Engine coolant is a chemical solution that prevents your car from overheating. Helps the radiator and cooling system keep the engine at the correct temperature for optimal operation. Many types of engine coolant are available, depending on the requirements of your vehicle.
Function
Your car’s cooling system includes the radiator, fans, hoses, and vents. This system indirectly cools the engine with the help of some type of liquid coolant. The coolant passes through the engine, collecting and absorbing the additional heat. As the coolant leaves the engine, it passes through the radiator. The radiator captures the heat from the coolant and expels it from the car. This process prevents the motor from stalling.
Types
Vehicles use one of 4 basic types of coolant. The most common is a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and water. Some people prefer a slightly less toxic mixture of propylene glycol and water. Cleaning coolant types are made without any of these chemicals, but they don’t perform as well as more traditional varieties. Finally, extended life coolants use additives to extend the life of the engine and cooling system.
characteristics
Refrigerants can include a variety of additives. Nitrates reduce corrosion and help coolant flow through the engine. Silicates help decrease corrosion in aluminum engines with cooling systems. Carboxylates are one of the most common additives to reduce rust in the engine, and borates are added to increase the “moisture” in the coolant, helping it flow more quickly.
Benefits
The use of an engine coolant is critical to making the engine last longer. Without the coolant, the various metal components within the engine can generate too much heat and fail. Coolant extends the life of your vehicle and minimizes repairs.
Considerations
Most types of engine coolant are toxic and should be kept away from children, pets, and drains. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends recycling coolant and suggests that using recycled coolant may be better for your car’s engine, due to the reduced levels of chlorates after recycling. You shouldn’t mix different types of coolant, and you should rinse the radiator completely when switching from one type to another. Consult your owner’s manual when choosing the coolant for your engine.
