Every car owner understands well the need to keep the car’s engine in good condition, but amongst all these elements of service, the most ignored one remains coolant or cooling liquid. It indeed plays a vital role for providing the best performance and long lifetime operation of your engine.
How to select the right cooling liquid can even save you from big maintenance costs and keep your car running perfectly until the end. Now, let’s try to have a closer look on car coolants, including types available and the best one for your ride.
What is Car Coolant?
Car coolant, also referred to as antifreeze or engine cooling liquid, is a liquid blend that circulates through the engine and absorbs heat, hence preventing overheating of the engine. The cooling liquid system, most people refer to it as the “radiator system,” is designed to keep the engine at an optimal operating temperature. Without it, the engine would easily overheat, leading to quite serious damage and costly repairs.
Cooling liquid is typically made from a mixture of water and antifreeze, with additional additives to help prevent corrosion, scale build-up, and the formation of sludge. It is designed to have a very high boiling point and a low freezing point, making it effective in a wide range of temperatures. This liquid takes excess heat from the engine while it circulates and sends it to the radiator for the dissipation of the heat in the air. The cycle repeats for the maintenance of the engine temperature.
Functions of Car Cooling Liquid
Car cooling liquid is the one element that makes your engine work smoothly. Here are some functions which are quite indispensable:
1. Prevention of Overheating
The most essential function of this vehicle liquid is to regulate the temperature of the engine. As the engine runs, it generates a significant amount of heat, and without proper cooling, it could quickly overheat. The coolant absorbs the heat and helps maintain the engine at a safe operating temperature, ensuring it runs efficiently.
2. Freezing Prevention
The liquid is engineered to prevent the liquid within the engine and radiator from freezing up in cold weather. The component of antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the mixture so that it remains in a liquid state even in freezing temperatures. It prevents damage to the engine block, radiator, and other parts, which may crack if exposed to freezing temperatures.
3. Corrosion Protection
The liquid also prevents the various metal parts of your engine and radiator from rusting and corroding. Modern coolants contain corrosion inhibitors that prevent rust from forming on critical engine parts, such as the radiator, water pump, and thermostat. This extends the lifespan of the engine and its cooling system.
4. Heat Transfer
This liquid helps to draw heat away from the engine. Liquid absorbs heat from the engine and carries it out to the radiator, from which heat is spread into the atmosphere. This process of heat exchange is essential in keeping a stable engine temperature without damage from overheating.
5. Lubrication
Cooling liquid also gives some lubrication to the moving parts of the water pump and other components of the cooling system. This reduces friction and wear, contributing to the longevity of the system and the engine as a whole.
Types of Coolants for Vehicles
Not all coolants are alike. There are various types of coolants in the market that are designed with different additives and chemical composition. The kind of cooling liquid to be chosen for your car depends on factors such as the manufacturer recommendation of your car, climate, and the engine type used in your vehicle. Some of the common types of coolants are listed below:
1. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) Coolants
IAT coolants are the oldest type of cooling liquid and were traditionally used in vehicles manufactured before the 1990s. They contain silicates and phosphates, which prevent corrosion very well but may damage certain engine components over time. Coolants from this category usually have a service life of about two years or 30,000 miles.
2. Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Coolants
OAT coolants are generally newer and are often associated with vehicles built after 1995. These coolants are generally made of organic acids, so they do not contain silicates or phosphates, which extend their life compared to IAT-type coolants. The usage life of OAT coolants usually last up to five years or 150,000 miles before being changed again. OAT coolants less likely cause corrosion and harm that may be inflicted upon several engine parts.
3. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) Coolants
HOAT coolants have the characteristics of both IAT and OAT coolants. They are a balance between longevity and protection. They contain organic acids and silicates. They are formulated to provide better protection for the engine while offering a longer service life than IAT coolants. HOAT coolants are used in most European and some American and Asian vehicles.
4. Ethylene Glycol vs. Propylene Glycol
Most car coolants contain one of two main forms of glycol: ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is the most popular base for coolant mixtures because it offers excellent heat transfer properties and protection against freezing. However, it is toxic, so it must be handled with care. Propylene glycol is less toxic but is sometimes used in coolants for vehicles that may come into contact with animals or children and has about a slightly lower heat transfer efficiency than ethylene glycol.
How to Choose the Best Coolant for Your Vehicle
The right cooling liquid for your vehicle is essential in making sure your vehicle operates well and does not suffer major damage in the long run. Here’s how you can make a good choice:
1. Check the Owner’s Manual
The first step in choosing the right liquid is to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Manufacturers often specify the type of liquid that is compatible with your vehicle. Using the wrong coolants could lead to poor performance, corrosion, or even engine failure.
2. Consider the Climate
If you reside in a place with extreme winter or summer, then you may have to choose the liquid based on its property. Coolants used for cold regions contain more antifreeze concentration in order not to freeze while coolants used in hot climates can resist boiling up due to high temperatures.
3. Look for Compatibility with Engine Materials
Some coolants are more suited to certain types of engines or radiator materials. For example, vehicles with aluminum engines or radiators may require coolants that provide enhanced corrosion protection to prevent damage. Always ensure that the cooling liquid you choose is compatible with the materials in your vehicle’s engine.
4. Observe Maintenance Recommendations
Even the best liquid will break down with time, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement intervals. Most coolants should be changed every two to five years or between 30,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the type of liquid used.
5. Check for Additives
Some coolants contain additional additives, which provide enhanced protection. Such additives include rust inhibitors, scale preventers, and lubricants. These additives can enhance the life of your engine and the radiator system, depending on the needs of your vehicle.
6. Avoid Mixing Different Types
Finally, never mix different types of coolants (for example, IAT with OAT or HOAT). Mixing can result in chemical reactions that diminish the coolant’s effectiveness and potentially damage your vehicle’s cooling system.
Wrapping It Up
Car cooling liquid is far more than just a fluid that keeps your engine from overheating. Proper cooling of the car ensures good running, protection for parts from corrosion, and smooth operation under all kinds of climate. To keep your engine running perfectly and avoid costly repairs in the future, you need to understand the roles of coolants and which one to use in your vehicle. Always check your owner’s manual and use the right coolant to protect the engine and cooling system of your car for a long time.