What is Coolant and what does it do?

What is Coolant?

Automotive coolant is a solution mixed with water to improve heat transfer and control the operating temperature of an engine. Besides its function in cooling down the engine, coolant also contains ingredients that inhibit rust, corrosion and scale. These are called inhibitors. They also prevent cavitation which is the rapid formation and collapse of vapour or air pockets, a frequent cause of structural damage.

Some coolants have an Anti-Freeze Anti-Boil package that raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing point of water. Some coolants change the surface tension of the water allowing it to circulate better, removing heat spots and actually lowering the running temperature of an engine.

custom-size

What must engine coolant do?

• Be an effective heat exchange fluid.
• Protect against rust, corrosion, cavitation, freezing and overheating in alloy, mixed metal and cast iron engines.
• Be compatible with plastics and rubbers.
• Be chemically stable (i.e. no “drop out”).
• Mix readily with water!
• Prevention of deposits.

custom-size