The majority of drivers have heard of antifreeze, but not everyone is aware of what antifreeze is used for and how it works. If you’ve ever wondered why antifreeze is so important and what it does to your new or used car, you’ve come to the right place! Learn all the facts about antifreeze from the Wolfchase Honda vehicle experts.
The answer is yes! If you compare antifreeze and coolant, you’ll find they are the same thing. The name may seem confusing, as it causes some to think that antifreeze keeps your car warm, but what it actually does is regulate your engine’s temperature while you drive.
Ethylene glycol or propylene glycol are the two most common chemicals used as antifreeze. Depending on its properties, antifreeze can take on a green, pink, or orange in color. The majority of vehicles on the market take green antifreeze, but you should check your owner’s manual first to ensure you purchase the proper color for your make and model.
Antifreeze is stored in your vehicle’s radiator, which is connected by a reservoir in the engine bay. It’s circulated throughout your engine by the water pump. This circulation helps bring combustion-generated heat away from your engine. Once the heat is transferred to the coolant, it then circulates back to the radiator, where it’s cooled by air to remove the excess heat. This cycle is constantly repeating while you drive, working to keep your engine running at a safe temperature.
Yes, antifreeze is vital to keep your vehicle running safely. Thanks to its special formulation, it’s able to keep your coolant from freezing in below-zero temperatures, as well as prevent overheating. Without it, you would risk damaging crucial vehicle components every time you run your engine, such as the:
Worried about your vehicle overheating? If your hood is ever too hot to touch or there is steam coming out from under it, you’ll want to schedule an appointment at a local service center immediately. To get ahead of potential issues, we can also help check your antifreeze levels, as well as your transmission fluid, at our Bartlett service center!