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Are antifreeze and coolant the same thing?
I’m confused about which product I need to buy for my car. Are antifreeze and coolant the same thing?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Good question! No, they are not the same thing—but they are related!
Coolant is the product that your engine needs every day to avoid overheating, whereas antifreeze is a solution that is usually incorporated into coolant to provide antifreeze properties in cold weather.
Coolant is usually a mix of 50% water and 50% antifreeze. In
very cold climates
, you may need a blend that’s closer to 70% antifreeze. Antifreeze itself is made of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. It includes corrosion inhibitors to prevent rusting. Antifreeze comes in a variety of colors and chemical formulas. Only use the type of antifreeze specified in your owner’s manual.
Don’t be tempted to use water to cool your engine! Water boils, freezes, expands, and contracts. Using pure water would rust your cooling system and crack your engine block. However, you can’t just use straight antifreeze either. A 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze offers your engine the best protection.
You can top off your coolant with a small amount of antifreeze, but the best practice is to add a premixed solution.
You can purchase coolant and straight antifreeze at most gas stations and auto supply shops.
Hope this helps!
It sounds like you’re already doing a great job maintaining your vehicle. If you’re interested in other ways to save money and protect your vehicle, try
Jerry
to find a cheaper car insurance
policy. Our friendly agents can help you find discounts or switch providers, and the Jerry app is a free and fast way to compare quotes.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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