The world is currently under the influence of global warming.
With extreme temperatures and unprecedented weather conditions, global warming is causing problems that were once unimaginable. Along with health issues and environmental deterioration, global warming is also an enemy of modern vehicles. During extreme weather conditions, engines bear the burden of protecting you, especially in winter. That’s when antifreeze becomes the hero that saves your engine’s cooling system. But there’s much more that antifreeze can do when you buy it for your vehicle.
What Is Antifreeze?
Before understanding the role of antifreeze in vehicles, let’s first understand the product. Antifreeze is a colored liquid that prevents the water inside your engine from freezing during extreme temperatures. It does this by lowering its freezing point. So, when the outside temperature drops, the solution is pumped into the engine, maintaining a constant internal temperature. But most drivers don’t know that their vehicle needs an antifreeze solution year-round, not just in winter. Apart from keeping your engine temperature regulated, antifreeze also offers other benefits.
Aids in Heat Transfer Processes
Heat transfer is essential in vehicles because it keeps your engine in good condition for a long time. An antifreeze solution ensures that the heat inside the engine is transferred properly. By raising the boiling and freezing points in summer and winter, respectively, antifreeze keeps your engine running smoothly for years to come.
Improves Your Vehicle’s HVAC System with Antifreeze
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential aspects of any vehicle. Unlike HVAC systems in residential and commercial units, vehicle systems require more attention. Keep in mind that vehicles move from place to place, often in varying temperatures. The antifreeze used in HVAC systems prevents pipes from freezing and causing damage. It also minimizes the risks of buildup and corrosion, keeping the system in good condition for a long time.
Prevents Engine Damage
During winter, antifreeze ensures that the engine is not damaged by freezing and other factors. Additionally, it improves the engine’s resistance to stress factors such as cracks and overheating caused by high air temperatures. So, if you’re wondering whether buying antifreeze for your vehicle is a good idea, this reason alone should be enough to convince you.
Better Than Water
Many drivers believe that water works just as well as antifreeze, but the reality is different. Using water as antifreeze is common but not recommended, especially in winter. Scientifically, water expands when it freezes, putting pressure on the engine and reducing its performance. With more water, the impact can be even more damaging. Antifreeze helps dilute the water, preventing it from freezing and maintaining engine performance during winter.
Which Antifreeze Should You Buy?
Gone are the days when a single type of antifreeze or coolant worked for every engine. With modern vehicles becoming more advanced, different types of antifreeze and coolants are available on the market. Different engines have different antifreeze requirements, making it tricky to buy the right one.
The first step when buying antifreeze is understanding your vehicle’s engine. Remember that most older cars were built with similar cooling systems, so their antifreeze requirements are the same. However, modern cars have their preferred antifreeze that works specifically with their engines. Below is a brief explanation of each type to help you understand them better.
- Organic Acid Technology (OAT): OAT is one of the modern, superior coolants that come in yellow, red, and purple colors. Generally, cars manufactured by General Motors use this formula, but this antifreeze may not be compatible with other engines. American MFG’s Diesel Heavy Duty Antifreeze is one of the best OAT-based antifreeze solutions available on the market. It features long-lasting inhibitors, providing up to 600,000 miles and 12,000 hours of protection against extreme temperatures.
- Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT): Derived from OAT, HOAT adds a hybrid element to the original formula. These antifreezes are available in orange and yellow and are commonly used in high-profile vehicles like Ford and Chrysler. But as an owner of these cars, you must look for this antifreeze in a reliable store. Fortunately, American MFG is one of the best online stores in the country, offering the Asian Vehicle Extended Life Red 50/50. This antifreeze protects modern engines in both extreme summer and winter conditions.
- Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT): This old-school antifreeze is not compatible with modern vehicles. However, if you own vintage cars, this is the right antifreeze for you.
Conclusion
One thing to remember when buying antifreeze for vehicles is that no matter how good it is, you must monitor your engine’s performance. We suggest taking your car for a service check before both summer and winter begin. This way, you can keep your car well-maintained for a long time and avoid severe damages that could cost you a fortune.
