Lee blue antifreeze. What color is Antifreeze and Tosol

Buyers pay attention to the color of the coolant. There is red, green and blue antifreeze - a large selection. The question of their differences naturally arises. In fact, the color does not play a decisive role and does not define properties. The composition is important. In addition to ethylene glycol and distilled water, the antifreeze contains additives. It is from them depending on the characteristics of the coolant.

Color - secondary sign. Buying products of world brands, you can focus on it. Famous manufacturers withstand standards, including concerning staining.

1 What is included in the antifreeze?

The components of antifreeze of any marks are approximately the same: ethylene glycol of different types and distilled water. The alcohol has a sweet odor and viscous consistency, withstands the positive temperature of 196 °, and negative is only minus 11. To increase the T freezing, it is diluted with water, after which the characteristics are rising. Such a liquid does not freeze with frost to 40 or even 60 degrees. This is enough for all climatic zones of the country.

Additive

It may seem that the liquid consisting of ethylene glycol and distilled water does not need additives, because it is non-freezing and does not boil. But this mixture is very aggressive. It will take several months, and it is a tanker, radiator, block. To prevent unwanted consequences, additives are introduced into the composition. They are unequal, developers in constant search for the most efficient.

According to additives, antifreezes are distinguished: silicate and carboxyl. The first formed on the walls of the scale, from which heat circulation deteriorates, the cooling efficiency falls. Usually they are green or of blue color.

Carboxyl antifreeze of another chemical composition and properties. It does not create a protective layer, but acts on places with signs of corrosion, where it forms an ultra-thin film. It serves a longer time, the system is not required to rinse, replacing the coolant. Produced predominantly red. In addition to anti-corrosion additives, antipal and some others are introduced into the composition.

It is mistaken to believe that Tosol is used on domestic cars, and on foreign cars - antifreeze. This is not quite so. Each coolant has a brand: Glycoshell, Glysantine and others. Tosol is just the name, fundamental differences between it and antifreeze. Only the additive pack defines the quality, scope, service life. IN traditional antifreeze Inorganic additives are used. Their properties are not distinguished by high indicators: after two years of operation, the substance is destroyed. They are also not able to withstand temperatures above 108 °. Therefore, machine manufacturers do not pour it into new cars. Toslating Silicates cover the inner parts of the cooling system with film, which reduces its efficiency.

Dyes

Antifreeze standards include various parameters. The main difference is in additives. The liquid has no color until dyes add to it. They are chemically neutral and do not affect the properties of the coolant. Some time ago, the leading manufacturers have developed color standards. Each type was attached to his shade. But there were many firms that neglect these requirements. Thus, the coloring became a convention that small companies enjoy to increase the competitiveness of their goods using the colors of world brands.

Shade depends on dyes. Very bright sometimes perceived as the indicator of special properties. It's only a fluorescent additive, which simplifies the diagnostics of the cooling system. Include an instrument emitting ultraviolet light under which leakage places are clearly visible. Originally used conventional dyes, designed to help drivers faster to detect the location of the pipes, radiator, engine, pump. An unimproved green color of antifreeze was ousted by others, more catchy, but meets now.

Leading firms apply a red or pink composition on their cars, designed and produced by them. It is distinguished by an increased suitability: up to five years or 200 thousand mg of run. Such products are labeled G12.

2 Characteristics of cooling liquids

It is 20% of the additives contained in the coolant determine its properties. The easiest view is domestic Tosol. His color is not necessarily blue, sometimes red. The first retains the characteristics at temperatures up to minus 40 °, the second - to 65 ° of frost.

For manufacture, chemical additives are applied: silicate, phosphate, nitrite and the like. The cooling system is protected by a thin film when operating. At one time, it was a progressive decision, but today this approach is outdated. Tosol is short-lived, operation is limited to 2-3 years. Increase temperatures up to 110 ° leads to boiling. It really should not fill in foreign cars. The composition of the most aggressive. Our cars with him somehow get along, and some foreign things do not even start. The working temperature of many of them is 110 °, not 90 or 100, as we are taken. Domestic Tosol can boil.

At the next step - antifreeze G11, mostly green as standard. But another color is found: yellow and blue. In its composition, except chemical, organic additives. Properties increase the use of a small amount of carboxylic acid. It is she who localizes corrosion foci, and phosphates, nitrites, silicates form a protective film. There are views with one or two pluses in which there is more carboxylic acid.

G11 has certain disadvantages:

• the film reduces heat removal;
• after some time, it crepts, a flap is formed in the system, capable of scoring small holes;
• dISTRIBUTY, suitability is preserved for a maximum of 3 years, after which the replacement is required.

Red antifreeze G12 is almost completely organic, the difference with the predecessor is significant. The main additive is carboxylic acid in large quantities. Does not contain phosphates and silicates. The film on the walls is practically not formed, heat removal significantly improves. At the corrosion foci, an ultra-thin flare appears, which is subsequently not satisted. Mark is much more perfect precursant.

Despite all positive properties, the G12 is nonideal. Significant minus: it does not prevent corrosion, and fights it when it appeared. Protects aluminum and plastic radiators. Use on vehicles with copper and brass is not recommended.

The presence of advantages in the labeling G12 indicates the content of carboxylic acid: up to 90% of the volume of all additives.

Since 2012, antifreeze of G3 purple color appeared on the market. It is produced on the basis of propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol: not such a poisonous, less aggressive, more environmentally friendly. The yellow shade has a cooling fluid G5, developed in Germany BASF. It is widely used by leading car manufacturers in Europe and the USA.

Foreign firms do not produce traditional Tosol. But recently, Blue Antifreeze appeared at the Koreans, who has nothing to do with it. It is clear that mixing one with another is unacceptable.

3 Is it possible to mix different antifreeze?

Mix antifreeze, oriented on color, it is impossible. The dye in no way defines the properties of the coolant. Externally the same they are completely different. Different types often have one composition and another name. Parameters depend on the additives used.

Sometimes there are situations when it is required to add antifreeze. If it is gone a little, 20 ml or less, boldly add distilled or simple filtered, but not tap water. Additives will remain in the same ratio, the freezing temperature will be the same. So come when the amount of coolant decreased due to evaporation. If you need to add more than 200 ml and the previously used antifreeze is unknown, the best way out - full replacement. A different method based on samples is used.

Buy coolant, better universal G12. Select some antifreeze and mix with new. In compatibility, they do not change the color, the consistency will change, the sediment will not fall. If this happened, unambiguously, the new liquid differs from the old, is looking for another. And the best output is to completely replace, if it is unknown that it is flooded into the engine. Visually it is not always possible to determine what formulations are incompatible. The additives over time fall into the sediment, the properties of the coolant are lost. Replacing antifreeze, write its name or retain the canister.

When the coolant varies at all, the color choice does not play. Focus on the manufacturer's recommendation and permissible parameters. Old antifreeze is completely drained and poured new: red, blue or green - no matter. Before replacement, the system is washed with ordinary water, if the dirty liquid is fused, with rust.

Mixing antifreeze, even the same in type and color, sometimes leads to a conflict between them. This is explained by the fact that different manufacturers use unequal additives.

Antifreeze performs two important features in the car: first, it protects the engine from excessive heating, helps maintain optimum temperature; Secondly, protects the elements of the engine from corrosion and cracking. The use of coolant contributes to a significant extension of the engine's engine life.

Red, green and blue antifreeze are widely used. There is still yellow and purple, but they are not so wide as the first varieties.

Antifreeze of any color by 80% consists of a mixture of ethylene glycol and water (or propylene glycol and water). Ethylene glycol is alcohol, according to the same-name structure (similar alcohols - ethanodiol, propylene glycol), capable of withstanding the temperature to 196 ° C above zero; True, below zero does not freeze only to -11 ° C. Ethylene glycol is diluted with water, just so that it is less susceptible to low temperatures. So, with the right mixture, its freezing threshold increases to - 65 ° C, which is very relevant for the northern latitudes of Russia. Based on what alcohol is the antifreeze - ethylene glycol or propylene glycol - depends on the variety of antifreeze (G11, G12 or G13).

The remaining 20% \u200b\u200bin the composition of antifreeze comes to additives, which are reported by a certain color - green, red or blue. Additives are designed to protect the metal casing of radiators and rubber pipes from destruction, otherwise the alcohol of their conclusion is literally in a few months.

Additives differ in their impact, and to look at them too, they decided to paint in different colors. The color indicates that it is capable of liquid, which properties it possesses.

Thus, all antifreeze differ from each other by additives. Then, what color antifreeze should be chosen for your car? What pouring is green, blue or red antifreeze? To do this, find out what pluses and minuses each of the species has.

Tosol (blue)

It happens blue and red. Tosol blue can not freeze up to - 40 ° C.

Red Tosol will not freeze to -65 ° C - this is, of course, the maximum, but it works comfortably at -50 ° C.

Tospala use traditional chemical additives. To protect the engine cooling systems, they form a thin film on their surface. Currently, this technology, although it is used in the production of cooling fluids, but is already obsolete.

Cons Tosla:

• It works efficiently no more than 3 years. For this reason, it needs to be fully changed every 3 years;
• Begins to boil at 115 ° C.

Pouring Tosol in a foreign car can not, because this coolant has the most aggressive composition of all coolant. In addition, for some foreign cars 110 ° C, it is quite a working temperature, and Tosol will begin to boil almost immediately. Materials from which engines produce for foreign cars are also different than in russian cars - Tosla composition for them is contraindicated.

We continue to find out the difference - between blue, green and red antifreeze.

Antifreeze G11 (green)

Green antifreeze is a more advanced composition, compared with Tosol (although far from it did not go). The standard antifreeze G11 is released in green, although it happens G11 and yellow, and blue. In green antifreeze, not only chemical additives are used, but also a small amount of organic additives. The organic part is carboxylic acid (repeat, it is not much there). There are still "G11 +" and "G11 ++" designations, plus denotes a higher carboxylic acid content. Antifreeze "G11 ++", in its composition, is already approaching the antifreeze "G12".

These additives are capable of curling with film and protect the inner walls of the cooling system nozzles, as well as localize emerging corrosion foci.

Cons of green antifreeze:

• Decreases heat removal, due to the protective film inside the nozzles;
• Film, after time, begins to crumble, and its flakes are clogged with small channels;
• Full replacement, maximum, after 3 years.

Pros:

• Protection of parts, due to the formation of the film;
• The rate of corrosion is reduced.

Antifreeze G12 (red)

Red antifreeze has an even more progressive composition, compared with green antifreeze. The main part of the additives in it is organic origin, here a lot of carboxylic acid.

Thanks to its properties, the additives in the G12 do not form films, which then crepts, heat is better. This composition, well prevents corrosion development, forming a stable thinnest film at its foci. There are still "G12 +" and "G12 ++" compositions. Here, as well as in the compositions G11, plus denotes greater content in the additive of carboxylic acid, with respect to the chemical component.

Despite obvious progressiveness, G12 also has its own minuses:

• The composition, although prevents further development of corrosion, but does not prevent its appearance, the lack of corrosion prevention;
• Carboxylic acid protects copper and brass surfaces well, but aluminum is bad.

Pros:

• Works up to 5 years;
• Prevents growing rust;
• Does not appear;
• Good gets warm.

So, we found out what the difference between blue, red and green antifreeze is, what are the pros and cons of each of them. To decide which antifreeze should be pouring into your car, you need to remember that antifreeze G12 (red) does not cope with the protection of parts from aluminum, and G11 (green) - poorly protects parts from copper and brass.

And from what material, mostly, the details of the cooling system of your car are made? It is logical if alloys from copper and brass are greater, to give preference to the red antifreeze, if more aluminum alloys are green. Take into account these features, see and follow the manufacturer's recommendations in this part, and then you will not be disappointed in the selected antifreeze.

Antifreeze - the general name of the technical automotive liquids that are used to cool the engines internal combustion. The boiling point of the combined mixture based on ethylene glycol or propylene glycol is higher than the average operating temperature inside the motor, and the freezing temperature is below zero. Due to this difference, the engine does not boil and runs without problems under negative temperatures, for example, in winter in -10 ..- 40 degrees on the Celsius scale. It is clear with the appointment, it is more difficult to deal with the difference between red, green and blue antifreeges. To understand this, you will have to explore the composition, the main properties of the components and understand the principle of operation of cooling liquids.

Composition and properties of coolant

Antifreezes of different colors the composition is practically no different. The basis of the mixtures of this type is the same - ductomic alcohol and water. In addition to them, manufacturers are added to cooling fluids anti-corrosion, anticavitational, antipine and fluorescent additives.

Pure dioment alcohol - ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, - freezes at a temperature of -12.3 degrees. When mixing with water, whose freezing temperature of 0 degrees, an eutectic occurs, changing the properties of the finished product. Therefore, the crystallization temperature of the finished antifreeze is much lower than its components - up to -75 degrees.

Antifreezing is the water-glycol mixture, which ensures their resistance at low temperatures.

A clear mixture of alcohol and water is quite active. Without specialized synthetic and organic additives, such a cooling fluid in a matter of months will destroy the engine from the inside. To this not happened, manufacturers add:

• Corrosion inhibitors;
• Anticavitational substances;
• Anti-free components;
• Fluorescent dyes.

Corrosion inhibitors are formed on the inner surface of the engine and its nodes a thin protective film that does not give an active alcohol to destroy the part. Anticavitational and anti-high components minimize the destructive effects of local boiling on the walls of the unit. Fluorescent paint is needed to detect a possible process of coolant.

What color is antifreeze

Today, the market offers dozens of flavors of cooling fluids. This in the Soviet years, the car owners did not know other options, except for "Tosola", now when looking at the counter of the car, it is easy to confuse. To simplify the process of choosing among the mass of proposals, manufacturers introduced unified system Classifications of Co.: TL 774. Initially, the classification was born inside concern Volkswagen.But quickly spread to the entire global market of segment products.

According to TL 774, the following classes of antifreeze are distinguished: G11, G12, G12 +, G12 ++, G13. G11 is almost always green; G12, G12 + - red; G12 ++, G13 - Violet coolant liquids of the last generation.

Blue (Tosol)

The color of antifreeze is the usual Russian man - blue. It was in blue that the first Soviet silicate coolant "Tosol" was painted. This was done in order to change the auto owner to change the color of the technical fluid, it could determine the degree of its development, and in time took care of washing and replacing the cooler.

Tosol produce from a mixture of ethylene glycol, water and inorganic additives: silicates, nitrites, phosphates, amines and their combinations. The service life of inorganic inhibitors is up to 2 years, and the permissible limit of the working temperature rarely exceeds 105-108 degrees. Modern internal combustion engines work on more high temperaturesah, because with such a coolant, the engine will very quickly fail.

The composition of Tosola includes 20% of distilled water, and everything else - ethylene glycol

Pluses "Tosola":

• Low price.

Cons "Tosola":

• Low boiling point;
• Inorganic additives harmful to surfaces;
• Service life - up to 2 years.

Green (G11)

The hybrid antifreeze G11 is tinted with a green dye of different saturation, less often - yellow or turquoise. It is based on all the same ethylene glycol with water and inorganic inhibitors, but less active than in Toslast.

Silicates and phosphates in the composition of green antifreeze are less dangerous than "Soviet", but this class of cooling fluids is rarely allowed to use in the latest generation engines.

Antifreeze G11 is usually green, but it may be yellow, turquoise and even blue

• Phosphate film protects the inner walls of the unit from the corrosive effect of ethylene glycol;
• Boiling temperature is below the operating temperature in car engines over 10 years old.

Cons G11:

• Phosphate film reduces heat dissipation;
• The protective coating over time crystallizes and crept on;
• Service life - up to 3 years.

By price green antifreeze not far left "Tosola", so they are often chosen for service domestic cars or old foreign cars.

Red (G12)

Carboxylate antifreeze G12 tinted red - from pale to a saturated burgundy shade. Anti-corrosion additives in them have organic nature - they are synthesized from carboxylic acids. Carboxylate inhibitors work point: they are covered with protective film not all inner surface car Engine, but only sections with nascent corrosion. At the same time, the coating is so subtle that the heat removal coefficient to the external environment is practically not reduced.

According to representatives of Volkswagen, it is the red antifreeze that is considered an optimal solution for most internal combustion engines.

G12 antifreeze do not protect aluminum radiators, however, for copper or brass red antifreeze - the optimal choice.

• Point impact on the foci of corrosion origin;
• Lack of the effect of crystallization of the protective film;
• It is not more often changed than once every 5 years.

Cons G12:

• Additives do not ensure the prevention of the appearance of corrosion foci, and only affect locally on the available damage to the surface of the aggregate;
• Carboxylate mixtures are not effective to protect aluminum radiators.

At the time of its first appearance on the market, the red antifreeze G12 and its modification G12 + was considered a serious breakthrough in the development of efficient cooling automotive liquids. Against the background of examples from previous generations flaws carboxylate antifreeze Do not look essential.

Purple (G13)

Elevord antifreeze G12 ++ and G13 paint in purple. They were invented relatively recently - in 2012. The basis of the agent is almost harmless dioxide propylene glycol and a organic agent supplemented by mineral additives to protect and enhance the effectiveness of the composition.

Organic silicates are spent on the creation of a protective film with a porous structure that prevents overheating of the walls of the unit. Carbon inhibitors work point - accumulate in the places of corrosion origin and do not give it to spread further.

Unlike previous coolant, Class G13 antifreeze contain propylene glycol base

Pluses G12 ++ and G13:

• Endless life, subject to fill in a new engine;
• Less hazardous composition of the base and additives;
• High boiling point - from 135 degrees.

Cons G12 ++ and G13:

• High price.

In fact, additives of different colors is different generations Cooling fluids. Those invented earlier, more dangerous to the environment and are less effective if compared to them with more modern developments manufacturers automotive chemistry.

What is the difference between cooling liquids of different colors

In the store you can find antifreezes of traditional, hybrid, carboxylate and lambroid types. They differ in color, as well as key properties inherent in cooling fluids. The easiest way to explain the differences on the example of the main properties for which coolant for internal combustion engines are used:

• Corrosion protection. Traditional "Tosol" does not provide it, while red and purple antifreeze due to additives are capable of pretty long to maintain the integrity of the nodes and the internal surfaces of the unit.
• Boiling temperature. What it is higher better liquid Prevents engine overheating during operation. In blue and green compositions it is within 102-110 degrees, which is at average operating temperature The engine of a modern foreign car 105-115 degrees is considered extremely low. For comparison: purple coolant boils at 135-137 degrees.
• Frozening temperature. It should be lower than the absolute weather minimum in the region where you will exploit the car. The average for all coolant is -20 ..- 40 degrees. But traditional and hybrid when cooled below zero are almost immediately beginning to thick, which complicates the operation of the motor, with carboxylate and lambrous this does not occur.

Some manufacturers use expensive additives, others cheap, but the color of the coolant does not depend on the composition, but from the dye

From the above, it follows the conclusion: the fresh development, it is more efficient in all parameters that are presented when evaluating the quality of the coolant.

Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors

Mix antifreeze from different colors should not. Even liquids of the same class, but different manufacturers, pour into the engine at the same time undesirable. When the additive interacts, the action of each other, thereby worsening the properties and reducing the service life of the coolant.

Exceptions from the rule exist, but only for emergency cases. Thus, a mixture of antifreeze of any category with G13 is considered suitable for use, but has a weakened anti-corrosion effect. Regardless of which proportions the compositions were mixed, the result is similar to the properties of the lowest category. For example, if you mix the G11 and G13 the result will be similar to the pure green antifreeze.

The only weighty reason to experiment with the mixtures is when you need to urgently add liquid into the system, and there is not necessary at hand. At the first opportunity, the "cocktail" need to merge, wash and pour a new cooling fluid. Unfortunately, guarantees that improvised mixture technical fluids It does not harm the engine, there is no long term.

Table for topping antifreeze into the cooling system

No good and bad antifreeze. Cooling fluids of different colors differ in properties due to the difference in the composition. Which cooler select - depends on the type of engine. Therefore, when selecting coolant for a car, it is necessary to look first of all on the manufacturer's recommendations for a specific unit.

Antifreeze is a liquid designed to cool the engine and very often called our car enthusiasts "Tosol". Literally antifreeze means "not freeze." What antifreeze is better? The answer to this and other questions you will learn by reading the article of our site.

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Briefly about antifreeze

The cooling fluid (coolant) of the engine is vital for the functioning of any car, therefore an important indicator Antifreeze is its non-freelanceness at low temperatures in environment. Manufacturers indicate bottles of the freezing temperature of antifreeze - "OZH-40", "OH-65", "A-40".

The basis of any refrigerant is the glycol and aqueous mixture, which determines:

• the ability of coolant does not freeze in the winter season;
• specific heat consumables;
• viscosity and ability to assemble on the walls of the expansion tank;
• the probability of exposure to the element on the rubber components of the cooling system of the car.

Additives, in turn, can be:

• anticorrosive;
• anti-foaming;
• stabilizing.

On the domestic production of antifreeze normalization based on ethylene glycol:

• color of the substance;
• its coefficient of density;
• the temperature in which the fluid begins to turn into crystalline;
• corrosion property for metal parts;
• the ability to foam.

But other properties, such as the number of various additives, mixing liquids, as well as the color of the refrigerant, chooses the manufacturer itself.

The term replacement of the fluid is determined by the manufacturer. But it is also important to consider the recommendations of the car manufacturer by the change in the replacement period specified in the instruction manual. On average, the refrigerant service life is about two years.

What color does it happen?

Antifreeze itself is a colorless consumable material, but today there are very few such antifreezes in the market. It is the color that distinguishes the refrigerant from ordinary water, and this is necessary because:

• first, the liquid is a poisonous, and it should be different. Coolant should not be available for children because it has a sweet taste;
• secondly, the color of antifreeze will quickly help reveal the leakage if it is;
• thirdly, the color may indicate some properties. In particular, we are talking about a bright red and orange refrigent - such a color has a coolant produced by some American, Japanese and German auto concerns. The bottom line is that the life of such "consumables" is about 200-250 thousand km of run.

Green

In the countries of the Soviet space for the classification of refrigerants, the standards of the German manufacturer "Volkswagen" are taken.

So, the green color of antifreeze defines its classification "G 11". It is a hybrid type fluid. In terms of ethylex and inorganic additive elements, protecting completely all components of the cooling system from corrosion are taken in it. The refrigerants of the green color first appeared on sale for about twenty years ago, and their service life is on average for about three years.

Such a liquid can be used in a radiator of any type including aluminum. According to official data, hybrid coats are refilled in new cars "BMW", "Mercedes", "Chrysler" and so on.

Red

The red cooling substances and its shades belong to the carboxylate type of classification "G 12". The composition of such a consumable material includes organic additives, the principle of which is the electoral effect on the metal elements of the system, which were or can be amazed by corrosion.

Such coats were available at about the same time, when both green antifreeze, but, unlike the latter, are more suitable for high-speed and temperature-loaded motors. The service life of such a "consumator" can reach five years. IN last years It was widely used in the manufacture of foreign cars in Russia, in particular in Ford cars, Renault, Opel, Hendai, Kia, Fiat.

In Russia and in the post-Soviet space for the classification of antifreezes, the standards of Volkswagen: G 11, G 12, G 12+ and G 13 are taken.

If you buy a Japanese coolant, then here the classification of color is completely different. Red color means freezing temperature -30 C.

Other colors

The refrigerants of the "G 13" standards are painted yellow and orange. In this coat, propylene glycol is taken as the basis. Unlike green and red antifreeze, this liquid is more environmentally friendly, and its value is an order of magnitude higher. As a rule, such a "consumable" is used for cooling systems of sports and motorcycles.

However, the coolant of this standard is almost impossible to find on domestic market. Because of their high cost It is not produced in the post-Soviet space, but he is imported into Ukraine and Russia is extremely rare.

In the Japanese classification of coolant, yellow color means the freezing temperature of -20 degrees.

As for blue, it is characteristic of domestic "Tosla". This is the same antifreeze, only russian production. But "Tosol" can be produced in green, and in yellow - there is no basis between the colors of the principled difference, the composition of the coolant is more important.

What refrigerant is better?

This question is also ambiguous, since the coolery fluid should be selected specifically for each individual car. If you wedpen a question when choosing a refrigerant: what to choose antifreeze is red or green and why, then better read the instructions for your car.

If you are the owner of a Japanese car (Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Toyota, etc.), then these manufacturers advise car owners to pour green or red coolant into the system. If you want to pour the European analogue into the system, then you need to be guided by color, but a motor class. For example, the "G 12" class is suitable for Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Today, there are dozens of antifreeze brands with various characteristics on the shelves of auto shops with various characteristics. They differ not only by properties, but also in flowers, representing the whole range of shades of blue, green and red. Questions rightly come from motorists - what is the principal difference between liquids of different colors, and which one is better to use for the cooling system of the car?

Composition and properties.

Antifreeze (from English. Antifreeze - non-freezing) - the general name of the liquids used in the cooling systems of automotive equipment and other vehicles.

Such auto chemicals must have certain physical properties:

• High heat capacity for reliable heat removal from heated to high engine temperatures;
• High thermal conductivity to ensure the appropriate heat exchange rate;
• Necessary to comply with the conditions of operation of boiling and freezing temperature (for modern engines The upper limit must exceed +150 degrees, and the lower depends on climatic conditions - for example, the freezing temperature is recommended for the middle strip of Russia below -40 degrees).

The fulfillment of these requirements is achieved through the use of:

• basics with relevant properties (for example, ethylene glycol has the necessary heat capacity and thermal conductivity, boils at a temperature of about +200 and freezes at -12.3 degrees);

• additives, corrective parameters and attaching additional properties.

Organic and inorganic substances are used as additives, which also affect the operation of the cooling system as a whole. These include:

• silicates;
• nitrites and nitrates;
• phosphates;
• boric acid salts;
• carboxyls and so on.

Classification of antifreeze.

Today, the unified international standard for antifreeze has not yet been adopted. Because of this, auto chemical manufacturers from various countries are guided by their own national standards when they are released. For example, GOST 2808489 operates in Russia (it corresponds to, for example, Tosol), SAE J 1034 and ASTM D 3306 standards are used in the United States, in Japan, JIS K2234. All of them establish different norms and requirements, which makes a serious confusion in the classification.

As an intermediate solution, the company's company, experts and motorists use the classification adopted by the Volkswagen concern.

In accordance with it distinguish 3 class antifreeze.

Antifreeze G11.

Designation options on packages - G11, Traditional Coolt or
Conventional COOLANTS, IAT (inorganic acid technology).

These cooling fluids are made according to classical technology and have composed of:

• ethylene glycol (93% or more);
• inorganic additives, most often silicates, providing not only the necessary thermal properties, but also the protection of the elements of the cooling system from corrosion (3-5%);
• distilled water.

Additives do not necessarily contain only silicates, they can be presented with a combination of various inorganic compounds.

The main advantage of such additives is the creation on the inner surface of the elements of the system of protective films that prevent mechanical damage and significantly reduce the intensity of corrosion processes.

There are in such protection and disadvantages:

• deterioration of the thermal conductivity of the cooling system nodes;
• impaired integrity of the protective layer (destruction of films and precipitation) due to temperature differences and mechanical effects (vibrations);
• increased concentration of mechanical particles in the flow of coolant, which can lead to accelerated wear equipment and clogging channels.

To avoid negative consequences of automakers, the creators of automotive chemistry and experts recommends changing such antifreeze at least once every two years.

Cooling fluids G12, G12 +, G12 ++.

Options for designation on packages - G12, CarBoxilate COOLANTS, OAT (organic acid technology).

Their appearance is caused by an attempt of companies producing antifreeze, get rid of the shortcomings of traditional silicate additives, maintain the main production technology.

The composition has changed accordingly - carboxylate additives are added to the ethylene glycol base - organic acids and their salts.

As a result, protective films on the inner surfaces of the cooling system elements are formed only in places where there is damage and the corrosion process begins to develop. Due to this achieved:

• improving heat transfer;
• extending the life of the liquid to 3-5 years (maximum fixed when using the finished factory product and fill it into the clean system).

The main minus is a decrease in the level of corrosion protection, since additives work only on already affected areas.

To eliminate this shortage, manufacturers began to issue antifreeze on modified technologies:

• Hybrid - G12 + (Hybrid Coolants, Hoat). In addition to carboxylates, traditional inorganic additives are introduced - silicates, nitrites (distributed in the US), phosphates (use Japanese companies).
• Lobrid COOLANTS, SOAT COOLANS). The first such fluids appeared on the market in 2008 and use a complex of organic and new inorganic compounds as additives.

Antifreeze G13.

The first products from this class (G13) were issued in circulation in 2012. Its main differences is to use as the basis of propylene glycol, replacing toxic ethylene glycol. By properties, these liquids are similar to G12 ++ antifreeges, but are environmentally friendly.

A little about color.

Very important! The color of antifreeze does not refer to the designation of its class or properties!

Moreover, the same color can have products of various companies that radically differ in characteristics.

Since there is no single standard for these fluids, manufacturers can use any dyes for additional marking of their products. This is done in order to increase the marketing attractiveness of products (the basics of cooling fluids are colorless), to warn the consumer about health hazard and facilitate the search for possible leaks.

Some are based on practical nuances Use antifreeze.

• Tighten the liquid on the principle of "green to green" can not be categorically! If it is necessary to restore the fluid level with a slight decrease (no more than 200 ml), the optimal solution is to use distilled water. As a rule, this consumption is associated with the evaporation of water, and its topping will restore the composition and will not break the concentration of additives.

With more significant losses (for example, due to leaks with a radiator sample), it is recommended to completely replace the cooling fluid. To do this, it is necessary to merge from the system old, rinse the highways and water elements and pour new antifreeze. The color does not have the value!

• It is not recommended to mix different antifreeze. Even products related to one class, various companies contain different sets of additives. When mixed, they can lose their properties that entailing problems in the cooling system.

With the need to check the compatibility of cooling fluids. For this, small quantities are mixed in a separate vessel. If the consistency does not change, the precipitate does not appear and is not observed violent chemical reactions, It is possible to share these liquids (for example, a top of one into the system filled with another). Color at the same time also does not play any role.

With a complete replacement of the fluid in the cooling system, it should be purchased, guided by not color, but recommendations of the manufacturer's plant (or to give preference to universal G12 or G12 + classes). At the same time, merging the old one, it is necessary to pay attention to the transparency and the presence of particles of impurities. With a significant number of flakes, it will have to wash the system with water to completely remove the accumulated precipitate. Otherwise, the reaction of additives with the substances incoming in its composition is possible, which will negatively affect the properties of antifreeze and worsen its heat sink and protective properties.

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