How “Anti” is your Antifreeze?
Written By:
Dustin Stookey
Director of Business Development
Garner Oil

Most drivers understand the importance of having the proper amount of Engine Coolant or “Antifreeze” in their vehicles at all times. However, much fewer drivers understand the importance of having the proper ratio of antifreeze to water.
In most modern day automotive engines, the proper antifreeze to water ratio is 1:1. This means for every gallon of antifreeze in the Engine Coolant System there should be an equal amount of water. When Automotive Manufacturers assemble a vehicle at the factory they employ this exact specification to ensure that the “liquid cooled” engine performs at peak performance.
Over time and use, the ethylene glycol mixtures’ properties and ratio will change. These changes occur due to a variety of factors such as evaporation, “boil-over”, atmospheric conditions, or even normal “topping off” during routine maintenance. When the ratio changes so does the mixture’s boiling point and freeze point. As the temperature drops the fluid thickens and expands. Since an engine block is not flexible the expansion can cause the cast iron or aluminum block to crack leaving the vehicle inoperable.
In warmer climates such as Texas, the risk of antifreeze reaching the -30 degrees F (-35C) that it requires to freeze the solution is very unlikely. However, when antifreeze is diluted or improperly mixed, partial freezing becomes much more likely and can occur in a matter of only a few hours of freezing temperatures. Partial Freezing is extremely dangerous for a combustion engine and can occur with little to no warning signs. While an overheating engine will smoke or smell awkwardly, a partially frozen coolant system may leave you stranded with little explanation of the cause.
When partial freezing occurs, the antifreeze inside the engine turns into a “slush-like” substance which will melt quickly inside the engine as it operates. However, the radiator may freeze and cause a restriction that does not allow antifreeze to flow throughout the system. Even in low temperatures, without proper fluid circulation engine failure is still possible.
So what can you do to protect your vehicle? Experts recommend restoring the fluid to proper specification every autumn with OEM Engine Coolant. However, buyer beware! Many independent repair facilities offer to flush or replace your engine coolant but only perform a “drain and fill” process that does not remove the systems complete contents. Simply removing the drain plug on your radiator will only relieve the fluid which is inside the radiator. With today’s modern technology there are options available such as Wynn’s Engine Coolant Restoration Service that will not only remove nearly 100% of your vehicles antifreeze, but it will also apply helpful replenishing chemicals that attack harmful scaling and deposits to restore the internal passages and other coolant system components back to almost new. As always, ask your Professional Service Associate for details. Never be afraid to request to inspect the process as it is performed. Most reputable repair facilities will gladly offer that level of transparency to you. After all, it is your investment…
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