Antifreeze in Car Engine

Antifreeze is a substance that is added to the cooling system of a car engine to prevent it from freezing in cold weather. It is also known as coolant or radiator fluid. Antifreeze is typically a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, but it can also contain other ingredients such as propylene glycol, glycerin, or methanol.

Antifreeze works by lowering the freezing point of water. This means that the water in the cooling system will not freeze until it reaches a much lower temperature than it would if it were pure water. Antifreeze also helps to prevent the formation of rust and corrosion in the cooling system.

Types of Antifreeze

There are two main types of antifreeze: inorganic additive technology (IAT) and organic acid technology (OAT). IAT antifreeze is the traditional type of antifreeze, and it contains silicates and phosphates to protect the metal components in the cooling system. OAT antifreeze is a newer type of antifreeze, and it contains organic acids to protect the metal components in the cooling system. OAT antifreeze is generally considered to be better for the environment than IAT antifreeze.

How to Add Antifreeze to Your Car

To add antifreeze to your car, you will need to:

1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Open the hood and locate the radiator.
3. Remove the radiator cap.
4. Add antifreeze to the radiator until it reaches the “full” mark on the reservoir.
5. Replace the radiator cap.

How to Flush the Cooling System

If your cooling system is starting to show signs of rust or corrosion, you may need to flush it. To flush the cooling system, you will need to:

1. Drain the old antifreeze from the radiator.
2. Fill the radiator with water and run the engine for a few minutes.
3. Drain the water from the radiator.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the water runs clear.
5. Add new antifreeze to the radiator until it reaches the “full” mark on the reservoir.

How Often to Change Antifreeze

The coolant in your car should be changed every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first. However, if you live in a cold climate or if you drive in stop-and-go traffic frequently, you may need to change the coolant more often.

Safety Precautions

Antifreeze is poisonous, so it is important to take safety precautions when handling it. Avoid contact with skin and eyes, and do not ingest antifreeze. If you do come into contact with antifreeze, wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water and rinse your eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. If you ingest antifreeze, call the poison control center immediately.

Conclusion

Antifreeze is an important part of your car’s cooling system. It helps to protect the engine from freezing in cold weather and from rust and corrosion. By following the tips in this article, you can keep your car’s cooling system running smoothly for years to come.