Antifreeze & Car Coolant – What Are They & What Do They Do?

Key Takeaways:

• Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing in colder climates
• It is a chemical additive designed to inhibit corrosion & engine overheating .
• Coolant is the prediluted aqueous solution of antifreeze.
• A car engine will last 2-5 minutes without a coolant.
• Radiator fluid type, levels, and maintenance are critical to the engine’s operation.
• Do not dilute antifreeze without training.

Many of us can recall the time when our Kūpuna used to pour water into a car’s radiator. It was the ideal coolant for the time until cars eventually began corroding from the inside out. Now, we deal in specialized coolant & antifreeze to keep our car engines at optimal operating temperatures without rusting.

However, there is still confusion regarding the difference between a coolant & antifreeze, the ratio they are combined in, and whether they are even that important or just a capitalist conspiracy.

Well, suppose you are curious to know. In that case, a car’s engine can reach temperatures of 2000-4000 degrees Fahrenheit on the inside, and it’s the coolant that keeps the engine’s surface temp at around 265-465 degrees Fahrenheit. Without a coolant, we give you 5 minutes at the most before the engine sizes and flames up.

But, we’re here to tell you some things you should know about coolant & antifreeze. Because the less the confusion, the sooner you can save hundreds in car maintenance, plus add years to your Mazda!

And Now the Questions…

What Is a Coolant?

As the term suggests, a coolant is an aqueous solution of glycol-based chemicals, additives, and corrosion inhibitors that prevent a car engine from overheating. It is available across dedicated dealerships in pre-diluted forms & blends for specific vehicles, like the FL22 for Mazda coolant . This fluid is pumped across the car’s cooling system to gather heat from the engine and dissipate it at the radiator fins & fan.

What Is an Antifreeze?

It is a toxic, glycol-based chemical used as an additive to reduce the freezing point and increase the boiling points of the coolant. That makes the fluid capable of carrying high temperatures without changing physical states. The antifreeze is also formulated to inhibit rust within the metallic radiator.

While an antifreeze mixture is suitable for cars, the only caveat is the reduced heat bearing capacity of the coolant, hence the need for specialized additives & blends.

Where Do These Fluids Usually Go?

The radiator is located behind a car’s grille in the engine bay. The coolant is poured into the reservoir, and the engine is throttled to let the fluid settle. Any discrepancy is topped up before replacing the cap.

The car’s cooling system comprises radiator hoses, water pumps, radiating fins & a fan. The radiator fluid (coolant & antifreeze mixture) is pumped through the engine in isolated channels to carry the heat out. The high-temperature fluid is pumped off to the cooling fins before cycling back.

Why Use an Antifreeze in Honolulu?

Yes, we know you think that as it is a fluid that helps drop the freezing point of aqueous solutions to below zero, how does it help cars in hot Honolulu? That is because when an impurity is added to a pure substance, it alters both the freezing & boiling points beyond their typical values.

So, an antifreeze might not matter in cold weather, but it sure keeps the coolant capable of handling hot fluids without steam pressure.

How Are the Two Used Together?

Folks assume that a radiator fluid mixture is parts water & antifreeze. That’s not entirely wrong and applies to most moderate climates – but it is impractical in climate extremes. A ratio of 6:4 of antifreeze to water is ideal in colder regions, with a 3:7 dilution ratio for hotter areas.

Hawaii is moderate, so a 50-50 mix is somewhat applicable. Still, you can stick to a prediluted FL22 Mazda coolant that has all the engine & radiator protection you need!

What Types Are There?

The first thing to know is that coolant & antifreeze vary in toxicity levels, so careful handling is required. There are two bases for preparing the fluids, ethylene glycol & propylene glycol. Then further additives are constituted to enhance the coolant’s performance & cycle life.

And now the antifreeze technologies…

* Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT)

It is a bright green color and contains phosphates & silicates to inhibit metal corrosion within the radiator lines. It’s the older class of antifreeze tech and lasts up to 30,000 miles before losing its efficacy.

* Organic Acid Technology (OAT)

It is a relatively recent blend designed to protect the aluminum & plastic components in modern car cooling systems. It does not contain any silicates or phosphates required to prevent metal corrosion in older cars. The orange or green coolant can last up to 150,000 miles in cycle life before needing a radiator flush.

* Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)

This class of antifreeze combines the best of IAT & OAT to deliver unparalleled metal protection from corrosion in car engines & radiator lines, along with a cycle life of 150,000 miles. You will recognize this fluid as yellow or orange, which is suitable for a versatile range of cars.

Can A Radiator Leak Fluid?

Why not? People still use tap water as radiator fluid, with is high in minerals & other calcifying & corrosive contaminants. These minerals can deposit & corrode the metal in the lines and make it past the gaskets in the engine block – leading to a disaster.

But in the short run, the corrosion brought on by improper coolant can result in a radiator leak. You’re wondering how coolant water is any different. It has been distilled, stripped of its electrical conductivity, and purified from contaminants before it’s introduced into a coolant antifreeze blend. It’s pure water.

How To Maintain a Radiator?

You must adhere to regular maintenance sessions at a reputable Mazda dealership. Apart from that, you can regularly check the fluid levels & color for diminished quality. Never attempt to introduce DIY coolant antifreeze blends into the radiator unless you have trained for it & know the handling risks.

If you feel your radiator is already in the stages of failing , you can tally it with the signs here!

Book a Radiator Checkup At Cutter Mazda Honolulu Today!

At Cutter Mazda Honolulu , we not only deal in the classic Japanese automobile, but we offer a range of services to keep your car working in mint condition. With our dedicated service center , OEM parts , accessories , & auto essentials , you can rest assured that we’ll get the proper Mazda coolant for your car.

Check our new & pre-owned inventory , and don’t forget to schedule a radiator flushing service with us today!

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