RE: Antifreeze Question

[ToMoyer@xxxxxxx]

Here's my input and experience with coolants (I'm also expecting some
flames on this).  First and foremost, contrary to what a lot of people
think, antifreeze does freeze, though it is at a slightly lower temperature
than a 50/50 mix. As it begins to freeze, it gets very slushy and starts to
separate.  When it freezes, just like water, it expands and will cause
damage, i.e. knocking out freeze out plugs, etc.  In real cold climates,
besides having the correct antifreeze/water mixture, it is a good thing to
have a block heater, a small heating element that fits into one of the
block freeze out plug holes.  When plugged into the house electric, it
keeps the coolant at a temperature above freezing.
Secondly, why use antifreeze at a 50/50 mixture in climates that never see
freezing temperatures, why not use straight water?  It is true that
straight water is better for heat transfer and that race cars use straight
water, but remember that most race cars are almost completely rebuilt
between races.  Straight water in a regular cars cooling system will tend
to boil and/or reach too high a temperature and pressure if the thermostat
and radiator pressure cap is not changed accordingly.  Also the chemicals
in the antifreeze protect the inside of the cooling system, i.e. radiator,
heater core, block and head coolant passages, from corrosion, help get
longer life from the hoses and lubricates the water pump.  So the purpose
of antifreeze is three fold;  protect against boiling over, protect against
freezing and corrosion protection.
Always use the recommended mixture for your area (most areas call for a
50/50 mixture, some a 60/40 mixture) and change the complete coolant every
2 or 3 years for longer life. And it is a very good idea to add a bottle of
Water Wetter each time you service the cooling system, it helps lubricate
the water pump bearings and also helps the antifreeze/water mixture
conduct/transfer more heat from the engine to the radiator.

happy motoring,
tom

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