Understanding the Basic Types of Antifreeze/Coolant

Summary

This video explores the history, types, and importance of antifreeze in vehicle cooling systems. From its early use in the 19th century and World War I to modern formulations, antifreeze plays a critical role in preventing freezing and boiling of engine fluids. The video explains differences between traditional green IAT coolants and newer extended-life OAT formulations, their chemical compositions, maintenance intervals, and compatibility. It emphasizes proper mixture, fluid levels, and the use of distilled water to maximize engine protection. Viewers gain practical guidance on selecting, testing, and replacing antifreeze to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.

Takeaways

• 🧊 Antifreeze has been used since the mid-19th century and gained prominence during World War I to prevent vehicles and tanks from freezing.
• 🔥 Modern engines require coolant to manage higher temperatures, making antifreeze essential for both freezing point depression and boiling point elevation.
• 💧 The effectiveness of antifreeze depends on the concentration of the dissolved substance in water, which also helps transfer heat to the radiator.
• 🚗 Different coolants are formulated for specific vehicle types, including diesel, Asian, and European vehicles, according to manufacturer specifications.
• 🟢 Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) coolants, typically green, contain ethylene glycol or propylene glycol with silicate or phosphate for corrosion protection and water pump lubrication, usually replaced every year.
• 🟠 Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants, known as Extended Life Coolants (ELC), offer up to 5 years or 150,000 miles of protection, are compatible with other OAT coolants, and provide high-temperature aluminum protection.
• ⚠️ ELC should never be mixed with traditional IAT coolants, as this can reduce the expected lifespan of the combined fluids, though it won't damage the engine immediately.
• 🧪 Antifreeze can degrade over time, especially in hybrid OAT formulations, making periodic testing important to ensure corrosion protection remains effective.
• 🔄 The water-to-antifreeze ratio is critical, and using distilled water for premixed or concentrated coolants prevents mineral deposits and ensures proper system performance.
• 🔧 Maintaining proper coolant levels and replacing fluids according to their specified life intervals ensures optimal corrosion protection and engine heat management.

Q & A

When was antifreeze first used, and for what purpose?

Antifreeze was first used in the mid-19th century, initially in dynamite, before gaining prominence in automobile cooling systems during World War I to prevent tanks and vehicles from freezing.

How does antifreeze affect the freezing and boiling points of a water-based coolant?

Antifreeze lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of a water-based liquid, helping engines operate in both cold and hot environments.

What are the main types of antifreeze, and how do they differ?

The main types are Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) coolants, which are typically green and contain silicates or phosphates, and Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants, which are usually orange and free of silicates, phosphates, borates, and nitrates. IAT is traditional, while OAT is extended-life and better for newer vehicles.

Why is it important not to mix IAT and OAT coolants?

Mixing IAT and OAT coolants can reduce the anticipated lifespan of the combined fluids, potentially compromising corrosion protection, though it won't immediately harm the engine.

What is the recommended replacement interval for traditional green IAT coolant?

The recommended replacement interval for IAT coolant is typically once a year, although many consumers replace it less frequently.

What service life can extended-life coolants (ELC) provide?

Extended-life coolants can provide up to 5 years or 150,000 miles of service life when properly diluted and added as an initial fill.

Why is it important to maintain the correct water-to-antifreeze ratio?

Maintaining the correct ratio ensures optimal heat transfer, prevents corrosion, and allows inhibitors to function effectively. Using distilled water with concentrate prevents mineral deposits.

How can consumers test whether their antifreeze is still effective?

Consumers can use an antifreeze tester to check if the coolant still provides adequate corrosion protection and freezing/boiling point control.

What can happen if a cooling system is low on coolant?

A system that is always low on coolant creates a corrosive environment, which can damage the engine and reduce the effectiveness of antifreeze inhibitors.

Can different brands of coolant be mixed?

Different brands can be mixed as long as they are the same type (IAT or OAT), but mixing may compromise the effectiveness of the additives, and the coolant change interval should follow the shorter-life product.

Why do most premixed coolants use distilled water instead of tap water?

Distilled water prevents mineral deposits from forming in the cooling system, which could otherwise reduce heat transfer and cause corrosion.