Ethylene glycol
Fight corrosion, raise the boiling point and lubricate the water pump.
The color is an indication to what additives the manufacturer put in the coolant. Certain additives should not be mixed so it is best to stay with the same color.
No, red and orange coolant are not the same; they are formulated with different chemical compositions and additives. Red coolant typically contains organic acid technology (OAT) and is designed for long-lasting protection, while orange coolant is often a hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT) that combines conventional and organic additives. Using the wrong coolant can lead to compatibility issues and potential damage to the engine. Always refer to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications for the correct coolant type.
The main difference between red and green coolant is the additives. The red has extra anti rust inhibitors useful in certain engines.
In an emergency situation you can add water. But coolant contains anti-corrosive additives that prevent rust. Leaving plain water in your engine will eventually destroy it
With time and miles the additives in the coolant wear out and break down. The coolant then becomes corrosive and acidic. This starts to damage all metal parts, including radiator, engine, water pump, etc... The coolant will eventually turn into sludge and the car can overheat and ruin the engine.
Yes. The best to use is of course is a mixture of water and coolant but just water will work fine in your vehicle. Add coolant when you can get some for the best cooling. But only temporarily in an emergency. Water alone was fine (when the temperature stayed above freezing) back in the 1950s, but today's engines need the rust inhibitors and other additives.
No. The expansion tank will not let coolant drain into the radiator. Doing this will cause the whole system to be clogged up. WHO POSTED THIS MISSINFORMATION. OPEN A REPAIR MANUAL BEFORE YOU ANSWER QUESTIONS.
The 6.0L uses the Ford Gold coolant. If your just draining the radiator you will need 2 gallons of the gold coolant then top off with an additional 2 gal of water until full. No additional additives are needed. The gold coolant already has FW-16 in it, unlike Ford green coolant which is used in the 7.3L and FW-16 needs to be added to the green coolant when servicing all 7.3L powerstroke cooling system. Hope this helps.
The Chevy Volt uses a specialized coolant mixture designed for electric and hybrid vehicles, typically based on a combination of water and ethylene glycol. This coolant is formulated to maintain optimal battery temperatures and prevent overheating. It also contains additives to prevent corrosion and improve thermal efficiency. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the coolant remains effective over time.
Because antifreeze is also coolant. (basically a temperature regulator) keeping your fluid from freezing in the winter and from overheating in the summer. It also contains anti-corrosion additives.
Coolant is a combination of freezing and corrosion inhibitors and some lubricant. The mixture of chemicals in manufacture determines the issue colour; some products are dark at the outset. As the coolant ages, weakens and adulterates and especially if leak inhibitors and coolant pump additives have been introduced, it can become darker. S long as there is no sludge in the water and the engine doesn't overheat, it should be OK.