Most Nashville drivers know antifreeze is a must-have to keep their cars running smoothly, but what is antifreeze used for? Is antifreeze a coolant? If you’ve ever had questions about why your car needs antifreeze, or simply what is antifreeze, Music City Autoplex in Madison can help you find the answers! Our knowledgeable team has the answers to any questions about your car’s maintenance.
So, is antifreeze coolant? Yes, it is. Antifreeze, or coolant, is a liquid added to your car’s radiator to regulate the temperature of the engine. This liquid is responsible for protecting your car from freezing and overheating during your Hendersonville and Clarksville commutes.
Comprised of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, antifreeze varies in color. Usually, it’s green, pink, or orange. Green is the most common color, but you should always check your car’s manual to guarantee you are using the correct antifreeze for the make and model of your vehicle. While necessary, antifreeze is toxic, so any spills should be cleaned up to keep pets safe.
Now that you know what antifreeze is, what is antifreeze used for? Stored in the radiator and connected by a reservoir in the engine bay, antifreeze is circulated throughout your engine by the water pump, which pulls combustion-generated heat away from your engine. The antifreeze, now heated, flows back into the radiator, where it is cooled by air. This process happens continuously as you drive through Franklin, keeping your engine at a safe temperature.
Engineered to keep your engine from overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter, antifreeze is vital. Without antifreeze pumping through your engine, several areas of your car’s engine would be critically damaged, including:
Looking for more information about car maintenance and repair? Contact us to learn more, or pay us a visit near Franklin and Gallatin. And if you’re shopping for a new-to-you vehicle, Music City Autoplex of Madison can answer any questions about financing. Be sure to check out our vehicle specials!