If you own a car, you’ve probably filled it with either coolant or antifreeze before, but you may not know exactly how these two fluids differ from each other. Here’s an overview of the differences between coolant and antifreeze.
What differentiates coolant from antifreeze is simple — the presence of water. Antifreeze is a concentrated substance, and after you add water to it, it becomes coolant.
If you have a bottle of antifreeze, you’ll need to dilute it with water first. Coolant, on the other hand, is already diluted, so you should never add water to it.
Both coolant and antifreeeze come in multiple varieties. Some products are suitable for all makes and models of cars, while others should only be used for specific types of vehicles. For example, Dexcool should only be used for GM cars.
When your vehicle’s warning light comes on, it’s important to know what product to buy to remedy the problem. It’s also important to test your coolant or antifreeze before using it. For most types of antifreeze, a standard ethylene glycol tester will do the trick. If you need any assistance choosing the right coolant or antifreeze for your car, don’t hesitate to ask the technician at your local auto shop for guidance.
.
