How Antifreeze Saves Your Engine in the Cold

In certain climates, the start of the winter season might mean swapping out your regular tires for snow tires or even adding tire chains to keep from sliding on ice. But what some vehicle owners don't realize is that all types of vehicles need some specific maintenance this time of year, even if you don't live somewhere that experiences a lot of snow or frequent sub-zero temperatures.

The low temperatures of winter can have a big impact on your vehicle, reducing its performance, increasing your chances of breakdowns, and even posing safety hazards. The right winter maintenance can help you avoid or reduce your risk of experiencing these things. One important part of winter maintenance is using antifreeze.

Antifreeze is a liquid that's used in the engine cooling system to regulate the engine temperature and prevent it from freezing in cold temperatures. Did you know that without antifreeze, your engine could freeze, leaving you stranded in the cold? Let's take a look at why this occurs and how to properly use antifreeze to protect your engine.

What is Antifreeze?

Antifreeze is a type of fluid that's made from either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. It also contains pH buffers, which help to maintain the alkalinity of the fluid and make it anti-corrosive, and safer for your engine.

When added to your engine, antifreeze, which is sometimes referred to as coolant, circulates through both the engine and radiator. It absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it into the air. This process helps to keep your engine at a constant temperature. The antifreeze lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of engine liquids, protecting your engine during extreme temperatures.

How Does Antifreeze Work?

The science of how antifreeze works comes down to its composition. The most essential component of antifreeze is ethylene glycol. This substance's main function is to reduce the freezing point of the coolant. This keeps the liquid from hardening in cold weather. It also reduces the boiling point of the coolant, which is essential when temperatures climb dangerously high in the summer months.

Additionally, ethylene glycol is chemically stable and non-corrosive, meaning that it will help keep your engine healthy and functioning longer. The ethylene glycol is dissolved with water, which helps to distribute it through your engine. Finally, a few additives are used. These additives do things like balance the pH level and keep the coolant from foaming.

Antifreeze starts its journey in the water pump. From there, it travels through the engine's passages, collecting heat as it goes. It flows through the combustion chambers collecting heat, then past the thermostat, and finally through the radiator hose, and into the radiator. It's cooled by the airflow in the radiator before it returns to the water pump through the lower radiator hose to begin this process again.

Benefits of Antifreeze in Protecting Your Engine

In addition to keeping your engine cool in the summer and warm in the winter, antifreeze also contains anti-corrosion and rust properties, keeping your engine healthy and functioning properly for longer.

Choosing the Right Antifreeze for Your Vehicle

While they all perform the same function, there are a variety of types of antifreeze available. To find the right one for your vehicle, start by checking the manufacturer's recommendations. If you're unsure, you can always call your trusted service department at Mtn. View Hyundai for their suggestion.

Some of the most popular varieties of antifreeze include:

• IAT, or Inorganic Additive Technology, is a type of coolant that is a mixture of water, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, silicants, and phosphates. This type of coolant is often used in older vehicles, as it is less efficient than newer coolants.
• OAT, or Organic Acid Technology, is a type of coolant that utilizes organic acids to prevent corrosion. This extends the life compared to older types of coolant and is popular for use in newer vehicles.
• HOAT, or Hybrid Organic Acid Technology, is a type of coolant that combines properties from both IAT and OAT coolants. This creates a hybrid that offers great protection against corrosion and can be used in many different types of vehicles.

Antifreeze Protects Your Vehicle From Harsh Conditions

Antifreeze helps to protect your engine during extreme temperatures and keeps your engine running better for years to come. Regular maintenance, including adding antifreeze, should be a part of your vehicle's winter care checklist.