A Guide To Radiator Fluids: Antifreeze Vs. Engine Coolant
Key Takeaways:
- Radiator fluid is important to keep your car engine running smoothly and prevent it from overheating.
- There are two main types of radiator fluids: engine coolant and antifreeze.
- Engine coolant is typically used in milder climates, while antifreeze is necessary for areas that experience freezing temperatures.
- It's important to know what differs between these two types of fluids so that you can use the appropriate one for your car.
- Consult your owner's manual or a professional mechanic if you're unsure which type of fluid to use.
Coolant and antifreeze help keep your car running smoothly during hot summer and cold winter nights. Coolant helps to regulate your engine's temperature, keeping it from overheating during long stretches of driving. Antifreeze, on the other hand, prevents your engine from freezing up in cold weather. Together, these fluids play an essential role in keeping your car's engine in good working order. So next time you're wondering why your car needs coolant and antifreeze, remember that they're there to keep your engine running smoothly - no matter what the weather is like.
Different Types of Coolant
Ethylene glycol & propylene glycol are the two main types of coolant.
- Ethylene glycol is the most common type of coolant, and it's the kind you'll find in most cars on the road today.
- Propylene glycol is less poisonous than ethylene glycol, so it's sometimes used in "green" antifreeze products.
When adding coolant to your car, you should ALWAYS use distilled water. Using regular tap water instead can cause residue and minerals from the water to clog up your car's radiator, which will then cause problems further down the road.
How Does Coolant Work?
Coolant's job is to keep your engine cool - but how does it do that? As the name suggests, coolant helps to transfer heat away from your engine. It circulates through your engine and absorbs heat. The hot coolant is then carried to your radiator, cooled down, and circulated back through your engine.
Signs that Indicate Your Car Needs Coolant Replacement
It's crucial to monitor your radiator fluid levels and know the early signs that you may need more. The most prevalent symptom is if your engine starts to overheat, but there are other things to watch out for. If any of the following events occur, it's time for a coolant flush:
- Your engine is running hot
- You see coolant leaks
- Your radiator hose is cracked or brittle
- You have rusty coolant
- The temperature gauge is showing a higher reading than normal
- Your heater isn't working as well as it used to
If you're unsure whether your car needs new coolant, the best thing to do is consult a professional mechanic. They'll be able to check your coolant level and condition and let you know if it needs to be replaced.
Right Proportion of Coolant and Antifreeze
A hot climate means your car's cooling system has to work harder to keep the engine at a stable temperature. This puts extra strain on the coolant, which can cause it to degrade over time. For this reason, it's important to ensure that your coolant is always at the correct level and has the right proportion of coolant and antifreeze.
If your coolant is too low, it won't be able to properly protect your engine from overheating. Suppose the proportion of coolant to antifreeze is off. In that case, it could cause your car to overheat or freeze up in extreme weather conditions. Either way, it's important to keep an eye on your radiator fluid levels and ensure that the mixture is always correct.
The default mixture of antifreeze to water for most cars is 50/50, but double-check your car's owner's manual to be certain. A 50/50 combination will protect your engine up to -34 degrees Fahrenheit, while a 70/30 mix can safeguard it to -60 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Top Off Your Coolant?
Luckily, topping off coolant is a pretty simple process.
Here's what you need to do:
- First, locate the coolant reservoir under the hood of your car. It will usually be marked with a red or yellow cap. Once you've found it, remove the cap and add coolant until it reaches the "full" line.
- Next, replace the cap on the reservoir and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off and check the coolant level in the reservoir again. Add more if necessary.
- Finally, drive it for a while to ensure everything is working properly. If the light comes back on, repeat the process until it stays off.
Following these simple steps, you can keep your car running smoothly throughout winter. So don't wait - top off your coolant today!
How Often Should I Flush My Coolant?
Periodically flushing your car's cooling system and refilling it with fresh coolant can help prevent corrosion and build-up of deposits. By performing this simple maintenance procedure every few years, you can extend the life of your engine and avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Most experts recommend that you flush and replace your coolant every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever milestone comes first. However, if you notice any warning signs beforehand, don't hesitate to have a professional take a look sooner rather than later.
How to Choose the Right Coolant?
Many people know their car needs coolant, but few understand its purpose or how to select the appropriate product.
Consider the Climate
You'll find two main types of coolant on the market: engine coolant and antifreeze. Both products are designed to regulate your engine's temperature, but each performs this task differently.
An engine coolant will likely suffice if you live in an area with mild winters. However, if you reside in a region where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, you'll need to invest in antifreeze.
Determine the Composition
All coolants contain water, but some also include ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. These additives help lower the solution's freezing point, which is essential for those living in colder climates. Some products also include corrosion inhibitors to protect your engine against rust and corrosion.
Consider the Cost
If you're on a budget, engine coolant is usually the more affordable option. Antifreeze generally costs more, but it will last longer than coolant. Both types should be flushed and replaced every 30,000 miles or so when changing your fluid.
Knowing the difference between engine coolant and antifreeze can help you make the best decision for your car. And, if you're ever in doubt, consult a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
Radiator fluid is an important part of keeping your car running properly. In most states, the climate generally does not require antifreeze. Still, engine coolant should be used year-round to keep the engine from overheating. And if you're ever in doubt, consult a professional mechanic.
Iron City Ford, serving Birmingham, AL, has Ford technicians to provide the care and expert service you need and deserve. With thousands of training hours devoted to understanding every vehicle, they know your car better than anyone.
So, are you ready for top-quality service and repairs? Visit us today, so you can be confident that your car will be running like new in no time.