Mitigating the risk of corrosion: the importance of corrosion inhibitors in antifreeze

Corrosion is one of the main enemies of engine cooling systems. This is a phenomenon that can deteriorate key components, decrease system efficiency, and ultimately shorten engine life. 

This is where corrosion inhibitors come into play, which are essential elements in antifreeze, as they protect cooling systems and significantly reduce maintenance costs. In this article, we're going to explain how they preserve engines and why they're crucial for preventive maintenance.

What is corrosion and how does it affect cooling systems?

Corrosion is a chemical reaction that occurs when metals are exposed to oxygen and moisture, forming oxides and other compounds that weaken them. In vehicle engines, this results in damage to various components, which can lead to serious and costly mechanical failures.

It must also be remembered that water, which is an essential component in cooling systems, is an ideal medium for corrosion, as it can transport metal ions that accelerate the process. This is where antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors is essential.

What are antifreeze corrosion inhibitors?

Antifreeze, also known as coolant, is a liquid used in engines to regulate temperature, preventing overheating or freezing in extreme conditions. The issues is that, beyond these primary functions, antifreeze is also formulated with corrosion inhibitors that protect the cooling system's metal components.

Inhibitors are chemicals that, when added to a fluid, reduce the corrosion rate of exposed metals.  In antifreeze, these inhibitors typically form a protective film on metal surfaces, preventing direct interaction with water and oxygen.

Benefits of antifreeze corrosion inhibitors 

This crucial role of antifreeze corrosion inhibitors means that the right use can provide different benefits, such as the following.

1. Extended engine life, as it protects the cooling system's critical components.  This is especially important in more modern engines, where corrosion can be particularly aggressive due to their high temperatures and pressures.
2. Reduced maintenance costs.  Corrosion damage often requires expensive repairs, while inhibitors in antifreeze help reduce breakdowns.
3. Improved engine efficiency. A corrosion-free cooling system works more efficiently. This is because non-corroded components can transfer heat more effectively, which helps keep the engine at an optimal temperature. 
4. Protection in extreme conditions. Antifreezes with inhibitors are highly valuable under extreme conditions, where high temperatures can increase the risk of corrosion.
5. Leak prevention. Corrosion can cause cracks and holes in cooling system components. Inhibitors help prevent these problems, contributing to the integrity of the different components.

How to choose the right antifreeze

To ensure the cooling system is protected, it's crucial to choose the right antifreeze, and we recommend consulting the manufacturer's manual. 

In addition, on our portal you can easily search for the ideal antifreeze for your vehicle. Just enter your license plate number or model and, in one click, you'll get all the information you need. Choosing a high-quality antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors means making an investment for the future.