Types of Radiator Fluid
- Choose the right radiator fluidcontainers of anti-freeze and coolant for cars. products image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
Radiator fluid is an antifreeze coolant and a water mixture. It is used to keep your automobile's engine from freezing in the winter. Radiator fluid in vehicles has to be changed occasionally. This involves draining the fluid from the radiator and refilling it with fresh coolant and water. Radiator fluid also helps guard engines against corrosion and overheating. Not all radiator fluids are environmentally friendly, and most can cause death in humans and animals if ingested. - Ethylene glycol radiator fluid is the most commonly used radiator fluid. It is a 50-50 mixture of radiator fluid and water. It is used in vehicles in southern U.S. states that do not have harsh winters. Ethylene glycol radiator fluid has a higher boiling point than any other radiator fluid. It can be mixed with propylene glycol radiator fluid.
- Propylene glycol radiator fluid is used in vehicles that have cold winter environments. It is mixed at 70 percent radiator fluid to 30 percent water. It is used to keep engines from freezing in cold weather. It can be mixed with ethylene glycol radiator fluid. This radiator fluid lasts longer than most. It also adheres to metal to prevent antifreeze leaks, prevents corrosion and lasts up to 250,000 miles.
- Extended life coolant is mixed at 70 percent radiator fluid to 30 percent water. It is known as an organic acid technology coolant. It is used in vehicles to keep engines from freezing during winter. The coolant provides metal corrosion protection. It improves heat transfer by 7 to 8 percent since it does not stick to metal surfaces.
