Wind chill and antifreeze

[NutmegCT]

If your antifreeze protects you to -20F, but the car is outside and the windchill is -40 ... are you in trouble?

Or is it ok, because the engine doesn't actually get hit by the wind?




Tom

 

[coldplugs]

My guess is that you are not in trouble. Even if the engine was hit directly, there's no innate heat to be taken away by wind. It'd cool down faster after you drive it, but won't get colder than -20.

 

[aeronca65t]

I suppose you could always put a thermometer next to the engine, leave it there for a few hours and then check it.

But I'd say you're probably OK too.

And I'd especially trust John on cold weather advice....he's the expert!

 

[Hot Wings]

Or is it ok, because the engine doesn't actually get hit by the wind?

Temperature is nothing but a measure of energy density. Once everything has reached equilibrium the velocity of the cooling medium is irrelevant. Higher velocity of the cooling medium will cause equilibrium to be reached sooner.

Much like the Honey Badger the antifreeze "don't care" about the wind.

 

[DrEntropy]

And I'd especially trust John on cold weather advice....he's the expert!

:lol: TRUTH.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

removed as a duplicate of previous information

 

[coldplugs]

:lol: TRUTH.

I just complain about it more than anyone else.