What is Antifreeze and What Does it Do?

Essentially, antifreeze help regulate your car’s engine’s temperature when you commute around Orange, MA. Many drivers often wonder, “Is antifreeze coolant?” While some use the terms interchangeably, coolant is technically a mixture of antifreeze and water. The most common coolant mixtures are 50% antifreeze and 50% water, but there are more potent (and more expensive) coolant options that can be 70% antifreeze and 30% water. 


Typically, antifreeze is composed of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. It's either green, pink, or orange in color, depending on its properties. Most cars take green antifreeze, but you should check your owner’s manual first to ensure you purchase the proper color for your make and model. Find out more below with Sonia’s CDJR’s service center! 
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What is Antifreeze Used for?

Antifreeze is stored in your vehicle’s radiator and is connected by a reservoir in the engine bay. It gets circulated throughout your engine by the water pump, which allows it to move combustion-generated heat away from your engine. The now-hot coolant is then circulated back to the radiator, where it's cooled by air to remove excess heat. This cycle is constantly repeated while you drive, working to keep your engine running at a safe temperature.

Why is Antifreeze Important?

Antifreeze is vital to keep your vehicle running safely. It's specially formulated to prevent overheating and keep your coolant from freezing in below-zero temperatures. If you were to run your engine without any coolant in it, you’d risk major damage to these critical components:

  • Water Pump
  • Engine Cylinders
  • Connector Rods
  • Head Gasket

If your hood is ever too hot to touch or there's steam coming out from under it, you’ll want to schedule an appointment at a local service center immediately.

Rely On Sonia’s CDJR for Expert Auto Service!

If you doubt your vehicle might be overheating, bring your car into our service center in Orange, MA, and we will inspect it thoroughly to see if there are any issues. Feel free to learn more about car fluids, including how to check brake fluid and more!