A Brief Guide to Antifreeze

What is antifreeze? Most Mcdonough and Mcdonough drivers have an answer to that question, although its uses and distinctions from other car fluids aren’t clear to them. For those who want to know more about antifreeze and what it does for their car, the service center at Bellamy Strickland Chevrolet has put together a helpful guide below!

What is Antifreeze? Is it Coolant?

One antifreeze fact that many Griffin car-owners don’t know is the difference between antifreeze and coolant. People often conflate these two liquids because they do the same thing: regulate engine temperature when driving. Coolant is actually a mixture of antifreeze and water. Here’s the technical difference:

• Antifreeze: Antifreeze is usually either thylene glycol or propylene glycol. This is a green, pink, or orange-dyed liquid. Green is the most commonly used color.
• Coolant: Coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water. Usually, it’s either 50% antifreeze and 50% water but sometimes manufacturers up this to 70% antifreeze and 30% water. .

What is Antifreeze Used for?

Stored in your radiator, the antifreeze is connected to the engine bay via a reservoir. A water pump circulates it through your engine so that this liquid can move heat away from the engine as that heat is generated by combustion. Then, the coolant goes back to the radiator for cooling. This whole process repeats over and over while you’re driving around Hampton.

The Importance of Antifreeze

So, why should you schedule service if you notice that your hood is too hot to touch or emitting steam? Overheating a car can cause problems for multiple parts in the complex machinery of your engine. If you don’t have antifreeze in your vehicle, there are major components that could be damaged:

• Water Pump
• Engine Cylinders
• Connector Rods
• Head Gasket

Find Auto Service and Advice at Bellamy Strickland Chevrolet

If you’re afraid that your vehicle is overheating, get in touch with Bellamy Strickland Chevrolet! We have expert technicians and use OEM parts that’ll stick to your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance and keep you driving down Mcdonough roads. Feel free to contact us today with any questions about antifreeze or any car maintenance issue!