Antifreezes, also commonly known as radiator liquids or coolants, are essential chemical substances for the proper functioning of engines. Their main function is to cool the endothermic engine, thus ensuring optimal performance and preventing potentially irreparable damage.

Antifreezes are solutions based on ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, mixed with water and special additives.
The additives included in the blend perform various functions: they prevent corrosion, increase chemical stability, and prevent foaming. These additives are essential to ensure the longevity of the engine and the cooling system.

A good cooling fluid must be able to:

• Prevent freezing: it prevents liquid from freezing at low temperatures, thus protecting the engine and the other parts of the cooling system from any damage caused by the formation of ice.
• Prevent overheating: the antifreeze allows the engine to operate at high temperatures without overheating. This is especially important during intensive engine use or in hot weather.
• Protect from corrosion: the additives in the fluid protect the metal parts of the engine and the cooling system by inhibiting their deterioration, and helping to keep the seals and other moving parts of the cooling system in good condition.
• Prevent foaming: anti-foam additives prevent the formation of air bubbles in the cooling system, which could reduce the effectiveness of the heat transfer and cause overheating problems.
• Maintain chemical stability: the refrigerant fluid must maintain its chemical balance over time, resisting decomposition and the formation of deposits which could obstruct the cooling circuit and reduce its efficiency.

Antifreezes can be classified into the following types, based on their chemical formulation and the additives used:

1. Inorganic Antifreezes (Minerals): traditionally based on silicates and/or borates, they are known for their ability to protect against corrosion. However, they tend to require more frequent changes to avoid sediment formation and they are highly toxic.
2. Organic Antifreezes (OAT = Organic Acid Technology): they use organic acids as additives to prevent corrosion. They last longer than inorganic antifreezes and are often recommended for more modern vehicles.
3. Hybrid antifreezes: they combine the properties of inorganic and organic antifreezes. They offer long-lasting corrosion protection and increased thermal stability.
4. Antifreezes based on Propylene Glycol: they are mainly used in environments where safety is crucial. Although less efficient in transferring heat than ethylene glycol, they are less toxic and, therefore, ideal in food and pharmaceutical companies.

Proper maintenance of the cooling system is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the antifreeze. It is advisable to check the coolant level regularly and to top it up, if necessary, with a water-antifreeze mixture (never just antifreeze), always using the chemical nature of the fluid recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. In addition, it is important to change the antifreeze in accordance with the vehicle’s use and maintenance manual, to avoid sediment formation and other problems.

Antifreezes are an essential element in the protection of the engine and its optimal operation. The fluid must be replaced periodically, in accordance with the vehicle’s manual, to ensure that it maintains its protective properties and performance. A well-maintained cooling system ensures the engine operates efficiently and prevents damage that can prove fatal to the engine.