— For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.
Although the terms often are used interchangeably, it’s important to know that antifreeze and coolant are NOT the same thing.
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze; antifreeze contains either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which keep your engine from freezing in winter or overheating in summer.
And while it may sound strange to be talking about “anti-freeze” products in the middle of summer, it’s always good to know just what your vehicle needs to operate efficiently in any type of weather. Let the professionals at Advance Auto Parts help you choose the product that’s just right for your needs.
Michael Puckett, a district manager at the Advance Auto on Raleigh Road, said different types of antifreeze come in different colors, according to their particular uses and ingredients.
Vehicle owners should follow the original manufacturer’s specifications when choosing antifreeze.
Coolants are usually 50/50 mixes of distilled water and the glycol, but different brands may offer different ratios.
In addition to raising the boiling point and lowering the freezing point of water, coolant also helps prevent corrosion.
Unless it’s an emergency situation, it’s never a good idea to put plain ol’ water in your vehicle’s radiator. But it IS always a good idea to disconnect the battery cables and make sure the engine is cool enough to work on before adding any fluids, even if you’re just topping off.
When your car or truck engine is not running, the coolant is in the radiator. When the engine is running, however, the coolant courses through passageways in the engine, absorbing heat before returning to the radiator to be cooled by fresh air.
If you find you’re having to top off coolant levels often, it could be a sign that there’s a leak in the system somewhere.
It’s a good idea to think about doing a system flush every few years, but that depends on the make and model of the vehicle.
The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS. Safety First! Always seek proper help. This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.