Antifreeze debate

[puckhead]

I've had 2 roomates tell me they run 100 percent antifreeze in their cars during the winter. I've always been told that's worse for your car and to run maybe a 60 40 mix. Does 100 percent anitfreeze do any good?

 

[destroyer1362]

I think they say its bad because 100% antifreeze doesn't transfer heat as well as a 60/40 mix does. Although I have a buddy in Minnesota that runs 100% with no problems.

 

[puckhead]

That's what I was thinking, I guess if its cold enough it wouldn't hurt too much. It gets to -40 here. Once the engine heats up though I wonder if there's a negative affect?

 

[Sasquatch]

i searched around for a good explanation as to why it`s not good to run 100% antifreeze and found this.

You won't need a degree in chemistry, but the correct information is needed here. First....antifreeze/coolant is a chemical modifier and is actually has poor heat transfer properties. It functions to change the boiling and freezing points of water. it also includes anti-rust agents, lubricants for the water pump and an anti-foaming agent. It must be mixed 50/50 with water....no exceptions. It is water that does the work and antifreeze/coolant is there to help the water work better.
Source(s):
30 years ASE master tech and parts certified

i also read that you can go as high as 70-30 but not any higher.

 

[puckhead]

Thanks for the good answer sasquatch. Makes more sense now

 

[rigo_jones]

good info.

 

[brndns_hoe]

what he said...the 2 work together...chemical reaction

 

[odie301]

we did an experiment with antifreeze back in high school...so like 5 or 6 years ago. Tested the freezing point of antifreeze w/ water, antifreeze alone and variations of the mix. 50/50 is about the best it gets. straight antifreeze actually tends to gel up, kinda like diesel fuel will...it gets really thick and i would expect that it would raise heck with a water pump.

Some people may run "straight" antifreeze..like straight from the jug...but it could be pre mixed in the jug instead of mixing there own.

 

[blueflamed03]

yep, 50/50 here.

 

[ecordell]

They antifreeze raises the boiling point of the water (helps with over heating.....it takes longer to boil). It also keeps the water from freezing, basically dropping the freezing point of the water.

My friends race off-road trucks. In those trucks you want warm temps and you also want the temps to cool quickly, therefore they run straight water, it heats fast and also cools quickly. Antifreeze doesn't allow that to happen.