What is Antifreeze?

January 30th, 2023 by
Man Filling Antifreeze Fluid in His Car

There seems to be some confusion among Old Saybrook drivers regarding antifreeze. What is antifreeze? Is antifreeze coolant? What is antifreeze used for? All are legitimate questions that probably didn’t get covered way back in driver’s ed class. The service pros at Westbrook Toyota have all your antifreeze answers.

What is Antifreeze? Is Antifreeze Coolant?

If you’re wondering what antifreeze is used for, you’re not alone among Madison drivers who get regular maintenance where their antifreeze gets topped off without questions. Sometimes they ask, “Is antifreeze coolant?” Not really, since coolant is technically a mix of antifreeze and water, usually in equal parts. Some of the more powerful coolants are 70 percent antifreeze. Both coolant and antifreeze work to regulate your engine’s temperature.

On its own, antifreeze is made of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. It usually has a green, pink, or orange hue, and you can see it on the ground if it leaks. Your car’s owner’s manual will tell you which color is right for your vehicle. Be very careful if you see signs of leakage not just for the sake of your car, but for the sake of your pets. They can be attracted to the sweet flavor, and antifreeze is highly toxic if consumed.

What is Antifreeze Used for?

Antifreeze starts in your car’s radiator and is circulated through the engine by the water pump. As it moves it takes combustion-generated heat with it, moving the heat away from the engine. This makes the antifreeze hot. It’s then returned to the radiator and air-cooled. This cycle constantly repeats as you drive in Clinton to keep your engine at a safe temperature that prevents engine damage.

Antifreeze is important because it prevents your engine from overheating, and keeps your coolant from freezing in the winter. Without antifreeze, you could seriously damage your water pump, engine cylinders, connector rods, or head gaskets. If your car’s hood is ever too hot to touch, or there’s steam coming out from under the hood, schedule an appointment to have your antifreeze and radiator checked.

Learn More About Your Car with Westbrook Toyota

Now that you know what antifreeze is, take a few minutes to learn more about your car and how to maintain it with Westbrook Toyota! Visit our service hub for a collection of tips and tricks that’ll help you keep your car running smoothly for the long haul on the Westbrook roads.

Service Specials at Westbrook Toyota

Winter Package Deal

Starting @ $129.95

Includes: Full Synthetic Oil (up to 5 qts), Tire Rotation & Front Wiper Blades with a Multi-Point Inspection.

 

Coupon not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Other Restrictions may apply. Void where prohibited. Plus tax and hazardous waste fee, if applicable. Includes Installation of front wipers.

EXPIRES: 03/31/2023

Repair Work Special

Old Timers- 15% Off Recommended Repairs

Offer good on cars 10 years or older.

Coupon not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Plus hazardous waste removal (if necessary). Plus tax. Offer not valid on oil changes, tires and body shop work.

EXPIRES: 03/31/2023

Alignment Special

4-Wheel Alignment-$109.95

(normally- $129.95)

Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Other Restrictions may apply. Plus hazardous waste removal (if necessary) and tax.

EXPIRES: 03/31/2023

Tire Special

Tire Time!

Best Deal on the Shoreline- Buy 3 Tires-Get the 4th for $1.00 PLUS free rotations for the life of the tires!
This fantastic pricing is good on all makes-not just Toyota anymore
Includes: 2 year road hazard.

Tire offer requires mounting, balancing and alignment purchase. First three tires at regular price. Limit one (1) coupon per purchase. Coupon must be presented prior to purchase. Cannot be combined with any advertised price, promotion, discount or coupon. Not valid towards a previous purchase. Plus tax and hazardous waste removal (if necessary). Other restrictions may apply, please see dealer for details.

EXPIRES: 03/31/2023

Battery Special

Free Inspection and 10% Off 12V Battery Installation

Coupon not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Other Restrictions may apply. Plus tax and hazardous waste fee, if applicable. Excludes hybrid batteries.

EXPIRES: 03/31/2023

Oil and Filter Change Special

$59.95

Best Factory Oil Change Prices!
$59.95 conventional and synthetic blend oil with filter change (up to 5 qts )
$79.95 full synthetic oil with filter change (up to 5 qts)

Coupon not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Other Restrictions may apply. Void where prohibited. Plus tax, hazardous waste fee if applicable. Some models priced higher. See dealer for details.

EXPIRES: 03/31/2023

Brake Special

Free Brake Pads for Life

Purchase a complete brake service, which includes brake pads or shoes and a resurfacing or replacement of the rotors, and when your pads are worn down to 3mm or less you will receive replacement pads, at no cost to you!

This guarantee is good on Toyota models only and covers the parts cost for the replacement pads. Customer is responsible for all other costs, including labor and other necessary parts required to return the brake system to its original operating condition. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Other Restrictions may apply. Void where prohibited. Plus hazardous waste removal (if necessary). Plus tax. Other restrictions may apply, please see dealer for details.

EXPIRES: 03/31/2023

Detail Special

Ask About Detailing Your Car!

$50 OFF Full Detail Prices starting at $299

By Appointment Only.

 

Coupon not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Other Restrictions may apply. Void where prohibited. Plus tax and hazardous waste fee, if applicable. Some models may vary.

EXPIRES: 03/31/2023

Additional Service Tips

  • What is Antifreeze?

    There seems to be some confusion among Old Saybrook drivers regarding antifreeze. What is antifreeze? Is antifreeze coolant? What is antifreeze used for? All are legitimate questions that probably didn’t get covered way back in driver’s ed class. The service pros at Westbrook Toyota have all your antifreeze answers. Service Tips Service Department What is Antifreeze? Is…

  • How Much is an Oil Change?

    Every Old Saybrook driver wants to keep their vehicle in top running condition, and it’s easy to do with regular oil changes. But how much does it cost for an oil change? That depends on the vehicle. If your vehicle uses conventional oil, the least expensive kind, expect to pay anywhere from $35-$75. Learn more about…

 

More from Westbrook Toyota

  • What is Antifreeze?

    There seems to be some confusion among Old Saybrook drivers regarding antifreeze. What is antifreeze? Is antifreeze coolant? What is antifreeze used for? All are legitimate questions that probably didn’t get covered way back in driver’s ed class. The service pros at Westbrook Toyota have all your antifreeze answers. Service Tips Service Department What is Antifreeze? Is…

  • How Much is an Oil Change?

    Every Old Saybrook driver wants to keep their vehicle in top running condition, and it’s easy to do with regular oil changes. But how much does it cost for an oil change? That depends on the vehicle. If your vehicle uses conventional oil, the least expensive kind, expect to pay anywhere from $35-$75. Learn more about…

  • How Much Can a Toyota Highlander Tow?

    Old Saybrook drivers in search of a comfortable SUV that can handle big towing jobs might be wondering how much a Toyota Highlander can tow. The 2023 Toyota Highlander towing capacity tops an impressive 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s enough to get your boat to any of the local harbors for a great day on…

Posted in service