, we’ll explore the difference between antifreeze and coolant, so you can make sure that your car needs to run all year smoothly!
The Basic Difference: Coolant & Antifreeze
Water has a high boiling point (212 degrees Fahrenheit) but a very low freezing point (-32 degrees Fahrenheit). That’s why, on its own, water can’t be used as a coolant. It will either freeze or boil before it can effectively transfer heat away from your engine.
Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of aqueous coolant so that you can use it in cold climates without the risk of the coolant solidifying in the engine block & causing damage.
Antifreeze also raises the boiling point of the coolant so that you can use it in hot temperatures without the risk of the liquid boiling and rupturing the radiator. A mixture of water and antifreeze is used to keep engines from overheating.
Most coolants also contain rust inhibitors and other chemicals to help protect your engine from corrosion.
In short, all coolants are antifreeze, but not all antifreeze are coolants.
Most cars will have a pre-mixed coolant ready to use, but you can also buy coolant concentrate and mix it yourself. The advantage of purchasing concentrate is that you can customize the ratio of water to antifreeze depending on your climate and driving needs.
For example, if you live in a hot climate, you might want to use a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. But in a cold environment, you might want to use a 70/30 mixture of water and antifreeze.
How Does Coolant Work?
The main job of coolant is to remove heat from the engine by circulating it through the radiator. Your radiator may not work correctly if your coolant has not been changed in a long time. Sometimes you even require a coolant flush service!
Read about the symptoms of a bad radiator.
As the coolant passes through the radiator, it absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates that heat into the air. This process helps keep your engine running at its optimal temperature, even under heavy strain.
What Is Coolant Made Up Of?
When you’re topping off your coolant, you’re adding a mixture of water and antifreeze to your car. Let’s explore what the ideal combination of coolant is made up of!
• Water
One of the essential ingredients in the coolant is water. Water has a very high specific heat capacity, so it can absorb heat before its temperature rises significantly.
However, water also has a few drawbacks—it can freeze in cold weather and boil in hot weather.
• Antifreeze
Antifreeze is just one part of the coolant mixture. Since the water can freeze if used alone in sub-zero environments, antifreeze is added to the mix. It lowers the ice point of water so the coolant can remain fluid in the engine block. For hotter regions, the antifreeze also increases the boiling point of water so the coolant won’t turn to steam in the car’s cooling system.
• Dyes
Some coolants also contain dyes, so you can quickly tell if there’s a leak in your system. The dye will usually be a bright color, like green or yellow, so it will be easy to spot if it’s coming out of your car. The dye also indicates the antifreeze technology used to make the coolant.
• Silicate
Some coolants also contain silicate, which helps to protect your engine from corrosion. There are phosphates, too, which further act as rust inhibitors to curb the rate of coolant deterioration in the metal lines of the radiator.
Types of Coolant for Your Car
Cars are like people; they need the right mix of fluids to stay healthy and run smoothly. There are different types of coolant, each with its benefits and uses.
• IAT – Inorganic Additive Technology coolants are the oldest type of coolant and use inorganic additives to protect against corrosion.
• OAT – Organic Additive Technology coolants are newer and use organic acids to protect against corrosion.
• HOAT – Hybrid Organic Additive Technology coolants are the newest type of coolant and use a combination of inorganic additives and organic acids to protect against corrosion.
So, if you’re not sure which type of coolant is right for your car, ask a mechanic or do some research to find out. You’ll be glad you did when your car stays healthy for years to come.
Finding The Right Antifreeze to Water Ratio for Your Coolant
You know you need antifreeze in your car’s coolant system to prevent the water from freezing (and expanding) when the temperatures dip. But did you know that a specific ratio of water to antifreeze is best for your car?
Most experts recommend a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze, but some newer cars are designed for a 60/40 mix. Suppose you’re unsure what’s best for your vehicle. In that case, it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual or ask a qualified mechanic. Make sure to use the proper type of antifreeze for your car.
Some coolants are designed for specific types of engines, so using the wrong one could cause severe damage. With some research, you can be sure you’re using the correct antifreeze-to-water ratio for your car – and keeping your engine running all winter smoothly.
Conclusion
There you have it—the difference between antifreeze and coolant! Check your owner’s manual for recommendations on what type and ratio of coolant to use in your car. And if you’re unsure, remember: all coolants are antifreeze, but not all antifreeze are coolants!
It’s essential to have your car serviced regularly, and one of the simplest things you can do is keep all of its fluids at their proper levels. Lynn Layton Ford, serving Madison, AL, offers quick, easy, fluid top-offs for all vehicles – so why not schedule a service now? We’ll take care of everything and make sure your car runs smoothly.
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