Updated at: 14-03-2022 - By: micdot

A common misunderstanding among motorists is that the coolant and the Freon or refrigerant in their automobile are the same thing. In addition, they believe that coolant and Freon serve the same objective. The distinction between coolant and freon will now be discussed. So, what’s the distinction between coolant and freon? Coolant and freon are frequently used interchangeably because of their similar functions, although each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Freon is a gas that can be changed to a liquid and then back to a gas before cold air is created. This allows your engine to cool down. These fluids are critical to the health of the engine, and their absence can have serious consequences. Coolant and Freon, on the other hand, are two distinct products. They have a distinct function.

However, despite these distinctions, many car drivers continue to switch between the two. It’s critical that you know how to properly maintain your vehicle and stick to a regular maintenance schedule when driving. If you don’t, your vehicle’s performance and even the longevity of the engine will be negatively impacted. In addition, your manufacturer’s guarantee may be void if you fail to maintain your car. So, let’s take a closer look at coolant and Freon in this post. Let’s get this party started now.

Are Coolant And Freon The Same Thing?

Combustion engines are found in the majority of automobiles. A controlled explosion is being used to operate and power your car. Checking for these explosions could cause your engine to overheat, which is why coolant is needed. In addition to lubricating various parts, the coolant can help protect your car from wear and tear. Your vehicle’s engine will remain cool thanks to the coolant system. When your engine is running, the water pump in your car powers the cooling system and moves coolant from the radiator and into the engine on a constant basis.

The coolant will absorb the heat as it circulates through the engine and into the radiator. It will be cooled and returned to its initial point here. If the engine is running, this will also keep the loop going indefinitely. As a result, the engine is equipped with an internal thermostat to keep it from overheating. Your car’s hood has a sensor that monitors the temperature of the coolant. When the temperature reaches a certain level, the thermostat directs the coolant into the engine to absorb more heat before it returns to the radiator for cooling purposes. So, coolant will preserve your engine from overheating by keeping it cool. Freon, on the other hand, is a key component in the vehicle’s air conditioning system and is utilized to keep the driver and passengers cool. R-12 Freon was the original name for this product. A chemical that can be found in ozone damage is this one.

An Environmental Protection Agency that was outlawed in 1994 could be created as a result of this R-134a Freon began to be used more frequently in the car after that point. The compressor, often known as the A/C or air conditioning unit, is a part of your air conditioning system. Before it enters a condenser, the Freon gas will be liquefied by this apparatus. The automobile grill’s hot freon will be visible outside.

What Is The Difference Between Freon And Coolant?

Both coolant and Freon are designed to keep your engine from overheating, thus their functions may be quite similar. However, each of these fluids has a specific job to do in the car and should not be used interchangeably. Your engine will be cooled down thanks to the coolant’s composition. Afterwards, it will remain in a liquid state within its own body. Despite this, freon is a gas that can be transformed to a liquid and then back to a gas before creating cold air. The A/C in your vehicle will not blow cold air if you refill the coolant.

Because of this, even if you repair your vehicle’s freon, you won’t be able to keep your engine and other parts cool. For the sake of a rapid breakdown, the freon will remove heat from the vehicle’s cabin, while the coolant will remove heat from the engine. The coolant, which is a mixture of gas and liquid freon, will remain in a liquid form throughout time. The temperature of your A/C will not be affected by the coolant. Both Freon and Coolant contain antifreeze that is not the same as the antifreeze in Freon. Depending on the vehicle’s manufacturer, the periods for replacing these two fluids will vary. As a result, you must follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual to verify that you are adhering to the required maintenance schedule.

What Coolant Is Used Instead Of Freon?

If you’re looking to replace your old air conditioner with a new one, R-410A is your best bet. The use of R22 refrigerant or R-41-A in the AC coolant refill or replacement is not recommended. Regardless of the type of chemical system you have, you should always change the coolant in your air conditioner since it can be hazardous to your health and the environment. Additionally, only a professional should handle and dispose of the AC coolant after it has been removed from your system. For example, if your air conditioner uses Freon, you may be able to modify the machine to use R-410A, a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Summary

So, to sum it up, coolant and freon are critical to your car’s health. There are situations when these two fluids are mistaken for one another. As a result, it is imperative that these two fluids are not used interchangeably. Because of this, knowing the difference between freon and coolant is vital.