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Antifreeze is a liquid that circulates through an engine to extract excessive heat. It has a lower freezing point and higher boiling point than water, and is circulated through a closed system of hoses and a water pump. Different types of antifreeze are formulated for different temperature ranges, and it is important to keep it away from pets and children as it is poisonous.
Antifreeze, also known as engine coolant, is a liquid substance that circulates through an internal combustion engine and extracts excessive heat. The two most common chemicals used for this are ethylene and propylene glycol, both of which have lower freezing points than water (32° Fahrenheit or 0° Celsius). This allows the chemicals to flow freely even in cold winter conditions. Antifreeze also has a higher boiling point than plain water, making it ideal for summer use as well.
Internal combustion engines generate a significant amount of heat as part of their normal operations. This heat is eventually transferred to the metal and synthetic parts of the engine block, which in turn causes friction and expansion. Engine oils and lubricants can reduce friction, but heat still needs to be dissipated from the engine. This is where the antifreeze comes in. A closed system of hoses and a water pump circulates either pure antifreeze or a mixture of antifreeze with water throughout the engine block.
Excessive heat is carried away by the “heat sink” effect of the chemicals. By the time the antifreeze has gone through the entire engine block, it may be close to the boiling point of water. This superheated fluid is pumped to a radiator located at the front of the engine compartment. A combination of outside air and forced air from a fan helps reduce the temperature. The radiator has numerous chambers and channels that also allow heat to pass into the outside air. As the coolant makes its way to the other side of the radiator, it should be cold enough to re-enter the engine block and start the process all over again.
Not all antifreeze compounds are the same. Some are intended for regions with extreme temperature variations, while others are formulated for the summer months with higher ranges of heat. There may also be variations in the ratio of water to antifreeze for optimal operations. Too little antifreeze can cause a boil over or a completely frozen radiator. Too much may not harm the car’s operation, but it may be too expensive for drivers to use undiluted products all the time. Chemicals are generally inexpensive, but there are occasionally price spikes as demand increases and supplies dry up.
One important thing to keep in mind is the poisonous nature of ethylene or propylene glycol. Antifreeze can smell sweet and look appealing to pets and small children. Drinking it can cause serious illness or even death, so containers should be kept in secure storage areas. If a pet ingests antifreeze, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately for emergency services. It is important to warn children not to drink it because, even if parents store it carefully, the neighbors may not be as aware.
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