Why do the coolant in a car's radiator protects the engine from damage?

The purpose of the coolant is to prevent the engine from becoming too hot. An engine that is allowed to overheat will be ruined. The coolant flows through the block of the engine, where it removes heat from the engine, and then recirculates to the radiator where the liquid is cooled down again before returning to the engine.

The coolant in a car's radiator protects the engine from damage by performing several important functions.

Firstly, coolant helps in regulating the temperature of the engine. It absorbs the heat generated by the engine during combustion, preventing it from overheating. This is crucial because an excessively hot engine can suffer from various problems, such as warped cylinder heads, blown gaskets, or even a seized engine.

Secondly, coolant helps in preventing the engine from freezing in colder temperatures. It contains antifreeze additives (typically ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) which lower the freezing point of the coolant. This ensures that the engine coolant remains in liquid form, even in extremely cold weather conditions.

Furthermore, coolant also plays a role in inhibiting corrosion and preventing the formation of rust within the cooling system. It contains chemicals that protect the metal components, such as the radiator, water pump, heater core, and engine passages, from corroding due to the presence of water and oxygen.

Lastly, coolant helps in lubricating the water pump, which circulates the coolant throughout the engine. The lubricating properties of the coolant prevent the pump from wearing out prematurely and ensure its smooth operation.

To maintain the protective properties of the coolant, it's important to have regular coolant flushes as recommended by the manufacturer. This involves draining the old coolant, flushing the system with water to remove any contaminants, and refilling it with fresh coolant mixed with water in the correct ratio, as specified by the vehicle's manual. Additionally, checking the coolant level and quality periodically is crucial to ensure its effectiveness in protecting the engine.