Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice
Glossary > A > What’s the difference between antifreeze and coolant

What’s the difference between antifreeze and coolant

Antifreeze versus coolant — What’s the difference between antifreeze and coolant

They’re almost the same, but not quite

In some ways, the discussion about Antifreeze versus Coolant is just semantics since both liquids prevent freezing and protect against cooling system corrosion. Ten years ago the terms were interchangeable, but not anymore. Here’s what’s changed.

Antifreeze is just coolant in a concentrated form

Antifreeze is a concentrate and must be diluted with distilled or de-ionized water before it can be used as a coolant. Undiluted antifreeze cannot be used as an engine coolant. The most popular dilution rate is 50:50

Coolant is diluted antifreeze ready to be installed in your cooling system

Coolant, on the other hand, is antifreeze that’s been diluted by the manufacturer. In other words, you can pour it right into your engine.

As soon as you dilute the concentrated antifreeze with water, it becomes coolant. See how easy that was?

Posted on by Rick Muscoplat

Categories

Tags



Custom Wordpress Website created by Wizzy Wig Web Design, Minneapolis MN