Functions of coolant

Answer 1

Coolant provides several different functions for your vehicle. Some are obvious, and others not so much. 1)Cooling - Coolant is pumped through the block of the engine. This coolant is warmed up by the combustion of fuel in the cylinders. Once the engine reaches operating temperature the thermostat allows the coolant to flow through the radiator where it is cooled to a lower temperature. The coolant then circulated through the engine keeping it at a controlled temperature. 2)Corrosion Protection -Your coolant is treated with various chemicals to prevent corrosion to your engine as well as other parts of your car. When Coolant is neglected for too long it will become corrosive, and it will begin to rust various engine components causing leaks. 3)Heating -The warm coolant in your engine is used to power your car's heater. A typical thermostat in a vehicle keeps the engine coolant over 170 degrees F. This warm coolant is pumped through a small radiator called a heater core which transfers heat to the passenger compartment. 4)Freeze Protection - Coolant is often called antifreeze because it freezes at a much lower temperature than water. In places that get below freezing temperatures this is very important. When a cooling system freezes the contents expand which can severely damage or destroy engines. Different vehicles use different types of coolant. This is done for several reasons. It is always best only to use the same coolant as the manufacturer recommends.