When it comes to your vehicle’s cooling system, two terms are often used interchangeably: antifreeze and coolant. While they are very closely related, there are important distinctions between the two.
Engine coolant (antifreeze) protects your engine from both overheating and freezing, prevents internal corrosion, and lubricates the water pump seal. Over time, the additives in coolant break down, its pH changes, and it loses its protective properties.
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A coolant is a substance, typically liquid, that is used to reduce or regulate the temperature of a system. An ideal coolant has high thermal capacity, low viscosity, and low cost, is non-toxic and chemically inert, and neither causes nor promotes corrosion of the cooling system.
We’ve reviewed ten of the best antifreeze options for different types of vehicles and included a complete buyer’s guide to walk you through everything you need to know about coolant maintenance. Important note: Never open the radiator cap or coolant reservoir when the engine is hot.
The new coolant you are adding must be the same type and color as the existing antifreeze in your car’s cooling system. Failure to adhere to this rule could cause costly damage to your engine.