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Originally posted by 748IOM The only difference to my knowledge is that coolent contains antifreeze to prevent your radiator from freezing and thus splitting due to expansion over the winter months, and it is distilled water which prevents algae build up. Shouldn't find any other differences in terms of cooling. |
Not true I'm afraid. Coolant does two things to water. It lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point. Thus at the freezing point of water, the coolant is still fluid, as it is at the boiling point of water and therefore with just water in the system, the temperature will rise significantly quicker.
With a 50-50 mixture of water and antifreeze, the coolant's boiling point can be raised to around 130°C
You wouldn't want to get caught in traffic on a hot day with just water in your rad...
Rich
[Edited on 28-8-2005 by Richd]