Types of Engine Coolant

Engine coolant is a chemical solution that keeps your car from overheating. It helps the radiator and cooling system keep the engine at the correct temperature for optimum operation. Several types of engine coolant are available, depending on your vehicle's requirements.

Function

Your car's cooling system includes the radiator, fans, hoses and vents. This system indirectly cools the engine with the help of some type of liquid coolant. The coolant passes through the engine, collecting and absorbing extra heat. As the coolant leaves the engine, it passes through the radiator. The radiator captures the heat from the coolant and expels it from the car. This process keeps the engine from seizing.

Types

Vehicles use one of four basic types of engine coolant. The most common is a 50/50 blend of ethylene glycol and water. Some people prefer a slightly less toxic blend of propylene glycol and water. Cleaner coolant types are made without either of these chemicals, but may not perform as well as more traditional varieties. Finally, extended-life coolants use additives to extend the life of the engine and cooling system.

Features

Coolants may include a variety of additives. Nitrates reduce corrosion and help the coolant flow through the engine. Silicates help to minimize corrosion in aluminum engines or coolant systems. Carboxylates are one of the more common additives to reduce rust in the engine, and borates are added to increase the "wetness" of the coolant, which can help it flow more quickly.

Benefits

The use of engine coolant is critical to a long-lasting engine. Without coolant, the various metal components inside the engine would generate too much heat and fail. Coolant extends the life of your vehicle and minimizes repairs.

Considerations

Most types of engine coolant are toxic and should be kept away from children, pets and storm drains. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends recycling coolant and suggests that using recycled coolant can be better for your car's engine because of reduced levels of chloride after recycling. You shouldn't mix different types of coolant, and you should flush the radiator completely when switching from one type to another. Consult your owner's manual when choosing engine coolant.

References

• How Coolant Works
• Types of Engine Coolant
• EPA Engine Coolant