Antifreeze and coolant are closely related, but they are not the same thing. They work together in a car's cooling system to prevent the engine from overheating and to protect it from freezing in cold weather. In the context of a vehicle's cooling system, they are often used interchangeably, but antifreeze is not equivalent to coolant:
Antifreeze is a concentrated liquid that is added to a vehicle's cooling system to lower the freezing point of the coolant. It typically consists of either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol and a mixture of water. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing in cold weather, which could damage the engine, radiator, and other components. It also raises the boiling point of the coolant, allowing the engine to operate at higher temperatures without overheating.
Coolant, often referred to as engine coolant, is a mixture of antifreeze and water that circulates through the engine and the radiator to regulate the engine's temperature. It absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it through the radiator to prevent overheating. In essence, coolant is the mixture of antifreeze and water that keeps the engine operating at an optimal temperature range. Coolant is responsible for maintaining the engine's temperature, preventing both freezing and overheating.
In practice, when people refer to putting antifreeze in their vehicle, they often mean adding a mixture of antifreeze and water, which is technically the coolant. The exact ratio of antifreeze to water in the coolant mixture can vary depending on climate and vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Common mixtures include a 50/50 or 70/30 ratio of antifreeze to water.
Hence, while antifreeze and coolant are related, they serve slightly different purposes in a vehicle's cooling system, with coolant being the practical mixture used to maintain proper engine temperature and protect against freezing. Explore our store here for premium coolants and stay engine-ready!
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