What Is Engine Coolant?

Series Summary

The automobile—a machine that means so much to so many—is a complex system built on the designs and ideas of men and women who are long gone from the world. And while we’ve enjoyed traveling the backroads of childhood, the streets of adolescence, and the highways of adulthood, the car has remained a reliable means of transportation, as well as a vehicle that embodies the hopes and dreams of reaching exciting new destinations, or returning home.

For a car to operate normally, it must have some basic care and maintenance. In these free automotive repair videos, learn how to maintain your engine cooling system. The cooling system keeps your car from overheating on the road; a lot of heat is generated by an internal combustion engine, which must be properly dissipated. Our expert will show you how to check antifreeze levels and mix and refill your fluid if needed. He’ll also give you tips on how to find leaks, and how to flush your cooling system without using expensive equipment or going to the mechanic. So learn how to care for your vehicle in this free auto repair and car care instructional series.

Video Transcript

" Hi! This is Jon on behalf of Expert Village. In this video clip, I will be answering the question what is engine coolant. In an engine, the temperature can get to a very hot temperature, and there is fluid that travels through many of the holes in the engine and this will help dissipate the heat. The fluid is called antifreeze, also known as engine coolant. The reason we use coolant is because, although water will do about the same thing, water freezes when it gets too cold and it boils when it gets too hot. By mixing antifreeze with the water, it will lower the freezing point and will raise the boiling point of the liquid. Because the engine does get really hot, we add the antifreeze mixture so that it will help protect the engine better and have a less likelihood of boiling inside the engine. "