Anti-freeze or Water?

[Buffalosports]

This may be a dumb question but it has one that I have wondered about for awhile. If it is summer or you live in an area to which it doesn't freeze, which is better Anti-freeze or water? Does anti-freeze help anymore than water?

 

[maximus44]

Don't quote me on this, as I am not an expert. But from what I understand, the anti-freeze provides some lubrication, anti-corrosion, and higher boiling point.

 

[MustangP51]

Don't quote me on this, as I am not an expert. But from what I understand, the anti-freeze provides some lubrication, anti-corrosion, and higher boiling point.

All correct

 

[aldive]

Here in sunny Florida, I use a 10% antifreeze mixture year around.

 

[bisjoe]

One more reason.

Any time you have different metals in the system (iron block, aluminum heads, copper radiator) you are going to get corrosion by electrolysis when running water. Coolant is formulated to help with this. I have seen aluminum heads eaten away by running just water.

 

[gijoecam]

Water is a much better conductor of heat than antifreeze. However, it offers no freeze protection, no water pump lubrication, and no corrosion inhibitors. A 50/50 mix is an excellent compromise and provides sufficient boilover protection as well as freeze protection, water pump lubricity, and corrosion inhibitors.

-Joe