Key Takeaways:
- Antifreeze is an additive that keeps the coolant from freezing
- Coolant is a diluted form of antifreeze
- There are many types of antifreeze & coolants on the market
- The make of your car will determine what kind of coolant you need
- Ask your car care professional to keep a check on your coolant levels
- Keep an eye out for engine overheating and coolant leaks
Essential fluids keep us thriving, and it’s no different for our cars. The engine in your vehicle needs to be kept cool just like our bodies do, and that’s where the “essential liquids” we just spoke of come into the picture. Apart from engine oil, your vehicle needs antifreeze/coolant to function optimally. However, there’s some misconception that people often lack understanding regarding antifreeze and coolant. Let’s clear the air, shall we?
Acura of Tempe, your top Acura dealership in Tempe, AZ, will explain it all today.
Antifreeze
As the name suggests, antifreeze works against freezing. It’s a liquid whose essential job is to keep other fluids from freezing. Now, if you’re wondering why that’s important, we’ll tell you all about it. But let’s spare you the suspense and give you a quick rundown of how antifreeze works.
Antifreeze contains glycols – chemicals with a lower freezing point than water. The presence of these substances keeps the liquid from freezing or solidifying, even in frigid temperatures.
While antifreeze fluids have seen an evolution of their own, today, we mostly find two types of antifreeze on the market.
Ethylene Glycol
A breakthrough discovery during the 1920s led to the large-scale production of ethylene glycol. It was found to be an effective antifreeze and continues to be used in many cars today. The supply is also relatively stable and uncontaminated, making it a good choice.
Propylene Glycol
A relatively newer but very effective antifreeze, propylene glycol, was introduced in the 1950s. Unlike ethylene glycol, it is less toxic and safe for humans and animals.
Coolant
More commonly known as engine coolant or radiator coolant, it’s pretty interesting to know that coolants are essentially just “watered down” forms of antifreeze – literally. You see, antifreeze by itself can freeze at extremely low temperatures. So to keep your engine from freezing solid in the middle of winter, a coolant is used to lower the freezing point.
The incredible thing is that your engine’s coolant also works against the heat, saving the pipes from overheating and boiling. That’s because the antifreeze in coolant also has a higher boiling point than water, which comes in handy during the summer months.
Types of Coolants
Based on car technologies of the day, you’ll find four essential types of coolant out there:
1. IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology)
2. OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
3. HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology)
4. G05 (Global Organic Additive Technology)
The Mechanism of Antifreeze or Coolants
Your radiator or engine coolant keeps your car’s engine from overheating – or at least, it should. Here’s how it works:
- Your engine produces a lot of heat when it’s running.
- The water pump transfers that heat from the engine to the coolant.
- The coolant flows through the engine’s cooling system, absorbing heat.
- The now-hot coolant flows through the radiator, where it is cooled by the air flowing over the radiator fins.
- Chilly coolant flows back through the engine to absorb more heat.
- And repeat!
The key to keeping your car’s engine from overheating is keeping the fluids at an optimal temperature.
How To Know It’s Time To Change Your Engine Antifreeze/Coolant?
A regular check doesn’t hurt. Especially now that you know how integral these fluids are for your vehicle, it would be a grave mistake not to take them seriously. If you don’t know when was the last time you changed your antifreeze or coolant, now’s a good time to do it. Never underestimate the expertise of a professional car service in Tempe. You can also act smartly and save money on dealership auto repairs or services.
You might also be due for a change if you notice any of the following:
- The antifreeze is discolored
- The coolant level is low
- The engine is overheating excessively
How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Antifreeze or Coolant Fluid?
It’s a question we often hear, and unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. The frequency of changes depends on a few factors, including the type of antifreeze or coolant, your vehicle’s model, and your driving habits.
Generally, we recommend changing your antifreeze or coolant every two years or 24,000 miles. You can also ask your car service professional to check the coolant level and quality during your next oil change or scheduled maintenance appointment.
Indications Of Problematic Antifreeze or Coolant
1. You see antifreeze leaks under your car.
Antifreeze is a bright-colored fluid, and despite diluting with water, it maintains its brightness. If you see a puddle of bright orange, green or yellow liquid under your parked car, that’s antifreeze.
2. The engine is frequently overheating.
Since the job of your engine coolant is to transfer heat away from the engine, the engine will overheat more rapidly if it’s not doing its job.
3. Sweet smell coming from the engine.
Glycols tend to have a sweet smell, and if you notice a sickly syrupy smell coming from your engine, it’s an indication that there may be a coolant leak.
4. Coolant has a murky brown color.
Oxidized coolant will often turn a brownish color, indicating an issue with your engine fluids and not working as they should. Professional car service in Tempe can help determine whether it’s time to change your antifreeze.
What Type Of Antifreeze is Perfect For Your Nissan
Not sure what type of antifreeze or coolant to use in your Nissan? We can help at Acura of Tempe. Every make and model have its requirement, and treating every car the same way is a mistake we never commit.
For example, did you know that using the wrong antifreeze in your vehicle can void the warranty? It’s true! So, if you’re unsure what type of antifreeze is best for your car, it’s always best to ask a professional.
At Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, we will inspect your car and let you know what antifreeze it takes. We will also top off your antifreeze levels and change them entirely if needed during the car service at our fully equipped Acura service center.
Schedule your service with us today!
Connect with us
