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BLOG SERIES 3 - TAKE THE BITE OUT OF WINTER!
Why is antifreeze so important? Here we will tell you why!
What is antifreeze?
Antifreeze is a liquid made from ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, water and methanol. Because the chemical ethylene glycol or propylene glycol has a higher boiling point than water, it raises the boiling point, so your vehicle doesn’t overheat in the summer and by contrast, lowers the freezing point in winter to stop your vehicle freezing up....this is why your vehicle loves it in winter! It is also anti-corrosive, which helps stop internal damage to your vehicle’s engine components.
Why is it so important?
If you don’t use antifreeze you risk the following, none of which are cheap to fix: Radiator damage, engine failure, cracked head gasket. So...for the cost of a few pounds its worth being nice to your vehicle!
Can’t I just add water?
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, ethylene glycol boils at 197.3 degrees Celsius, hence the mix helps stop your car from overheating, likewise adding water without antifreeze in winter would be a frozen recipe for disaster- without Elsa!!
What is the difference between coolant and antifreeze?
The short answer to this is NOTHING! They are one and the same with the same purpose. There are however different variations you can buy. The first is the ready-mixed version which is often referred to as “Coolant”, the second needs to be mixed usually with 50% water. Always check your vehicle handbook to know what kind of antifreeze to use, if in doubt, give us a shout!! If your vehicle was made after 1998 you will need a silicate-free, organic acid (OAT) technology antifreeze, which can’t be mixed with other types of antifreeze, vehicles manufactured before 1998 need an antifreeze with silicate.
Why are antifreeze different colours?
The colours are not a clear indicator of whether you should use the antifreeze on your vehicle. Always check your manual or ask us!
Call us today for your FREE pre-winter check!
Meet The Team Blog Series:
Shannon Henderson, Northbrook College Student and Apprentice at Portslade MOT
Shannon has been a student at Northbrook College and is studying to become a Mechanic. She works at Portslade MOT one day a week.
Shannon’s passion for cars was the motivation to start her journey to become a mechanic.
Having an opportunity to learn and develop hands-on in a busy diverse garage has helped to give Shannon the skills and experience to fast track her career.
We asked her what her long-term ambition was and she said:
“I aim to become a fully qualified mechanic and have my own garage one day”, and we then asked her what advice she would give to anyone wanting to follow in her footsteps:
“Be confident, make sure it’s what you really want. Mechanics work long hours and the work is dirty so you have to be passionate about it.” With a focus and drive like that there is no doubt Shannon will achieve her goals!"
Good luck Shannon!