What is Antifreeze?

Antifreeze is likely something that you've heard about in relation to your car, but you may not know exactly what this liquid is or how it works. Antifreeze is critical to your car's function and longevity, so you don't want to ignore it. Understanding what antifreeze is, where it goes, and how you should take care of it will help protect you from serious engine trouble down the road. Learn more about car maintenance here at Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester, MN. If you have any questions, call our service department at (507) 361-2700.

What is Antifreeze and How Does it Work?

Antifreeze is an essential engine coolant that helps regulate temperatures in your car. In hot weather, antifreeze keeps the water in your engine and radiator from boiling over. It's effective with liquids at temperatures of up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures fall, antifreeze prevents this same water from freezing, even in temperatures as low as 30 degrees below zero. 

Antifreeze is also a lubricant in your engine that ensures various parts, like the water pump, move smoothly. In doing so, it reduces friction, which can cause damage to your engine. 

In addition, antifreeze helps prevent corrosion in your engine because it's made with particles that corrode themselves so that the engine's metal doesn't corrode. The aluminum cylinder heads in most engines are especially susceptible to corrosion, making proper antifreeze critical for the health and longevity of your vehicle.

What Is in Antifreeze?

Antifreeze is comprised primarily of either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. Antifreeze may contain additives as well, such as silicates, nitrates, azoles, or borates to prevent oxidation and corrosion. These additives usually make up less than 10% of the total solution.

Vehicles use a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water. However, some antifreeze is pre-mixed and already contains the necessary water. Check the label carefully when you're working with antifreeze so you know whether or not you have to mix water into the antifreeze before using it.

It's important to note that antifreeze is toxic and should always be kept away from children and pets. If you spill antifreeze, clean it up promptly to prevent accidental consumption.

Where Does Antifreeze Go in a Car?

Antifreeze typically goes into the coolant reservoir in your vehicle. Some older vehicles lack a coolant reservoir, in which case the antifreeze goes into the radiator. Whether you're looking for the coolant reservoir or radiator cap, you'll find this under the hood, though the exact placement varies by vehicle. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for exact instructions on where to find the coolant reservoir for your antifreeze.

What Color Is Antifreeze?

Antifreeze is always colored, but the hue changes from one product to another. You may find the antifreeze is green, blue, pink, red, orange, or yellow. However, your antifreeze should never have a rusty appearance, and there shouldn't be particles floating in it. If you notice these conditions, it's time to flush the cooling system and add all-new antifreeze.

What's the Difference Between Antifreeze and Coolant?

The terms antifreeze and coolant are often used interchangeably, even by automobile professionals. However, there is a slight difference between the two. Coolant technically refers to the mixture of antifreeze and water that's ready to go in your vehicle. Antifreeze is the ethylene glycol or propylene glycol component of this mixture. Therefore, a product that doesn't have water included is purely antifreeze, while one that's been mixed with water may be referred to as coolant.

It's also interesting to note that antifreeze as a substance isn't used exclusively for cars. Any chemical substance that lowers the freezing point of water is known as antifreeze. Methanol or isopropanol used to prevent freezing in gasoline are also types of antifreeze, and some living organisms use glycerol and other types of antifreeze to protect their cells and tissues in freezing temperatures.

This differentiation is very small, and most people will understand you whether you use the term antifreeze or coolant when referring to the product used to cool the engine in your vehicle.

How Do I Know if I Need More Antifreeze?

You can check the antifreeze level in your vehicle by looking at the coolant reservoir or radiator. You should see a clear plastic tank with a fill line clearly marked on it. Make sure your vehicle is sitting on a flat, level surface and the engine is cool to ensure the antifreeze level is most accurate.

Typically, you need to change the coolant in your vehicle every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Your owner's manual should give you more specific guidance for the make and model of your vehicle. On some cars, you can drive as much as 150,000 miles without changing the coolant. Speak with a mechanic if you're concerned about the coolant in your car.

Aside from those general guidelines, you may have an issue with your antifreeze or the cooling system if you notice:

• An oily or sludgy layer on top of the antifreeze.
• An extremely low level of coolant.
• Cracked radiator hoses.
• Colorless or rust-hued antifreeze.
• Particles floating in the antifreeze.

These are all indicators that you should take your vehicle to a professional for an inspection. A reliable mechanic can let you know what's going on and recommend the right repair for your cooling system. Don't ignore these issues, as they could cause irreparable damage to your engine.

How Do I Add Antifreeze to My Vehicle?

If your antifreeze level is just a little low, you can top it off yourself fairly easily. Follow these steps to add antifreeze to your vehicle:

1. Park the vehicle on level ground, and let the engine cool completely. Set the vehicle's parking brake as an added safety measure.
2. Check the label on your antifreeze to determine whether it needs to be mixed with water. Adding unmixed antifreeze to your vehicle can cause serious damage to the radiator. Mix the antifreeze with water as needed.
3. Open the coolant reservoir and add coolant until the liquid reaches the fill line on the outside of the tank.
4. Secure the cap tightly on the reservoir when you're finished.

If you think that your vehicle needs to have the antifreeze flushed or you suspect another problem with the cooling system, take the drive from Winona or Byron to our service center in Rochester, MN. We'll inspect the problem and help you keep your vehicle on the road.