Key Takeaways:
- Car coolant is a liquid that helps regulate your engine’s temperature. It accomplishes this by transferring heat away from the engine & into the surrounding air.
- While all coolants contain some antifreeze, not all coolants are created equal.
- If the temperature outside is cold, the coolant in your car will help keep your engine warm. Without coolant, your engine could freeze and break.
- Antifreeze also helps to protect your engine from corrosion.
We all know that when it comes to our cars, we need to keep them well-maintained and running smoothly to get us where we need to go. Of course, this involves ensuring that all the parts of our car are properly functioning, from the engine to the brakes. But what about the radiator system?
There’s a lot of debate regarding what to call the liquid that circulates through our car radiators and engines to keep them cool. Is it car antifreeze or engine coolant? What’s the difference, and does it matter? In this post, Infiniti of Melbourne will clear up the confusion and take a closer look at each of these terms. We’ll also explore the pros & cons of each choice so that you can make an informed decision about which type of coolant is best for your vehicle.
How Are Car Coolant & Antifreeze Made?
The most prevalent type of antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which is poisonous to animals and humans. That is why keeping it away from children and pets is crucial. If you must add antifreeze to your car, ensure to do so when the engine is cool.
Coolant is a fusion of water and ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. It helps keep your engine from overheating by absorbing heat and dissipating it through the radiator. It also prevents corrosion in the engine. The mixture consists of 50% water and 50% antifreeze, which keeps the engine from freezing in winter and boiling in summer.
What Happens When My Car’s Engine Overheats or Freezes?
An overheated engine can cause serious damage. The pistons can expand, causing the rings to lose their seal and the valves to bend. The cylinder head can warp, and the bearings can fail. An overheated engine can also lead to a blown head gasket, cracked cylinder heads, and warped intake manifolds.
A frozen engine can also cause serious damage. The water in the coolant can turn to ice, expanding and cracking the engine block, cylinder heads, and radiator. A frozen engine can also cause the coolant hoses to burst and the thermostat to fail.
Should I Check My Car Coolant’s Level Regularly
It is important to check the level of coolant in your car regularly. The coolant level should be right between the “min” and “max” marks on the radiator. If it’s below the “min” mark, add coolant until it reaches the “max” mark. Never drive your car with low coolant levels, as this can damage your engine. Car coolant checks must be a part of your regular car maintenance.
Why is My Coolant Level Low?
Well, there are three possible reasons:
- A leak in the cooling system
- Evaporation (coolant evaporates over time)
- The coolant has not been topped up since the last service
If you think you have a leak, the best thing to do is take your car to a mechanic. A mechanic will be able to find the source and fix it. Getting it fixed as soon as possible is important. A leaking cooling system can cause the engine to overheat, leading to serious engine damage.
If the coolant level has dropped due to evaporation, top up the radiator with coolant until it reaches the “max” mark. Ensure you use the recommended coolant for your car.
When Is Car Coolant Replacement Necessary?
Check the condition of your coolant. If it is dirty or contains rust, you must replace it. You should also replace the coolant if it has been in your car for more than two years. To do this:
- Drain the old coolant from the car’s radiator and refill it with a new coolant.
- Keep in mind that coolant is poisonous, so dispose of it properly.
- Do not pour it down the drain!
Car antifreeze, however, does not need to be replaced as frequently. You can usually get away with replacing it every four years or so. When you replace it, use the same type of antifreeze in your car. Mixing different types of antifreeze can cause problems.
When Does Your Car Require a Coolant or Antifreeze Service?
Most cars will have a sticker inside the hood that indicates when to replace the car’s coolant. However, there are other things you can look for to know if it’s time for a coolant or car antifreeze service:
- The engine is overheating frequently
- There is rust in the radiator
- The coolant is low
- There is a leak in the ride’s cooling system
- The coolant is dirty or has debris in it
If you witness these, take your car for a coolant/antifreeze service. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need a coolant flush. It is when all the old coolant is removed and replaced with new. A radiator service may also be needed, in which case the radiator will be taken apart, cleaned, and repaired as necessary.
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IAT and OAT Antifreeze Explained for Beginners
IAT (inorganic acid technology) and OAT (organic acid technology). IAT coolant is the traditional type of antifreeze and has been used in cars for many years. OAT coolant offers better protection against corrosion and is the antifreeze most commonly used in newer cars.
The main difference between IAT and OAT coolant is the chemicals used to achieve the desired results. IAT coolant uses silicates and phosphates to protect against corrosion, while OAT coolant uses organic acids. While IAT coolant is still used in some cars, OAT coolant is the more common type of antifreeze and is often recommended by automakers.
The Benefits of Engine Coolant & Antifreeze
Aside from the fact that it lowers the freezing point of water, engine coolant/antifreeze has numerous benefits. It helps:
- Transfer heat away from hot engine parts to keep the engine at optimal operating temperature
- Prevents corrosion and rusting of engine components by creating a barrier between metals
- Prevent boilovers by raising the boiling point of water
- Maintain the correct pressure in the cooling system
- Keep the radiator from overheating
These benefits work together to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. Engine coolant/antifreeze is essential to run your car’s cooling system properly.
Here’s How Infiniti of Melbourne Can Help You!
Infiniti of Melbourne, serving Malabar, FL, is your one-stop shop for all your Infiniti needs. We have a team of certified gearheads who can help you with all your car maintenance needs, including car coolant. We understand your time is valuable, so we offer convenient appointment times to make it easy for you to get the service you need. We also offer a wide range of services, so you can get everything you need in one place. Schedule a service appointment today.
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