What is the difference between antifreeze and coolant?
Many car owners find antifreeze for sale when purchasing vehicle coolant and are unsure how to choose. So, what is the difference between antifreeze and coolant?
Differences in Basic Concepts
1. Coolant simply serves the purpose of cooling, whereas antifreeze not only cools but also prevents freezing; however, coolant generally does not offer freeze protection.
2. Coolant is more commonly used in the south, while antifreeze is preferred in the north. This is because coolant may freeze during winter, potentially causing the car to stall or leading to traffic accidents. Therefore, antifreeze is more suitable for northern regions.
3. Coolant is a liquid used to cool the engine, and its sole function is to cool the engine system. Therefore, whether in hot or cold weather, cars require coolant.
4. The function of antifreeze is to prevent the coolant from freezing due to cold weather when the vehicle is parked in winter. If the coolant freezes, it can cause the radiator to expand and freeze the engine cylinders or cylinder head.
Detailed functional analysis
Definition of coolant:Coolant, as the name suggests, is used for cooling and can be either antifreeze or purified water. Any liquid that serves a cooling function can be called coolant. However, antifreeze primarily prevents freezing while also providing cooling capabilities.
Multiple Functions of Antifreeze
1. Antifreeze function
Antifreeze, as the name suggests, is a coolant with antifreeze properties. It contains certain chemical components with low freezing points, which protect the car's engine and radiator from freezing in low temperatures, hence the name "antifreeze."
2. Anti-boiling function
In addition to its antifreeze function, the chemical components in the coolant are not only resistant to low temperatures but also to high temperatures. We all know that the boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius, whereas the boiling point of typical coolant can reach up to 110 degrees Celsius, with some even approaching 200 degrees Celsius. Filling the radiator with such coolant in the summer eliminates any worry about the car's radiator "boiling over."
3. Anti-corrosion function
The engine and its cooling system are made of metals, including copper, iron, aluminum, steel, and solder. These metals, when exposed to water at high temperatures over time, will corrode and rust. Common antifreeze solutions are mostly alcohol-based, which compared to distilled water, reduce electrochemical corrosion between various engine components. Additionally, rust inhibitors are added to the antifreeze itself, further minimizing corrosion in the cooling system to a greater extent.
4. Anti-scale function
The long-term use of water as a coolant leads to the issue of scale buildup. Scale adheres to the metal surfaces of the radiator and water jacket, increasingly impairing heat dissipation and making it difficult to remove. In contrast, antifreeze, mostly alcohol-based, prevents the precipitation of calcium and magnesium caused by water hardness, thereby avoiding formation at the ends and clogged areas.
Classification of Antifreeze
1. Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze
Ethylene glycol is a colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a boiling point of 197.4°C and a freezing point of -11.5°C, which can mix with water in any proportion. The antifreeze prepared from ethylene glycol is green in color. Therefore, if the antifreeze you purchase is green, it belongs to the ethylene glycol type.
2. Diethylene glycol antifreeze
Diethylene glycol-water antifreeze, blue in color, is less volatile and flammable, and has lower corrosiveness to metals. However, its efficiency in lowering the freezing point is poor, requiring larger quantities compared to ethylene glycol or alcohol to achieve the same freezing point. As a result, this type of antifreeze is less commonly used.
3. Propylene Glycol-based Antifreeze
Propylene glycol is a colorless, hygroscopic, viscous liquid that is almost odorless and tasteless. Propylene glycol-based antifreeze, which is red with a hint of orange, has a freezing point as low as -59°C and a boiling point as high as 187°C, truly living up to its name for its anti-boiling and anti-freezing properties, and it is relatively more expensive.
Usage Precautions
1. Suitable for all seasons
Therefore, automotive coolant is essential throughout all four seasons, especially in summer and winter. Antifreeze is not just for winter use; it is a crucial automotive product needed year-round.
2. Do not mix.
Can different brands of antifreeze be mixed? The answer is definitely no. If ethylene glycol and propylene glycol types of antifreeze are mixed, they will react under high temperature and pressure to form a gum base, the consequences of which are imaginable. It is recommended to always use the same brand of antifreeze. If you need to switch, the cooling system must be thoroughly flushed.
3. Do not use water as a substitute.
Especially in summer, some self-proclaimed experienced "old drivers" believe that tap water can replace antifreeze. While it may serve as a temporary emergency solution, long-term use is not advisable. Tap water contains many minerals that, when heated and evaporated, form scale deposits on metal surfaces.
4. Regular inspection and replacement
Antifreeze is generally divided into regular antifreeze and long-life antifreeze. The replacement interval for regular antifreeze is 2 years, while long-life antifreeze can last over 5 years before needing replacement. During use, it is essential to continuously check the antifreeze, monitor the fluid level, and top it up promptly if low. Additionally, check the freezing point to ensure the antifreeze maintains its proper function.
Professional Product Recommendations
The Andisen engine coolant produced by Liaoning Sante Petrochemical Co., LTD. has a freezing point of -25°C and a boiling point of 110°C, providing reliable cooling protection for various engines. The company's engine coolant has obtained a national invention patent, and its product quality has reached internationally advanced levels.
Choosing and using antifreeze correctly not only ensures the normal operation of the engine but also effectively extends its service life and reduces maintenance costs. It is recommended that vehicle owners select the appropriate antifreeze product based on local climate conditions and vehicle requirements.