Antifreeze

What is engine coolant?

Engine coolant, or antifreeze, is a liquid that circulates through your vehicle's cooling system to help protect the engine from extreme temperatures.

Without the right coolant, the liquid in your cooling system could freeze in winter or overheat in warmer temperatures, potentially affecting engine performance.

There are two main types of engine coolant available.

• Option 1 - concentrated coolant - opens in a new tab , which needs to be mixed with water before use.

• Option 2 - ready-mixed coolant - opens in a new tab , that can be added straight to the cooling system.

To learn more about how coolant and antifreeze work, read our guide on how antifreeze works - opens in a new tab.

About our antifreeze and engine coolant

If you don’t know which antifreeze is best for your car, typing in your car registration can help you narrow down your search. Engine coolant provides essential protection, so driving while levels are low isn’t recommended.

Choose from our range of Halfords antifreeze, trusted by drivers for decades, or a branded alternative from leading manufacturer Comma.

Order antifreeze online from Halfords

You can shop our full range of antifreeze and coolant products - opens in a new tab online, plus other essentials such as engine oils and fluids - opens in a new tab and screenwash - opens in a new tab.

If you need your items quickly, enjoy free home delivery on orders over £20, or choose Click & Collect and pick up your order from your local Halfords store - opens in a new tab at a time and day that suits you.

We can also top up your fluids for you for a small fee. If you’re unsure if your coolant is running low, then pop in for a Free Car Health Check - opens in a new tab.

Antifreeze FAQs

Are antifreeze and coolant the same thing?

Antifreeze and coolant are closely related, but they’re not quite the same thing. Antifreeze is a concentrated liquid made with additives that help protect your engine from freezing, overheating and corrosion. Before it can be used, it usually needs to be mixed with water.

Once diluted, typically in a 50/50 ratio, it becomes coolant, which circulates through your engine to help keep it running at the right temperature.

How much antifreeze should I put in my car?

There isn’t a single amount of coolant that’s right for every car. The capacity of the cooling system varies depending on the vehicle and engine size, so when topping up, the important thing is to keep the coolant between the minimum and maximum markers on the expansion tank, rather than measuring out an exact amount.

How long does antifreeze last?

Antifreeze helps protect your engine from freezing in winter, overheating in warmer weather and corrosion all year round, but it doesn’t last forever.

Over time, the additives that keep your cooling system protected can become less effective. While many vehicles can go several years before needing an antifreeze change, it’s a good idea to check it regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule.