What is the coolant mixture used in the truck's radiator?

The correct coolant mixture for the truck's radiator is a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. This specific ratio is designed to provide optimal cooling efficiency while also protecting the engine from freezing in cold temperatures and boiling in high temperatures. The water in the mixture serves as an excellent heat conductor, allowing for effective heat transfer away from the engine, while the antifreeze helps to lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the coolant, thereby preventing engine overheating and internal damage.

Using a 50/50 mixture strikes a balance between cooling performance and the protective qualities of antifreeze. If the mixture were to lean more towards antifreeze, such as 60/40, 70/30, or 100% antifreeze, it could reduce the overall heat transfer efficiency. These higher concentrations of antifreeze might actually impair the cooling system's ability to dissipate heat effectively, and 100% antifreeze can lead to inadequate cooling and potential engine damage due to overheating.

Thus, the 50/50 mix is the standard recommendation for most vehicle coolant systems, ensuring reliability and longevity in engine performance.