Antifreeze is a green fluid used in automotive cooling systems to alter the thermal properties of the water in the system. Green dye is added to identify conventional antifreeze, while newer extended-life antifreeze is dyed orange.
Types
Conventional antifreeze contains inorganic rust inhibitors to protect the cooling system. Extended life antifreeze is the same as conventional antifreeze, except the rust inhibitors are organic and last longer.
Benefits
Antifreeze raises the boiling point of water in the cooling system and lowers the freezing point. Rust inhibitors in antifreeze protect the cooling system from corrosion.
Compatibility
The rust inhibitors in conventional and extended life antifreeze don't work well together. For the best system performance, flush the cooling system of the old antifreeze rather than mix the two.
Dangers
Ethylene glycol is the active ingredient in antifreeze and is extremely poisonous. Ingestion can result in death within 24 hours. Survivors of antifreeze poisoning may experience kidney failure for several weeks.
Prevention
Antifreeze leaks can occur as your car ages. The most common problem is burst water hoses which can be avoided by replacing hoses before they break.
