Coolant is a liquid mixture of antifreeze and water that helps regulate the temperature of a cars engine. It serves the basic function of transferring heat and adding antifreeze protection. Coolant circulates through the engine and radiator, absorbing heat from the engine and dissipating it into the air. It lubricates the moving parts it comes into contact with, which protects damage to the water pump, head gasket, the cylinder, and piston timing. Coolant also lowers the freezing point and raises the water's boiling point, making it ideal for use in car engines. Antifreeze, on the other hand, is pure glycol and doesn't freeze or boil as easily as water, so it's often used in high-performance engines that run at higher temperatures. Most people use the terms "coolant" and "antifreeze" interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two substances. It is important to check the coolant level regularly and ensure that it is between the minimum and maximum marks on the side of the tank.