Engines need to remove heat to avoid damage, usually using a coolant like water or antifreeze. Water is cheap and efficient but can freeze or boil, while antifreeze is safer but more expensive and less efficient. A mixture of both is often used for optimal performance.
An internal combustion engine in a car, boat, or plane produces heat, particularly if that engine runs for a long time. Engines must remove this heat to avoid high temperatures that can shorten engine life or damage it beyond repair. Most engines do this heat transfer using a pressurized system that displaces heat into a coolant like water or antifreeze. When performing routine maintenance, make sure the vehicle has a sufficient supply of water or antifreeze. Determine if water or antifreeze is better suited to your needs based on cost, outside temperature, and the substance’s impact on engine components.
Water is a viable option for use as an engine coolant due to its ability to absorb a large amount of heat and transfer it away from the engine. Water is also readily available and cheap to purchase, so you can easily refill your vehicle if your coolant level is low. On the other hand, using water as an engine coolant has some drawbacks.
In climates that are extremely hot or cold, water may not be the best option. If the engine temperature exceeds the boiling point of water, the water will turn to steam, leaving the engine unprotected. Conversely, if the engine temperature drops below freezing, the water can turn to ice and crack the engine. Water and steam can be corrosive and damage the metal of the engine.
Antifreeze is another engine coolant option. The two main types of antifreeze are ethylene glycol based or propylene glycol based. Antifreeze has a high boiling point and a low freezing point, so it can be used safely in all climates, and some antifreezes contain chemicals that protect metal and lubricate engine parts.
The use of antifreeze also has its drawbacks, including higher cost, poor heat transfer efficiency, and toxicity. Water is much cheaper than antifreeze and more readily available, and antifreeze is not as efficient at transferring heat as water, although the rate of heat transfer is sufficient to keep the engine cool. Additionally, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze is highly toxic and can cause organ failure or even death if ingested, while propylene glycol-based antifreeze can be highly corrosive if not handled properly.
Rather than choosing to use either water or antifreeze, many people choose to use both by combining the substances into a single mixture that serves as an engine coolant that harnesses the benefits of both compounds. Water antifreeze solution has a high enough boiling point and a low enough freezing point to be used in most climates. At the same time, anti-corrosion chemicals and lubricants in antifreeze help protect engine parts.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
