Key Takeaways:

• Car coolants and antifreeze are different
• Antifreeze lowers your car’s freezing point
• Checking coolant levels regularly is vital for car maintenance
• There are different types of coolant and anti-fluid liquids
• Coolant and antifreeze maintenance prevents the car from overheating

As a car owner, it’s important to understand how to properly maintain your ride—especially when it comes to fluids like coolant and antifreeze. Knowing how to differentiate the two fluids from one another can save you time and money in the long run. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about car coolant and antifreeze and list the maintenance tips you need.

What is a Car Coolant?

A coolant is a heat-transfer fluid that regulates the temperature in your car’s engine. The coolant circulates through the engine to keep it at a consistent temperature, regardless of the outside temperature. Over time, the coolant can become contaminated with dirt and debris, which can clog the radiator and cause the engine to overheat.

What is Car Antifreeze?

Antifreeze is a coolant added to the water in your car’s cooling system to lower the freezing point. Antifreeze prevents the water from turning into ice and damaging the engine. Antifreeze also raises the water’s boiling point, which helps prevent overheating. Antifreeze is added to the coolant reservoir placed beneath the car’s engine compartment.

How to Properly Mix Car Coolant and Antifreeze?

To get the most effective cooling, it’s essential to mix the coolant and antifreeze in the proper ratio. Most coolants are a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze. You can buy premixed coolant, or you can mix it yourself. When mixing coolant, be sure to use distilled water to prevent contamination.

Can We Call Antifreeze a Coolant?

No! Antifreeze mixed with water creates a coolant, but on its own, antifreeze cannot be used as a coolant. Antifreeze cons of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which is added to water to lower its freezing point.

How Often Should I Change My Car’s Coolant?

It’s generally recommended that you change your car’s coolant every 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. If you frequent dry & dusty roads in dirty conditions, you may need to change it more often. Check your car’s owner manual for specific recommendations.

How Do I Check My Car’s Coolant Level?

Checking your car’s coolant level is easy. Just remove the radiator cap and look at the coolant. If it’s low, add more until it reaches the “full” line on the side of the radiator.

Here’s how you can check coolant levels:

• Park your car on level ground, preferably at the side of the road, and turn off the engine. Let the engine cool.
• Pop the hood & locate the coolant reservoir.
• Remove the radiator reservoir cap and check the coolant level.
• Replenish the fluid until it reaches the “full” line on the reservoir.
• Replace the reservoir cap and close the hood.

What Happens if I Don’t Use Coolant or Antifreeze?

If you don’t use coolant or antifreeze in your car, the water in the radiator will start to boil at a lower temperature. Water has a much higher boiling point than any other substance.

The engine in your car is designed to operate at a very high temperature, so if the water starts to boil, it can cause severe damage. In fact, without coolant or antifreeze, your engine could seize up and ruin itself in just a few miles.

Types of Car Coolant/Antifreeze

There are two main types of coolant/antifreeze: ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is the most common type of coolant/antifreeze. It’s also the most toxic, so it’s essential to be careful when handling it. Coolant made of ethylene glycol delivers the best heat transfer and engine protection performance.

Propylene glycol is the less toxic option, but it doesn’t protect against freezing or overheating as well as ethylene glycol. It’s often used in “long-life” coolants that you don’t need to change as often.

What Happens When You Drive with Low Coolant?

If you’re driving with low coolant, your engine will overheat. Overheating engines can cause severe damage, including a cracked engine block, warped cylinder heads, and blown head gaskets.

It’s essential to check your coolant level regularly and top it up if necessary. You should also have your cooling system flushed and refilled every two years.

What Are the Signs of Low Coolant/Antifreeze Levels?

There are several signs that your coolant level is low:

• Your engine is running hot
• You see steam coming from under the hood
• The temperature gauge needle is in the red zone
• The check engine light is on
• Coolant is leaking from the radiator or hoses
• Pull over and call a tow truck if you notice any of these signs. Do not continue driving!

What Causes Coolant Loss?

Various reasons can result in a drop in coolant levels. These include:

• External Leaks: A hole or crack in the radiator, hoses, water pump, or engine block can cause coolant to leak.
• Internal Leaks: A head gasket or intake manifold gasket leak can allow coolant to enter the cylinders and be burned off.
• Evaporation: Over time, the water in the coolant will evaporate, leaving behind the antifreeze. This is why it’s essential to check your coolant level regularly and top it off as needed.
• Slow leaks: A tiny leak in a hose or radiator cap can result in a gradual loss of coolant that’s not easy to detect.

Why Maintaining Coolant and Antifreeze Levels Important?

Regular car maintenance and repair involves inspecting coolant and antifreeze levels.

Maintaining proper coolant and antifreeze levels is essential for several reasons:

• It prevents your engine from overheating.
• It helps protect your engine from corrosion a
• nd other wear.
• It helps prevent your car’s heater from freezing up.
• It can improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
• It can extend the life of your car’s engine.

When it comes to car maintenance and repair, don’t try to do everything yourself. Schedule a service with Jerry Ulm CDJR, serving Seminole, FL and let the professionals take care of your vehicle. Not only will you save time and hassle, but you’ll also ensure that the job is done correctly.

We can help you keep your car running cool all summer long – no antifreeze necessary!