What is Antifreeze and What is it Used For?

Wondering what antifreeze is or what exactly it’s used for in your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram vehicle? Pondering the difference between antifreeze vs. coolant? The O'Hara Motors service experts are here to help you put all these questions to rest. So read on to learn all about antifreeze and its significance. We aim to help you answer these queries:

• What is antifreeze?
• What is antifreeze used for?
• Why is antifreeze important?

Still have questions after you’ve read our piece on antifreeze? Contact us anytime for additional assistance or schedule car coolant system service online!

First Thing’s First: What is Antifreeze?

What is antifreeze? Is antifreeze coolant? While some use the words synonymously, coolant is actually a mixture of antifreeze and water. Most cars require a 50% antifreeze and 50% water blend, but more potent (and more expensive) coolant options can be 70% antifreeze and 30% water. Coolant is diluted antifreeze ready to be used in your vehicle.

A Note on the Chemical Composition & Color of Antifreeze

Wondering what antifreeze is made of? Antifreeze is typically composed of either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. What’s more, it’s either green, pink, or orange in color, depending on its properties. While most cars use green antifreeze, you should check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on what kind and color of antifreeze you’ll need to use.

What is the Purpose of Antifreeze?

What is antifreeze used for in your car? It gets stored in your vehicle’s radiator and moves through your engine via the water pump, helping to diffuse and dissipate combustion-generated heat away from your engine. Hot coolant then moves through the radiator, where it’s cooled by air to remove extra heat. This cycle is always going on as you drive through Sandwich and beyond, ensuring that your car’s engine always maintains a state of homeostasis.

Why is Antifreeze Important?

Antifreeze, or more specifically, coolant, helps to keep your vehicle’s engine operating at a constant temperature. It offers cooling properties during normal operation, but it also helps keep your engine from seizing or freezing up in sub-zero temperatures! Antifreeze works with the following engine and cooling system components to ensure smooth vehicle performance:

• Water Pump
• Engine Cylinders
• Head Gasket

Experiencing a vehicle that’s overheating? If you feel that your engine hood is excessively hot to the touch or see your temperature gauge climbing above center, you’ll want to call 508-388-5481 or contact our service center right away. 

O'Hara Motors is Here for Your Service Needs!

We here at O'Hara Motors near Mashpee and Bourne want to help you make the most of your vehicle leasing or ownership experience. Now that you know the answers to questions like “Is antifreeze coolant?” and “what is antifreeze used for?”, if you have any additional questions about what antifreeze is or how antifreeze works, we’d be more than happy to assist you! We’d also be happy to help you diagnose and repair coolant system issues. Looking to book a service appointment? Check out our money-saving service & parts specials first!