antifreeze

[Lorry40]

what does antifreeze contain? How does it prevent water from freezing in an engine?

[beso]

Ethylene Glycol. The antifreeze molecule attracts strongly to the polar structure of the water molecules preventing them from being attracted to other water molecules.

[colin6789]

Ani-freeze does contain Ethylene Glycol, but may also contain Methanol. It lowers the freezing point of the coolant. The stronger the mixture up to a certain level, the lower the freezing point . when it does start to freeze it forms solid water ice, so the coolent gets stronger and so lowers the freezing point of the mixture, so only a small amount os slush forms. It also contains antl-corrosion treatment for the aluminium and steel engine components, so it must still be used in summer, and replaced from time to time particuarly if new components are fitted.