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Key Takeaways:
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- Antifreeze and coolant are two different things
- It is made up of water and glycol, while engine coolant is made up of water and antifreeze.
- Antifreeze does not freeze as easily as water, while coolant can freeze at a lower temperature than water.
- You need to check your engine level and ensure it is filled with the proper amount of either car antifreeze or engine coolant.
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Maintaining your car’s engine at the right temperature is crucial if you want it to live a long and healthy life. The substance that helps keep the engine in your automobile from overheating is known as engine coolant. Antifreeze and the engine coolant are sometimes interchangeable, but is car antifreeze a coolant?
In this blog post, Brownsville Toyota will debate the differences between antifreeze and coolant and assist you in deciding the correct usage for both in order for your car to function optimally.
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Coolant And Antifreeze: The Difference
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They are comparable in many ways and serve the same function. They aren’t the same, though because one is usually needed to make the other.
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Typically, the major component of antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which has a very low freezing point. Because antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, it stays liquid even in freezing temperatures, keeping your car’s engine running smoothly as the temperature decreases. Antifreeze comes in a variety of forms, and each form has certain advantages.
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Antifreeze must be diluted with water before use. It then transforms into a fluid and is referred to as an “engine coolant” when this happens. Engine coolant is only a solution of antifreeze and water. Antifreeze and water are frequently blended 50:50 to generate coolant. The antifreeze induces low and high freezing points in the coolant water, so it does not freeze in the radiator hoses in the winters, nor does it turn to steam in hot summer regions.
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Coolant may include up to 70{e4a552875846a344765516d5062c1e2fe5879960ce166f7d572f85e1d47441f2} antifreeze in colder climates instead of the standard 50{e4a552875846a344765516d5062c1e2fe5879960ce166f7d572f85e1d47441f2} antifreeze and 50{e4a552875846a344765516d5062c1e2fe5879960ce166f7d572f85e1d47441f2} water blend. When the temperature is at least 30 degrees below zero, the 50/50 mixture prevents engines from freezing and allows them to operate at temperatures higher than 200 degrees.
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The engine, water pump, radiator hoses, cylinder head gasket, and other parts might be corroded if you mix or use a coolant that isn’t designed for your automobile.
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Coolant: Function and Types
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The primary purpose of coolant is to remove heat from the engine. The coolant draws heat away from the engine and transfers it to the air. The second function of engine coolant is to protect the engine from corrosion. Antifreeze contains chemicals that prevent rust and other forms of corrosion from forming on metal surfaces.
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There are two types of coolant: ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is the most common type of coolant. It is reasonably priced and effective in preventing rust in the engine. However, ethylene glycol is poisonous if ingested. Propylene glycol is less poisonous than ethylene glycol but is more expensive.
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How Does Coolant Work in Cars?
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When the engine is off, coolant is left in your automobile’s radiator. Once the ignition is turned on, coolant moves through the engine’s crevices and cracks to absorb the heat produced while the engine drives your car. The coolant is returned to the radiator after passing through the engine to be cooled by air. Then it is sent back to the engine so the procedure can begin again.
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The Difference in Colors of Anti-Freeze
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The difference in colors of anti-freeze is due to the different types of corrosion inhibitors used. The most common colors are green, pink, and orange.
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Green coolant composition:
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Green coolant is typically composed of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. It also contains corrosion inhibitors to protect against rust and scale formation.
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Pink coolant composition:
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Pink coolant is typically composed of propylene glycol and corrosion inhibitors. It does not contain ethylene glycol.
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Orange coolant composition:
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Orange coolant is typically composed of ethylene glycol and corrosion inhibitors. It does not contain propylene glycol.
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Premixed Vs. Pure Antifreeze:
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Any car parts store will sell pure antifreeze. The cooling system of your automobile can then be filled with a mixture of this antifreeze and water. An additional choice is to buy car antifreeze that has already been diluted with water to create engine coolant.
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Antifreeze: Is It Safe?
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Antifreeze, whether it is pure or premixed, is harmful. It is dangerous for people and animals because of the ethylene glycol it contains. You must, therefore, dispose of this liquid according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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How Often Should I Change My Coolant?
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The answer to this question varies, so it’s best to consult your car’s owner’s manual. Many automakers recommend changing your coolant every 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first.
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Due to the lengthy intervals between replacements, tracking the need for an engine coolant change may be challenging; it is not as simple as testing your brakes after every oil change.
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If you neglect to replace your coolant, it may eventually become more acidic and lose its anti-rust properties. Corrosion from this can harm your car’s radiator, water pump, thermostat, and even the heating system.
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When To Add Coolant:
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At least once each month, you should check the coolant level in your automobile.
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In most autos, the reservoir is typically located in the engine compartment. It must be designated with a label, a low line, and a fill-to line. Add extra coolant after the level reaches the low line until it reaches the fill-to line.
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Never try to add coolant or open the radiator cap when the engine is hot or running. Due to the cooling system’s pressure, hot liquid might fly out and burn your hands, face, or other body parts with which it comes in touch.
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Let your car cool down for a few hours beforehand if you need to replenish coolant between service visits.
Your car’s engine receives the assistance it needs from antifreeze to run during severe weather. With the knowledge you’ve gained above, you can decide what’s best for you and your car regarding this essential fluid.
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Want help with engine cooling?
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Brownsville Toyota, serving Brownsville, Texas, is a Toyota dealership that sells both new and used Toyotas and provides high-quality maintenance and repairs. We can service a wide range of car makes and models since our staff members are factory-trained and ASE certified.
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Feel free to get in touch with us & schedule your service today!
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