Ethylene glycol (often referred to simply as glycol or 1,2-ethanediol) is commonly used as an antifreeze in automobile radiators. When added to water, it acts as a non-volatile solute that lowers the freezing point of the solvent (water). This phenomenon is known as the depression of freezing point (a colligative property). By lowering the freezing point, the mixture prevents the cooling water from freezing at $0^\circ C$ in cold climates. (See NCERT Class 12, Unit 1, Example 1.9 and Exercise 1.8 which specifically discuss antifreeze solutions prepared from ethylene glycol).