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How does antifreeze work
01:00 Mon 24th Dec 2001 | How it Works
A. By altering the normal freezing and boiling point of the water in your car's radiator. It can drop the freezing point to as low as -34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q. So it stops it from over heating too
A. Yes, cars need to be able to operate within a wide temperature range, from well below the normal freezing point to temperatures over 100F, 38C. So the antifreeze stops your car overheating too, with a possible top temperature of 276 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q. So, if I use pure antifreeze my car will be able to withstand even more extreme temperatures
A. No. never use straight antifreeze in a cooling system. Always mix it with water.
Q. What is antifreeze made of
A. The active ingredient is ethylene glycol (EG), which comprises around 90% of the liquid. The main difference between brands of the product is in the type and quantity of anti corrosive additives used.
Q. Does EG ever wear out
A. Ethylene glycol never wears out.
Q. So why is it recommended that I change the antifreeze
A. Although the EG doesn't wear out, the anti corrosive additives do, so it's a good idea to change your cars antifreeze regularly, around about every 2 years, depending on how much you use your car.
Q. Why is water used in a car radiator
A. Although, with the need to use and additive, it may seem that water is an ineffective medium for preventing your car from freezing up or overheating, it's actually one of the more efficient fluids for holding heat. The addition of antifreeze with its active ingredient EG makes a big difference to the waters freezing and boiling temperatures.
The efficiency of your car's radiator is given an added boost because it's a pressurised system. If you've ever accidentally tried to take the radiator cap off before the engine has cooled you'll know that very hot water can spurt out quite quickly once the pressure has been released. Putting the water under pressure lowers its freezing point and raises its boiling point further.
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by Lisa Cardy
