What is the boiling point of coolant?

The boiling point of coolant, particularly for automotive applications, is typically higher than that of water due to the additives in coolant mixtures designed to enhance performance and prevent overheating. The correct answer of 276 F reflects the behavior of engine coolants, which often have boiling points raised significantly from that of pure water (212 F).

Coolants generally consist of a mixture of water and ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. These substances not only lower the freezing point of the coolant but also elevate the boiling point compared to water. In modern cooling systems, this higher boiling point is essential to maintain efficiency and reliability under high thermal loads typically encountered in engines. Therefore, it is important for the coolant to have a boiling point around 276 F, allowing vehicles to operate safely without the coolant vaporizing and potentially causing overheating.