The coolant of a car is a very essential component in your car’s engine system. The main purpose of coolant is for heat transfer all over the system to maintain the best temperature. This also prevents the engine from overheating or freezing. It also lubricates constantly moving engine components to keep the car running smoothly and efficiently.
How Does Coolant Really Work?
Coolant is a colored liquid that is mixed with water and stored in a container attached to the cooler. Each time the engine is activated, the coolant travels through the engine system and returns to the radiator for cooling. Upon cooling, it escapes from the lowest of the radiator, and then it’s miles furnished into the water pump. The water pump pushes the coolant into the engine head and the block of the vehicle, where it regulates the temperature. The antifreeze is then driven back to the radiator for cooling.
A coolant system is a complex system consists of the following components:
- Radiator Hose
This complex tubing system sends coolant from the radiator to the hottest part of the engine, then returns the overheated fluid to the radiator and resumes the cycle.
- The water or coolant pump
A water pump, sometimes called a coolant pump, circulates liquid coolant to the radiator and engine cooling system and powers it from the engine itself. This keeps the engine temperature at a safe level during operation.
- A thermostat
Its main function is to block the flow of the coolant to the radiator until the engine is already warmed up.
- The fan
Cooling fans are an important component of an automotive cooling system that helps remove all heat absorbed by the engine using coolant. All that work is done by the cooler by pushing and pulling air through the radiator.
Common Types of Coolants
- Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) Coolants
This is a traditional coolant commonly used on older vehicles. It is mainly colored green or yellow. These types of coolants quickly lose their properties and tend to be inefficient and should be replaced frequently.
- Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Coolant
It is mainly used in modern engines, especially in vehicles since 2000. It usually lasts longer than IAT, but is not well suited to prevent corrosion of cooling systems.
- Hybrid Organic Acid Technology Coolant
This one is the best of both the first and second items (IAT and OAT). It provides incredible corrosion resistance within the system and lasts longer than any other option.
