Do You Know The Difference Between Coolant & Antifreeze? Let’s Dig In!

Key Takeaways:

• Antifreeze has a higher boiling point and lower freezing point than water.
• Antifreeze is sold as a concentrated solution that needs to be diluted with water before use, whereas engine coolant is usually pre-mixed with water.
• Engine coolant contains corrosion inhibitors to protect the engine from rust and other damage.
• Antifreeze is typically used in new vehicles, while engine coolant can be used in new and used vehicles.
• Green-colored antifreeze is made with silicates, borates, and phosphates, making it compatible with aluminum engines.
• Orange-colored antifreeze is made with only selenates and borates and is highly compatible with cast iron engines.

There is much confusion between the terms “engine coolant” and “antifreeze.” Many people use the two terms interchangeably, but there are differences between the two. You should know about this difference when considering using antifreeze and engine coolant to keep your vehicle performing optimally.

An engine coolant is a fluid that keeps your engine at a consistent temperature; On the other hand, antifreeze is a chemical added to the coolant to help lower the freezing point. An antifreeze is an engine coolant, but an engine coolant may or may not be an antifreeze.

Whether you have a new or used vehicle, it’s essential to know the difference between these two terms for properly maintaining your car and avoiding any potential problems. Let’s discuss both of these fluids in further detail to help you gain a better insight.

Antifreeze Vs. Engine Coolant: The Difference Explained

What’s An Engine Coolant?

An engine coolant is a combination of water and antifreeze, often in the ratio of 50:50. The fluid is pumped through the heater core and the engine, enabling the vehicle to absorb heat.

Afterward, the fluid passes through the radiator and dissipates heat towards the outside air. An engine coolant continuously runs through the vehicle’s system but can break down with time.

Generally, it’s recommended that the coolant should be changed every 30,000 miles to avoid corrosion and ensure optimal temperature control.

What’s Antifreeze?

Antifreeze is a concentrated solution that contains water and ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. It has a higher boiling point and lower freezing point than water alone, which makes it ideal for circulating through the engine without freezing or boiling over.

A standard ratio of antifreeze to water is 50:50. Still, it can vary depending on the climate and vehicle requirements. Antifreeze also contains corrosion inhibitors to protect the engine from rust and other damage.

While most engine coolants are pre-mixed with water, antifreeze is usually sold as a concentrated solution that needs to be diluted with water beforehand.

So, What’s The Difference?

When comparing antifreeze vs. engine coolant, there is one prominent difference. Antifreeze has a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point than water. Antifreeze is sold as a concentrated solution that needs to be diluted with water before use. In contrast, engine coolant is usually pre-mixed with water. Engine coolant also contains corrosion inhibitors to protect the engine from rust and other damage.

While antifreeze can be used in new vehicles, engine coolant can be used in new and used cars. An antifreeze also has a longer lifespan than an engine coolant and does not need to be replaced as often. This makes it more effective at protecting the engine from freezing in cold weather. However, antifreeze is a more expensive fluid compared to engine coolant.

Why Should You Dilute Antifreeze?

There are several reasons why antifreeze needs to be diluted before putting inside a vehicle. These include:

Better Heat Dissipation

Antifreeze on its own isn’t as effective when transferring heat outside the heater core and the engine. An antifreeze becomes more critical for the vehicle to avoid overheating when driving on a hot summer day. An engine coolant comes with a boiling point of 223 degrees Fahrenheit, far more significant than water.

Superior Additives for Suspension

Antifreeze contains various additives, including nitrates, phosphates, and silicates, that protect against corrosion. On the other hand, water can settle in a vehicle’s system and hinder corrosion protection levels.

Lower Freezing Point

Water has a freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Antifreeze, on the other hand, can maintain a lower freezing point. This is ideal for areas that experience cool temperatures, as your car’s engine will still be protected against freezing.

Different Types of Antifreeze

Different types of antifreeze are available on the market today, each designed for specific purposes. The most common type of antifreeze is the green-colored ethylene glycol which can be used in both new and used vehicles. It’s made with silicates, borates, and phosphates, making it compatible with aluminum engines.

On the other hand, the orange-colored antifreeze consists of propylene glycol, which doesn’t have as many harmful effects if ingested by animals or children. This color is usually made with only selenates and borates and is highly compatible with cast iron engines.

You can also choose a universal antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene and propylene glycol, different from green and orange antifreeze options.

Benefits Of Antifreeze and Engine Coolant

Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Costs

Several benchmarks have shown that antifreeze protects several parts of a vehicle. These can include water pumps, wet sleeves, radiators and polymers, and several metals found inside an engine.

Engine Protection

Engine coolants and antifreeze consist of potent combinations of long-lasting and premium inhibitors. These can provide up to 600,000 miles and 12,000 hours of guaranteed protection against severe corrosion, scale, rust, heat, and premature failure of water pumps.

Compatibility With Other Fluids

Both engine coolant and antifreeze are formulated through Nitrated Organic Acid Technology (NOAT), making them compatible with other heavy-duty and life-extending fluids. These are even compatible with stationary and commercial vehicle engines.

Which One Should You Choose? Antifreeze Vs. Engine Coolant

Antifreeze is typically used in vehicles that operate in freezing climates, as it helps to prevent the engine from freezing. On the other hand, engine coolant is used to protect the engine from overheating. In several cases, you will need to use engine coolant and antifreeze in your vehicle. However, if you live in a warm climate, you may only need to use engine coolant.

Want to learn more about the best fluids for optimal vehicle performance? Give this a read

It is worth noting that there are different engine coolant and antifreeze types. The type you use will depend on the make and model of your vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual or an auto professional to determine which type of fluid is best suited for your car.

Suppose you are still looking for options or feel confused between antifreeze vs. engine coolant. In that case, our professionals at Cutter CDJR in Pearl City, HI, can help you. We provide many new and used vehicles , among other services . Our team comprises technicians who will thoroughly answer all your questions. Get in touch today for more information!

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