What is Antifreeze?

mulham jarjnazei Wed Apr 20, 2011 9:22 pm

Antifreeze, also known as engine coolant, is a liquid substance which circulates through an internal combustion engine and draws off excessive heat. The two most common chemicals used as antifreeze are ethylene and propylene
glycol, both of which have lower freezing points than water (32°
Fahrenheit or 0° Celsius). This allows antifreeze to flow freely even
under cold winter conditions. Antifreeze also has a higher boiling
point than pure water, which makes it ideal for summer use as well.Internal
combustion engines generate a significant amount of heat as part of
their normal operations. This heat is eventually transferred to the
metallic and synthetic parts of the engine block,
which in turn causes friction and expansion. Engine oils and
lubricants may reduce the friction, but the heat still needs to
dissipate away from the engine. This is where antifreeze enters the
picture. A closed system of hoses and a water pump circulates either
pure antifreeze or a water/antifreeze mixture throughout the engine
block.