Antifreeze has changed color to brown. Changing the color of antifreeze: causes and solutions to the problem

Antifreeze is a special coolant used in a car. The main function of this fluid is to regulate the temperature of the engine in operation. Usually antifreeze is made in blue. But it happens that certain varieties of this coolant are produced in a different color. For example, the brand Tosol - 65 has a red color.

Why did the antifreeze turn brown

If the color of the antifreeze has changed, then this usually means one thing: the coolant has lost its properties. First, antifreeze becomes greenish, then yellow and finally colorless. Thus, the loss of color for antifreeze is characterized, first of all, by the fact that the liquid gradually becomes unusable. Unsuitability lies in the development of corrosion inhibitors that interfere with the normal operation of the car. The speed at which antifreeze changes its color indicates the following:

• If the antifreeze turns yellow after about five hundred hours of operation, then there is a fact of incorrect engine operation, that is, the engine is running with overheating - above 105 degrees
• If the antifreeze turns green in the same five hundred hours of operation, then the engine is running without overheating.

But antifreeze can become black, brown, and red. There are several explanations for the change in color of the coolant during vehicle operation:

• Antifreeze has lost its properties
• There is a breakdown of the radiator with a stove or the formation of a corrosion process of the radiator
• Corrosion has occurred in the propulsion system

Here are the main reasons why antifreeze turned black or brown.

What to do if antifreeze has changed color

If a change in the color of the coolant is detected, first of all, it is necessary to check the operation of the car's engine. In the event that there is no obvious overheating during operation, then the antifreeze is still suitable for use and works correctly. The color has changed, possibly due to burnt additives or due to rust in the pipes. In such a situation, replacing the coolant will not be superfluous, but, on the other hand, it is not required without fail.

In the event that the antifreeze has turned brown or black, and there is a clear overheating of the engine, then in such a situation it is necessary to replace the used fluid with a new one as soon as possible.

Why antifreeze became red

Sometimes antifreeze acquires a red color over time. The reason for this may be the intensive operation of the engine, which leads to long loads of high temperature. For example, if the car very often gets into traffic jams or moves for a long time at maximum speed. That is, antifreeze can not cope with the load and begins to acquire a red color. This color, by the way, is obtained as a result of the dissolution of iron particles from cylinder blocks.

In the most unfavorable outcome, if antifreeze loses its properties, the engine may fail.

The reason for this process may be a poor-quality or outdated antifreeze formulation, which simply cannot cope with the loads on the car engine. The fact is that the modern design of cooling systems in cars (even in modern VAZs) is made in such a way that excessive pressure in the antifreeze often occurs, and the boiling point rises to one hundred and twenty or one hundred and thirty degrees. And at such a high temperature, corrosion inhibitors cease to provide the necessary protection. From this we can conclude that the antifreeze produced in the Soviet Union is not always suitable for modern vehicles.

Periodically, each motorist should check the fluid level in the expansion tank of the engine cooling system. This is the same procedure as that, which also needs to be performed regularly. And so, another check shows that the antifreeze (or antifreeze) has changed its usual color to rusty or brown. We all know that coolant should be red, blue or green. What could be the reason for the change in the original color of antifreeze (antifreeze)? Is it possible to continue operating such a car or is it necessary to solve the problem?

At the beginning of this article, it is worth mentioning that the fluid in the car's cooling system has a certain service life, which is indicated by its manufacturer. As a rule, this figure is approximately 50 thousand kilometers. It all depends on the cost of the product and its characteristics. During the production of antifreeze, different substances are used, therefore, the service life of liquids from different companies can vary significantly.

Causes of color change

An analysis of various materials on this topic showed that it is worth highlighting several main factors that in most cases lead to the fact that antifreeze acquires a rusty (brown) color.

• The expiration date has expired. We mentioned this at the beginning of the article. The darkening of the coolant indicates that the additives that make up its basis can no longer cope with their functions. As a result of this, a characteristic precipitate forms in the cooling system, which leads to a change in the color of the antifreeze.
• Engine overheating and boiling of the coolant (coolant). This factor is the result of untimely replacement of antifreeze. The service life of the liquid ends, it can no longer perform its task, which leads to boiling. As a result, the coolant changes its original color.
• Oxidation of metal parts of the cooling system. This item is also associated with the end of the life of antifreeze. The components of the liquid are no longer able to protect the inner walls of the metal, due to which the oxidation process begins. As a result, antifreeze becomes rusty.
• Destruction of rubber pipes. Sometimes, as a result of the aging of the coolant and the car owner delaying its replacement, the rubber components of the system begin to break down. As a result, the antifreeze darkens, but in this case its color is more like black.
• The use of water as coolant. There are situations when the engine cooling system starts to flow and the motorist fills it with ordinary water due to the lack of antifreeze or antifreeze. But such a decision can be applied only in emergency cases. Immediately after this, the system must be flushed, its tightness restored and new coolant filled in. Since not everyone does this, over time they see brown antifreeze in the expansion tank.
• Contact with engine oil. The reason for the darkening of the coolant may be its contact with oil. This can happen due to damage to the cylinder head gasket or heat exchanger (in which the coolant can mix with oil). Usually in such situations in the tank there will be not just liquid, but a kind of beige emulsion, which is also called “condensed milk” (really similar!).
• Means for eliminating leaks in radiators. Many motorists use a variety of sealants designed to "treat" radiator leaks. Usually they do their job well, but only for a short time. In addition, the antifreeze itself after such contact may change color to brown or rusty (but this is rare).

Any of the situations listed above requires certain actions on the part of the car owner. Leaving everything as it is is highly undesirable and you must understand this.

Solution

It all depends on what exactly led to a change in the color of the coolant. If you see an emulsion or drops of engine oil in the expansion tank, we advise you to deal with the problem as soon as possible. You need to dig in the direction of the cylinder head gasket or heat exchanger. Only in these places can contact between engine oil and antifreeze usually occur. It is not worth delaying, since such a mixture will clog the system, and the engine will not cool normally. In such a situation, after eliminating the cause of the appearance of the emulsion, a high-quality flushing of the cooling system and replacement of antifreeze are carried out.

If the cause of the brown (rusty) color of the antifreeze is the end of its service life, it only needs to be replaced.

Important! In any case, flush the engine cooling system. Use only distilled water for this. Rinse until the water is clear. Only then fill in new coolant.

If you replaced the antifreeze, some time has passed (days or weeks), and its color has changed again, this means that the flushing of the cooling system was done in bad faith.

Is it possible to not change the coolant and move on?

All types of coolant have a certain service life. After a while, antifreeze will lose its characteristics. What does this lead to? That's right, to overheat the engine! What causes overheating? In the best case, engine power will seriously drop and oil consumption will increase. At worst, it will simply jam, and you will not be able to continue moving.

When antifreeze (antifreeze) darkens, it is better to immediately solve the problem, since in the future this may lead to more serious difficulties that require significant financial investments. Change the fluid in the car engine cooling system in a timely manner and remember that prevention is always cheaper than repair!

Antifreeze is one of the essential fluids in a car. The operation of the entire cooling system and the functioning of the power plant directly depend on its quality. Often, during operation, the refrigerant changes its color, and then urgent action must be taken. Why Tosol turned brown and what it is connected with, let's talk in our article.

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What happens if you don't change on time?

It must be understood that after prolonged use, the refrigerant loses its original properties. It circulates within the system, but its effectiveness gradually decreases. From this, the cooling unit suffers heavy loads, which adversely affects the engine.

Each manufacturer sets different refrigerant replacement periods, but, in fact, the service life is the same for almost all machines.

Approximate use of antifreeze:

• G11 - 2-3 years;
• G12 - up to 5 years;
• G13 - about 6 years.

Reasons for changing the color and smell of the liquid

Experienced motorists know that over time, instead of the usual shades, an incomprehensible dark liquid can be seen inside the expansion tank. The color change process of the refrigerant is not normal.

In most cases, Tosol acquires a brown tint or completely black, in rare cases it foams, darkens, sometimes with flakes. And often this happens somewhere in 2-3 weeks after the fluid change.

Any darkening of antifreeze displays important problems that cannot be ignored. It probably came out. This can be determined by the color transformation. First it changes from blue to green, then to transparent. Or it turns yellow and then completely colorless. Thus, the loss of the initial color indicates the unsuitability of the liquid for further use. At the same time, the refrigerant acquires a strong and unpleasant odor.

But often the problem is caused by the following reasons:

1. The surfaces of metal components and parts that the liquid washes are oxidized. This is a common problem in used cars. Rust appears on them, it gets into the antifreeze circulating throughout the system. This changes the color.
2. Poor-quality antifreeze was poured into the expansion tank, without deterrent additives. As you know, too aggressive fluid easily eats through rubber materials: hoses, pipes, gaskets. In this case, the refrigerant will be black.
3. Plain water is often used instead of antifreeze. This happens, for example, on the road, when there is no coolant at hand, and one of the pipes breaks. You have to pour water from the tap, which over time will form scale on the walls of the radiator.
4. Antifreeze lost its properties and changed color. Its additives with protective characteristics have ceased to work, the liquid is no longer able to withstand high temperatures. Already at 90°C foam may form.
5. Engine oil has entered the coolant. This happens for various reasons, as a rule, the cylinder head gasket dries out.
6. Adding chemicals to the radiator. Some motorists believe in miraculous additives that supposedly quickly eliminate leaks in the radiator. In fact, there is no benefit from them, but the color of the refrigerant changes greatly, as it reacts with these substances.
7. The antifreeze was replaced, but the system was not flushed for a long time. Deposits have accumulated. When a new liquid is poured, all contaminants mix with it, Tosol turns black or becomes cloudy.
8. The cooling system or oil heat exchanger, which is installed on many modern cars with powerful engines, is faulty. Especially if Tosol turned black.

It is noteworthy that in some cases the antifreeze becomes red. This happens over time, and the cause is the reaction of the engine, subjected to excessive loads. For example, if the car is often in traffic jams or the driver's driving style does not comply with the rules, then the coolant quickly loses its properties. In addition, the red color indicates the presence of corrosion on the elements of the system.

What to do?

First of all, given the importance of the operation of the power plant, and in order to protect yourself from unnecessary overhaul costs, it is recommended to check the engine. If there is no obvious overheating, the antifreeze is still suitable for further use, then the color change is clearly caused by corrosion in the tubes or burnout of additives. Updating the refrigerant in this situation will be useful, although this is not necessary.

On the contrary, in the case when Tosol has changed color to black or brown and smells strongly, and the motor often overheats, then you need to replace mining as soon as possible.

In order to change the fluid, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Drain all antifreeze from the system.
2. Dismantle the expansion tank, and then thoroughly clean and rinse it. There are many ways to do this. You can pour fine gravel inside, and then actively shake the container for several minutes. Empty the tank from dirt and rinse with clean water.
3. Pour distillate into the radiator.
4. Drive about 5 km and merge.
5. Repeat the procedure three or four times.
6. Refill with good quality antifreeze.

If a white emulsion is noticeable in the coolant, and engine oil floats in the reservoir in the form of drops or clots, it is recommended to check the rubber seals. Gaskets that are dry or otherwise damaged must be replaced.

What can flush the system

Milk return Acetic acid Lemon acid soda

Distilled water is not the only product recommended for flushing the cooling system.

Here are some more options:

1. Citric acid diluted with water. It is able to effectively clean the channels of the system from rust and dirt. It is necessary to mix 30 grams of acid with 1 liter of liquid. If the hoses are very clogged, the amount of powder can be increased.
2. Acetic acid. It also flushes the unit well. It is mixed with water in a ratio of 0.5 liters of vinegar per 10 liters of liquid.
3. Carbonated drinks such as Fanta, Cola, Sprite. The procedure is expensive, because you need to use at least 10 liters of soda, but it is effective.
4. Milk reverse. To remove contaminants, the substance is poured into the radiator. At the final stage of cleaning, be sure to flush the system with water.
5. Caustic soda or sodium hydroxide. These substances perfectly clean copper radiators. For aluminum parts, they are contraindicated.

Why did Tosol quickly darken after replacing

You need to figure out if there are contaminants in the cooling system. Since the coolant can quickly darken due to the fact that the cooling system has not been flushed. Impurities and deposits remain inside the channels and hoses, which enter the newly filled antifreeze, which circulates in a circle.

Therefore, during a planned fluid change, it is imperative to drain the old Antifreeze and add water or the compositions described above to the radiator. Having cleaned the system in this way and got rid of the dirty substance, you can safely fill the car with new antifreeze. It is strongly not recommended to simply add refrigerant to the unit.

Video "Rusty antifreeze on the VAZ 2107"

On the video you can see why Tosol became rusty. Taken by Evgenius.

From time to time, any vehicle owner needs to check the condition of fluids, in particular antifreeze. There are situations in which the coolant changes color, becomes brown, rusty. To understand the cause, it is necessary to conduct an analysis, and a simple replacement may not solve the problem.

Main reasons

It should be noted that antifreeze, like oils, has a certain period of use. Often, replacement is required every 50,000 km, but the indicator is average and depends on the quality of the fluid, the manufacturer.

There are several main factors why antifreeze has become rusty. The main ones are:

1. The expiration date has expired. A brown tint indicates that the additives in the material can no longer perform their intended functions, precipitation begins, which causes a color change.
2. Motor overheating. The problem may lie in the untimely change of the liquid, and after the expiration of the service life, it quickly boils, the initial shade changes. In addition, overheating of the motor can be due to many other reasons that also cause a rusty color.
3. Oxidation of parts. There are metal structures in the cooling system that can rust and change the shade of antifreeze. The problem is typical for long-term operation of the liquid, which can no longer protect the metal surface. The natural process of oxidation begins.
4. Destruction of pipes. Without a scheduled replacement of the coolant, it leads to the uselessness of rubber products, namely pipes, they gradually collapse, and their parts fall into the liquid itself, but the color will often be black, not red.
5. Water instead of antifreeze. During leaks, many use water as a temporary alternative. It is necessary to use such measures in extreme cases, and after water it is important to rinse the system thoroughly, pour in antifreeze. If you do not follow the rule, then the metal parts rust from the water, in the future they change the color of the coolant.
6. Oil ingress. If the gaskets break, the oil from the engine can enter the cooling system, while mixing, the color changes. In this case, the antifreeze will not only be rusty, an emulsion will appear in the tank, which resembles condensed milk in color and consistency.
7. The use of chemistry. Radiator leaks often occur while driving, in emergency situations, leak-removing additives, sealants and other chemicals can be used. They help for a short time, and the antifreeze itself quickly turns brown.

Understanding what the reason is, it is necessary to eliminate it and replace the fluid with a new one. Leaving the process to chance is fraught with consequences. The main danger is overheating of the motor, which causes serious and costly repairs.

In some cases, even after changing the antifreeze, it can turn red after a couple of weeks. The problem appears due to non-observance of the basic rules. Namely, after removing the main cause, the system must be flushed, otherwise, the antifreeze will quickly turn red, and its properties will be lost. The new liquid in the system begins to wash out the old plaque, gradually staining.

Problem Solving Methods

To solve the problem with rusty antifreeze, the motorist needs to know the exact cause. If an emulsion or parts of oil from the engine appears under the cover of the expansion tank, then you need to look for a malfunction as quickly as possible. It is recommended to pay attention to:

1. Head gasket.
2. Heat exchanger.
3. Branch pipes and other types of gaskets.

As a rule, in the first two places there is often contact between oil and coolant. After combining the liquids, the cooling system begins to become clogged, and the engine malfunctions. After the cause is removed, the systems are flushed and the coolant is replaced.

It is much easier to solve the problem if the antifreeze has expired. It will be enough to replace the liquid, but first rinse everything with special means or distilled water. Rinsing is carried out until the water is clear, without a red tint.