There is no need to use straight coolant in your engine in the winter. You can buy coolant premixed in any auto supply store. Unless you live in an area that is colder than average or stays below zero, that's what you should use.
Replace the engine coolant sensor.
A 1997 Chevy Cavalier uses a standard 50/50 mix of antifreeze coolant and water. This keeps the engine from overheating and from freezing in the winter.
Yes, you can. But if you leave in cold area you will have to replace with proper coolant closer to winter. Otherwise it will damage not only your radiator but also the engine.
A mix of 50% clean water and 50% straight antifreeze will protect down to -34 degrees F. You should have what is in the system tested to see where you are protected to. Your local auto parts store can sell you a coolant tester for cheap.
If your car is leaking coolant get it fixed and put in the recomended coolant for your car. You should locate that info in the manual, also putting water in the winter is a bad idea since the water could freeze causing engine damage. I supposed you might be able to run it for a while in the summer with just water but get the leak fixed and put in the recomended antifreeze/coolant
To let the engine warm up by closing flow of coolant. When operating temperature is reached the thermostat pops open allowing full flow of coolant. Totally necessary in winter !
In countries which have a winter season ALL cars should have the correct amount of antifreeze added to their coolant fluids. If this is not added and the fluid freezes the expansion of the ice will crack the engine block.
Water is coolant!!! Pre mixed coolant comes with anti freeze and sometimes a rust inhibitor, other than that it does same job. Common sense being your guide. Do not use straight water during the winter. Varying ratios of water mixed to antifreeze will actually increase the boiling point in both winter and summer and is more benficial in summer in terms of cooling function. More Coolant/antifreeze less water (mixed) increases boiling point correspondingly. It is of greater benfit to use coolant/antifreeze in your engine because it prevents rust and corrosion in the various parts of cooling system and heating system (heater) and increases the boiling point. Check the coolant/antifreeze container for instructions on mixtures and learn from it.
Antifreeze is used as an engine coolant. While keeping an engine from overheating, the liquid also disperses the heat through the vehicles heater core, giving passengers warmth in the winter.
Yes it is. It keeps the engine cool in summer and won't freeze in the winter; hence the two different names for the same thing.
Antifreeze keeps your coolant from freezing. It keeps your coolant more "fluid".
you will be fine with a summer / winter mix. . . between -30 degrees c and 50 plus c in the uk, most antifreeze will be of this calibre.