What Is Antifreeze?

Man Filling Antifreeze Fluid in His Car

 

Clovis drivers may recognize antifreeze as a vital component for their vehicle, but they may be wondering, “What is antifreeze used for?” and “Is antifreeze coolant?” You’ve come to the right place for all your car care questions! The team at the Fresno Acura service department has the answers you need about antifreeze, and if you have any other service or car care tips, reach out to our knowledgeable team.

What Is Antifreeze? (Is Antifreeze Coolant?)

If you’re taking car care into your own hands, you may begin to wonder, “Is antifreeze coolant?” While you’ll hear the term thrown around interchangeably, coolant is actually the mixture of water and antifreeze. More often than not, you’ll find coolant mixtures that are an even split of antifreeze and water. However, more potent (and more expensive) coolant mixtures can be found with 70% antifreeze and 30% water.

In most cases, antifreeze is composed of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, but the color options can vary. Depending on its properties, it can be either green, pink, or orange in color. Most vehicles around Madera use green antifreeze, but it’s a good idea to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find the right antifreeze for your make and model.

What Is Antifreeze Used for?

Despite its name, antifreeze is essential for regulating your vehicle’s engine temperature on Visalia roads. Stored in the vehicle’s radiator and connected by a reservoir in the engine bay, antifreeze draws heat away from your engine by circulating through your engine by a water pump. As the now-hot coolant is directed back towards the radiator, air is used to remove the excess heat, and the process begins again. This cycle ensures your engine is running at the correct temperature, so your commute doesn’t end with an overheated engine.

The Importance of Antifreeze

You can see the importance of antifreeze from the process above, but it’s also essential to your safety on the road all year round. Antifreeze is specially designed to keep your coolant from freezing in below-zero temperatures. Running your engine without coolant means risking damage to vital components such as:

  • Water Pump
  • Engine Cylinders
  • Connector Rods
  • Head Gasket

If you notice your hood is hot to the touch or observe steam coming from underneath the hood, schedule an appointment at a Fresno service center to have the issue addressed.

Explore Service Tips With Fresno Acura!

Now that you know what antifreeze is used for, continue learning more about your vehicle by taking a look at our other service tips and tricks. You might be interested in learning about how often to change your oil or exploring the differences of synthetic oil vs. conventional oil. From DIY car care tips to your Acura maintenance, the team at Fresno Acura is here for you.

More from Fresno Acura

  • 2025 Acura RDX Technology

      You’ll feel confident and comfortable behind the wheel of the 2025 Acura RDX. This premium sport crossover includes many standard safety features to assist you on the unpredictable Clovis roads. The 2025 RDX also received an NHTSA safety rating that will make you feel great about choosing it for yourself or your family. Learn…

  • 2025 Acura MDX Interior

      Are you thinking about taking advantage of our Acura MDX specials in Fresno? Before bringing this premium performance SUV home to Clovis, you’ll probably want to check out the Acura MDX interior specs to ensure they meet your needs. Whether you have a growing family or need ample cargo space, you’ll find the 2025…

  • 2025 Acura Integra Performance

      With its accessible price range and potent performance, the 2025 Acura Integra is a great sedan for Clovis commuters. When you’re exploring the 2025 configurations, you’ll find that there are two Acura Integra engine options. That means you can choose the performance level that matches your driving needs in Fresno, so which powertrain is…

WARNING: Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger vehicle or off-road vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except as necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated area, and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov/products/passenger-vehicle

Fresno Acura 36.8415489, -119.8074218.