Can antifreeze z40 red be mixed? Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors? Blue antifreeze glows under a UV lamp

The article will also focus on antifreeze, which, despite a different name, has a number of common characteristics with antifreeze. Once again, I would like to say that all antifreezes, whether it be G11 or G12, are very similar in their basic part. 75 percent, the composition of all products is the same, that is, there is ethylene glycol and a “distillant” both there and there. The remaining 25 percent, in some cases even less, are just additives that are characterized by a different behavior. Therefore, even if you mix a variety of antifreezes, they will all be at least 75% similar.

What are the differences?

As mentioned above, the difference lies in the additives used. It is worth noting that the use of additives is mandatory, otherwise the composition of one water and ethylene glycol will lead to destructive actions. This combination is incredibly active and can destroy even the densest metal surface. Additives also allow you to contain the "ardor" and remove the negative impact as much as possible.

If, in general, we consider all the additives that are now widely used, then we can make up only two groups:

• 1. Protective. They protect pipes and tubes from the inside, forming a kind of film that does not allow metal parts to collapse. They are mainly used in the G11 brand and in most domestic antifreezes.
• 2. Anti-corrosion. Such additives do not form a film, their work is invisible until rust appears. Such additives can block the center of decay by simply closing it. Scope of use in class G12 and G12+.
• 3. Hybrid. From the name it is clear that their functions include two main tasks. That is, when two tasks are mixed at once - protection and resistance to corrosion.

Colors

The color scheme is used more for distinctive purposes. As a rule, today, differences in color do not characterize the difference in characteristics. Although at the same time, many concerns are still trying to separate antifreeze only by color.

The popular G11 has always been green, G12 - red or bright orange, G13 - purple. Now there is no certain standardization of colors, so it is increasingly common that the same G11 can be blue, G12 green, and G13 even yellow.

What happens if you mix antifreezes of different colors from different manufacturers?

Yes, in fact, nothing will happen, you can pour it without worrying, the main thing is that they maintain their standard. That is, you can mix green G11 with the same blue or green G11, but from another manufacturer. The main thing is that the standards match between the products.

What happens if you mix different colors?

The same principle applies here, the main thing is that the standards and characteristics match, and the color of the same G12 can be at least green or orange, it does not play a role. The new class, like G13, raises more questions, there is nothing wrong with it. There are two primary colors, but they do not play any role if G13 is marked on the package, no matter what color it is.

Is it possible to mix G11 and G12?

If you figure it out, but in fact nothing terrible will happen if you mix G11 and G12, but the situation is completely different with G13. If we take the first type, the subgroup, then mixing will lead to the formation of a liquid in which two functions will be combined, but it is almost impossible to control the mixing, so most likely there will be no sediment. But, it is also worth understanding that adding, say, other additives such as protective ones can significantly worsen cooling. This happens because green antifreeze completely envelops the tubes and pipes, thereby preventing the motor from cooling. For example, you poured green or blue into red antifreeze, then the temperature threshold will drop. In the same way, if you mix green and red on the contrary, then the characteristics of the liquid itself fall. Often when a small volume is mixed or added, for example, 0.5 -1.0 liters. you won’t even feel the result as such. You will ride as before and not feel any problems.

Can G13 be mixed with G11 and G12?

Here things are completely different. The G13 class itself is characterized by other substances. For example, in the first two types, the bulk of the composition is water and ethylene glycol, then in G13 it is the proportion of propylene glycol plus distilled water. That is, you understand that even the base itself has a completely different composition. Ethylene glycol has been replaced with safer propylene glycol. These are two alcohols, and monohydric ones, they were changed in order to remove only the toxic effect itself.

Conclusion

As you can see, the topic is fully disclosed, the main answer to the question posed is given. You can mix different colors of the same class of antifreeze, the main thing is that the characteristics match. You can also mix G11 and G12, nothing bad will come of it, rather, even no result or effect will happen. But it’s better not to mix G11, G12 with G13, because it is not known how two different alcohols will behave, although they are similar in many ways. In addition, the additives are also different, and what is the relationship between them, the same is not known.

Also, when buying, you should focus on the cost, the price of a quality product will not be lower than 200 -300 rubles. per litre. At the moment, there are a lot of fakes that are offered at very attractive prices, but they were produced in artisanal conditions, there is no guarantee that the standards were met. As a rule, good antifreezes "boil" only from 100 degrees, when "boiling" they will not burn and will not lose their characteristics. Cheap options do not guarantee you compliance with these standards.

There is a misconception among car owners that the quality of antifreeze directly depends on its shade. The most commonly provided "classification" is:

The best is red antifreeze, the shelf life of which is 5 years;

Medium in quality - green antifreeze, its service life is 3 years;

The most “simple” is blue antifreeze, which includes Tosol, its service life is one to two years.

There is also an opinion that all refrigerants of the same color are completely identical, respectively, they can be mixed with each other. In order to increase the range, antifreezes of different shades are produced: green, blue, yellow, red, despite the fact that they are completely identical in composition.

In reality, all antifreezes and antifreezes have no color. The amount of dye added is minimal - only a few grams per ton of antifreeze. Color in no way affects the properties of antifreeze.

What happens if you mix antifreezes of different shades from different manufacturers?

When mixing antifreezes of different shades, nothing terrible will happen - unless, of course, they are produced in full compliance with established standards. As a rule, car owners face such a situation when the antifreeze in cars is over, and there is nowhere or impossible to get the same one.

For example, green G11 antifreeze can be mixed with a similar green G11 antifreeze, but of a different brand.

The most important thing is that the standards by which liquids are produced are the same.

Accordingly, G12 can also be mixed with G12 from another manufacturer.
It should be noted right away that antifreeze produced in our country is a regular G11 antifreeze, which can be safely mixed with blue and green antifreeze from another manufacturer.

Is it possible to mix G11 antifreezes of different colors

Mixing antifreeze of different shades and different categories of G11 and G12 does not do any particular harm. However, there are subgroups G11 and G12, and a third variant of liquids is G13.

If we take only the first subgroup, then mixing such antifreezes will cause the additives to acquire both anti-corrosion and protective properties. Of course, not a single car owner will be able to control the entire process of mixing liquids from and to.

Most likely, the compounds will not react and the precipitate will not fall out, however, it is advisable to remember that the addition of various additives that are not designed for a particular car and its “insides” can adversely affect the cooling system.

The reason for this lies in the green antifreeze, which forms a film on the tubes of the system that does not allow the engine and other machine components to cool properly. Simply put, if blue or green is added to red antifreeze, then the temperature regime decreases due to a change in the characteristics of the liquids.

It should be noted separately that when adding a small volume - up to one and a half liters - there may not be a similar effect.

Is it possible to mix green, yellow and red antifreeze

Blue, green and red antifreeze are mostly ethylene glycol and distilled water. In yellow and purple, on the contrary, the bulk of the composition falls on distilled water and propylene glycol.

Accordingly, in liquids there are completely different bases - monohydric alcohols, one of which - ethylene glycol - is toxic, while propylene glycol is safe. For this reason, propylene glycol began to be added to antifreeze to eliminate the toxicity of the composition.

In addition, antifreeze G13 includes two types of additives - protective and anti-corrosion.

When mixing red or green antifreeze with yellow, the following happens:

It is not known what kind of reaction propylene glycol and ethylene glycol will enter into;

The additives that are part of the yellow or purple antifreeze are designed only for interaction with propylene glycol, respectively, how they will behave with ethylene glycol is unknown;

In addition, the question arises of the compatibility of additives with each other.

For this reason, mixing G11 and G12 refrigerants with each other and with G13 is not worth it - there is a high probability that a precipitate may form, which can lead to malfunctions in the car.

If your vehicle's systems run out of coolant and need to be topped up, it's best to use distilled water.

In the summer, antifreeze can be completely replaced with distilled water, but with the onset of cold weather, it is changed to a special coolant. Water at temperatures below zero will simply freeze, which will lead to malfunctions of all components and assemblies of the car.

Mixing antifreezes of different shades - green, red, blue, purple and yellow - is only possible if they have a completely identical composition and additive package.

If these nuances are observed, then no harm will be done to the cooling system. In other cases, mixing antifreeze is unacceptable.

Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors

Antifreeze is a liquid used to cool parts of a car engine, and also saves when operating in severe frosts. It is used in all types of equipment and is characterized by the presence of additives that color the composition in a certain color. Depending on the substance added to the antifreeze, orange or purple, blue, green and red liquid are distinguished. Then piitam cooling solutions are divided into: traditional, hybrid, carboxylate, lobrid. The choice of a specific brand of liquid with anti-corrosion properties sets the condition for using only it. However, it often happens that for an emergency replacement the necessary solution is not at hand and the question arises of using a different brand with one already filled.

What is the difference between antifreezes by color

The coloring of the coolant in a certain bright color indicates its chemical composition. This is an agreement between sellers and manufacturers, used as a publicity stunt or other considerations. Green, blue, orange, purple, red or blue tone is given by inorganic inclusions. Often the same type of cooler is produced in different colors or different types can be of a similar shade. In contrast to the domestic Tosol of an exclusively blue color, foreign manufacturers offer liquids with the Volkswagen name in different colors corresponding to a particular type.

The color of antifreeze may change during its use and depends solely on the operation of the engine. A brown or other dark shade indicates a large accumulation of waste from the corrosive processes of the cooling system and engine parts. It is highly discouraged to operate a car with such a liquid, as it is fraught with a breakdown of the heart of the car. It is necessary to immediately drain the damaged antifreeze, replace it with a new one after the system is completely cleaned. Such darkening of the antifreeze is caused by the use of a low-quality product, plain water, lack of preventive regular flushing of the cooling system, etc.

In the case of using a quality product, you should be wary with a small mileage or a short time of using antifreeze to change its color. Most often, this indicates the presence of a certain amount of corrosion, scale or other deposits in the cooling jacket or the entire system. The rate of change in the color of antifreeze indicates the condition of the engine and its level of contamination. Another situation is when a straw-yellow hue of the coolant appears, which indicates the end of the life of the dye or the likely overheating of the motor. In this case, driving with the available fluid is allowed, but it is recommended to change it as soon as possible.

Coolants are divided into:

• Salt;
• Glycolic;
• Alcoholic;
• Glycerin;
• For heating systems.

Salt antifreeze is based on hydrochloric acid or ordinary kitchen salt - calcium or sodium chloride. The proportion of these substances is 25%, which ensures that salt-based antifreeze withstands low temperatures down to -20 °C. Increasing the content to 30% guarantees the safety of the engine in conditions with frost up to -55 ° C. The weaker 20% hydrochloric acid fluids are used in the lowest environment down to -35°C.

The danger of salt antifreezes is that for an alloy of brass, copper or aluminum, when boiling, corrosion increases from the salts accumulated on the grates, which catalyze the process of metal destruction. High temperatures also contribute to corrosion.

Glycol antifreezes are based on tri-, di- and monoethylene glycol. These coolants are produced in the vast majority of domestic brands. Depending on the percentage of the active substance in the water, the temperature conditions for engines with such a solution can vary in the range from 0 ° C to -65 ° C.

Their advantage is that when freezing, they do not change their volume, turning into a mushy composition. With the addition of over a dozen other additive components, antifreeze will become a high-quality coolant. The absence of at least one of these additives will provoke the death of the engine or pump.

The peculiarity of the alcohol solution lies in the low freezing point, however, compared to ethylene glycol compounds, they are not able to cause a decrease in the temperature of the water coolant. The most common application is as a windshield washer fluid or for air brakes. Use in the engine system is excluded due to the property of alcohols to ignite at elevated temperatures.

On the basis of glycerin, a solution is obtained, characterized by a low freezing point. The maximum limit for such compositions is -40 ° С. With negative thermometer readings, these liquids turn into a gel-like mass. Due to the high consumption as a coolant for the motor, they are less popular than ethylene glycol counterparts.

Antifreezes for heating systems are made on the basis of glycerin and propylene glycol. The peculiarity of these substances is in the lower toxicity index than that of ethylene glycol solutions. The cost of such coolants is somewhat more expensive than the latter.

Antifreeze Standards

Automotive coolants fall into two categories:

• SAE (based on propylene glycol);
• ASTM (using ethylene glycol as a base).

These types are generally accepted and the norm for the United States. Other countries have their own gradation:

• AFNOR - France;
• ONORM - Australia;
• CUNA - Italy;
• BS - England;
• GOST - Russia.

The classification is developed in accordance with the majority of vehicles and the specifics of the engine structure, as well as the predominant climatic conditions for the operation of vehicles. Manufacturers of branded cars, such as Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors, who put forward their own requirements for the type and properties of antifreeze, can boast of distinctive standards.

Green

It is created on the basis of inorganic components represented by phosphates and silicates, contains organic ingredients. In addition to these elements, it contains a small amount of carboxylic acid and borates. Refers to the G11 standard, which designates it as a hybrid. Restriction in the period of use is 3 years.

The peculiarity of these antifreezes lies in the ability to envelop the inner walls in the cooling path, which contributes to a more effective fight against corrosion foci. This merit belongs entirely to the inclusion of carboxylic acid.

The main disadvantages of this coolant are the need to change at least once every 2-3 years, the creation of a small deposit that clogs the thin channels of the cooling system, and a decrease in the rate of heat removal due to the film formed.

This solution approximates the G12 class by the percentage of carboxylic acid that can be contained in different proportions. Distinguish "G11 +" and "G11 ++" green antifreeze.4

Red

A solution is created from organic carboxylic acids. The peculiarity of the substance is in the creation of localized lashes in the places of occurrence of corrosion foci. The thickness of the protective film does not exceed 1 micron. It is characterized by a long service life - 5 years before the next change. Belongs to the G12 class according to the Volkswagen classification. It has better protective properties against cavitation and metal corrosion than silicate or hybrid counterparts.

In addition to excellent properties in the fight against defects formed on metal surfaces, red coolants cannot be used as a prophylactic agent or as a protection for the cooling system. They are best used in brass and copper radiators, and can even be dangerous for aluminum structures.

Purple (Yellow)

An organic base and a small proportion of inhibitors of the mineral composition are combined in lobrid antifreeze. This composition forms a film on the surface of the metal of the cooling system, which is used to combat corrosion. The composition of lobrid fluids includes silicates and organic acids. The main advantage of this class of antifreeze when used in a new engine is the service life is almost unlimited. In the Volkswagen classification, this type of solution is referred to as G12 ++.

Blue

The composition of traditional antifreeze contains a combination of nitrates, amines, nitrites, borates, phosphates, silicates used as inhibitors of corrosion phenomena of engine parts. Most motorists in our country have used domestic antifreeze for a long period, but today this product is considered slightly obsolete morally.

Firstly, heat resistance is limited to 108 °C, which is insufficient for an engine operating on average at temperatures up to 150 °C.

Secondly, the service life of inorganic inhibitors does not exceed 2 years.

Thirdly, the silicates released during the use of classical cooling liquids prevent effective cooling due to the coating of the internal surface of the system with a silicate layer. This leads to a deterioration in heat transfer performance.

The listed disadvantages apply to all modifications of the traditional Antifreeze.

Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors

The main rule when mixing antifreezes is to follow the standard. In this case, it is not necessary that the liquids be produced by one manufacturer. It is enough to verify the quality of the product used and the topped-up solution. If a G13 class fluid is used, it must be mixed with any G13 class product.

Mixing antifreezes of different colors is allowed if they correspond to the same class. For example: class G11 liquid is produced in blue and green, Tosol is red or blue. It is allowed to mix one class of red and blue Tosol, or G11 blue and green fluids. Class G13 antifreezes are produced in orange and purple, so they can also be combined without consequences for the motor.

G11 and G12 coolants contain ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol is used to produce antifreeze according to the G13 standard. These are essentially monohydric alcohols that are not allowed to be mixed. Since the first two groups are green and red, and the second are orange or purple, a mixture of yellow with green or red, and red with purple or orange antifreeze for a car will be dangerous.

When mixing red antifreeze standard G12 and green liquid type G11, a minor hazard arises when poured into aluminum alloy radiators. The first type of solution has low protective properties for this particular metal.

In the reverse process, when red G12 is poured into the G11 liquid, no catastrophic consequences are observed. However, the heat dissipation of the cooling system may be reduced. The protective film can precipitate over time.

Despite the tolerable consequences for the engine, one should take into account the peculiarity of antifreeze in a set of additives for a particular car and purpose. Probably, different brands and types have a set that is able to "conflict", causing undesirable consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to use such a mixture in emergency cases and completely change it as soon as possible.

How to dilute antifreeze with distilled water

A decrease in the level of antifreeze in the engine cooling system is a common occurrence. The option of buying a new product will be fraught with significant financial investments, and the use of small portable portions does not promise a long life for the motor. The only economical option is to dilute antifreeze with distilled water. Over time, this additive evaporates.

The optimal proportion of distillate and ethylene glycol is 1:1 or less water. At the same time, you should not fill in a large amount of distilled liquid on the eve of winter, since the resulting mixture will not be able to protect against low temperatures. It is necessary to take care of a complete change of fluid. In small quantities, distilled water will not “weather” in the system; it is not necessary to replace it. When adding a distillate, the chemical composition of the initial antifreeze does not change, while maintaining the cooling properties.

Conclusion

Different manufacturers offer antifreezes in their own colors, so the composition and type of additives must be taken into account. The ideal option would be to completely replace the used coolant or dilute it with distilled water. If different standards of antifreeze are mixed, it should be cleaned immediately and the engine should not be allowed to run. Even the most expensive antifreezes will not be able to take care of the iron heart of a "foreigner", for this you need to use branded solutions or look for the most suitable ones. The purchase of antifreeze in certified centers will protect against fake or low-quality product.

Good day to all! A rather relevant and interesting topic has ripened, which I propose to discuss in the comments. And we will talk about whether it is possible to mix antifreeze.

Moreover, a large number of questions on this topic are asked by Internet users. I will try to answer the main ones. This will allow you to finally understand the issue of the correct selection and combination of coolants for your car.

Choosing for the motor, or buying and all sorts of other fluids, the driver should always think about how their use will be combined with the car. After all, if the composition does not meet the requirements of the automaker, this can potentially lead to serious and undesirable consequences.

The same goes for antifreeze. Many people think that when mixing different compositions, you can harm the car and the whole . Like it or not, and what you need to know about mixing the coolant, we will find out.

Liquid cooling system

Liquid or water engine cooling systems are incredibly popular and common among automakers. Initially, ordinary water was used for such purposes. The advantage was that it was easy to get even in extreme situations.

At the same time, water as a coolant (coolant) has its drawbacks:

• corrosion begins quickly;
• when using dirty water, it is necessary to flush the system;
• low temperature threshold of freezing;
• rapid boiling;
• active evaporation;
• frequent engine failure;
• the need for constant monitoring of the cooling system;
• a large amount of sediment when using untreated water, etc.

Manufacturers realized that you can’t go far on the water. First, glycerin and alcohol were added to the water. The composition has improved and modernized. As a result, we received special coolants, which are called antifreeze. In the post-Soviet space, the concept of antifreeze is also actively used.

Let's take a look at the classification so that you can further understand whether motorists can mix trains in certain situations. Namely:

• different brands;
• different manufacturers;
• different colors etc.

Some are sure that in no case should you mix antifreeze and antifreeze. Others believe that even if you mix red with green, red with blue, or yellow with any other coolant colors, absolutely nothing terrible will happen. Here we will find out who is right.

A bit of classification

Currently, for automobile engines, and more precisely for their cooling systems, 6 compounds are used:

• antifreeze;
• G11;
• G12;
• G12+;
• G12++;
• G13.

They can be of different companies, of the same color, of various shapes, types, etc. That is, color is not a fundamental criterion here. Therefore, one type of composition can be blue and green, yellow and red, etc.

Let's talk about each composition separately.

• Tosol. An old type of antifreeze developed during Soviet times specifically for Soviet cars as a response to imported antifreeze. It consists of a conventional aqueous solution using complex alcohols. This includes ethylene glycol and special protective additives;
• G11. Traditional coolant based on ethylene glycol, water and additives. As additives, silicates, phosphates, as well as borates, nitrites, etc. are used. They do not differ in long-term service. Main color blue;
• G12. Carboxylate automotive antifreezes, where, in addition to components from G11, carboxylates are added. These are compounds of a fairly effective carboxylic acid. The coolant serves for a long time, the composition is mainly painted red or pink;
• G12+. Hybrid fluid based on water, as well as ethylene glycol, carboxylate, silicate, nitrite and phosphate additives. The composition of the coolant may vary, depending on the manufacturer and its geographical location. Mostly red;
• G12++. So-called hybrid fluids. An organic base and silicates are used. In many ways similar to G12 + antifreeze, but has a longer service life;
• G13. A new type of coolant, where they abandoned ethylene glycol, and replaced it with propylene glycol. Such a component is harmless, which is why it quickly gained popularity. It is most often pink and purple.

But you must understand that any of the antifreezes presented can be painted in completely different colors. It has nothing to do with composition. Color is purely decorative.

Initially, manufacturers wanted to stand out by changing the color of the standard white liquid. But gradually everyone began to use different coloring options. For this, dyes are used.

Mixing issue

If you think that it is perfectly safe to mix red with red, but blue and green car antifreeze should never be combined with each other, do not rush to conclusions.

First of all, I advise you to read the material on choosing the best non-freeze. Here to this article. All cars are recommended to choose only the highest quality compositions. And it’s not so important whether we are talking about antifreezes, or it’s , flushing agent or some for rust. We put quality first. And it will be better if you constantly start using the same antifreeze.

It is better to mix compositions in winter and summer in emergency situations, when there is simply no way to find the original coolant. If you buy a concentrate, then you simply have to mix it with water. But not from the tap, but with a special, purified and distilled.

As you understand, coolants differ in composition and additives used. And many of them can coexist in the same liquid without causing sediment and without gelling the antifreeze.

If you mix coolants that differ in manufacturer and color, no disaster will definitely happen. But without urgent need to experiment is not worth it. In the worst case, the resulting mix will not last as long as you originally expected.

Motorists are interested in the possibility of mixing:

• compositions of the same color;
• mixtures from different companies;
• G11 and G12;
• G12 and G12+;
• G12 and G13;
• Coolant from different companies (for example, Sintek and Felix)
• antifreeze and antifreeze;
• G11 and G12++;
• G12++ and G13;
• red and blue;
• blue and green;
• pink and purple.

The list is endless as there are so many potential combinations.

But you should rely on generally accepted rules. They will be the basis for making a decision regarding the mixing of different coolants in emergency situations.

These rules read as follows:

• do not mix coolants that belong to classes 11 and 12;
• it is allowed to combine G11 with G12 + and even with G13;
• if necessary, you can combine 12 and 12+;
• in the case of a combination of 12 with 12++ or 13, it is better to refuse such a mixture;
• it is not forbidden to combine 12, 12++ and 13 in parallel.

Agree that it is rather difficult to keep such formulas in mind. But sometimes it is better to have the appropriate knowledge in order to avoid mistakes.

Drawing conclusions

Practice clearly proves that drivers can mix coolant from different brands and manufacturers in the tank with their same class and chemical composition. In such situations, a deposit dangerous for the cooling system of an automobile engine is unlikely to form.

What is a coolant (antifreeze) today knows almost every motorist. But is it possible to mix blue and green antifreeze with each other and what of this will not be known to everyone. Since the topic is relevant for car owners, today we will talk about mixing coolant.

As you know, any refrigerant is a special liquid for cooling a vehicle engine. But the refrigerant can not only cool, but also freeze at too low an ambient temperature. It is also known that coolants ( further - OJ) can be divided into several colors that differ in composition and properties. Is it possible to mix antifreeze with Tosol or coolants of different colors? We will talk about this further.

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What happens if you mix?

Each individual coolant is produced on the basis of ethylene glycol and a certain composition of additives added to it and playing a different function. The main difference between coolants is not the color, whether red, green, blue or yellow, but their properties and characteristics, which in most cases are determined by color. For example, one refrigerant may have corrosion protection properties, another may have lubricity properties, and a third may have a specific operating temperature range.

In addition, refrigerants can differ among themselves in terms of boiling and freezing points in the system, as well as in the properties and degree of aggression to vehicle parts. It should also be noted here that not only the color determines the composition and properties of the coolant.

What happens if you mix coolants from different manufacturers? There can be two options here:

• mixed coolants of different colors form a mixture with each other, which may lose the properties of refrigerants. As a result of this, the life of the fluid will be significantly reduced, that is, its replacement will be literally necessary. This is at best;
• If different chemicals designed to prevent corrosion are mixed together, they can work against each other. Such mixing can cause not only the need to flush the entire cooling system, but also its quick breakdown.

Initially, all coolants are colorless. The dye is added to them by the manufacturer himself in order to distinguish them from each other in terms of properties and composition. But if the composition of refrigerants from different manufacturers may be the same, then the package of added additives may well differ. When additives were not so popular, all antifreezes, even from different manufacturers, were essentially the same. But everything has changed with progress, when additives have become an integral part of any refrigerant.

What can happen from mixing good and/or bad liquids? Of course, for the vehicle - nothing good:

• foaming . Foam formation in the cooling system and expansion tank is one of the most common problems. Often, domestic motorists do not pay due attention to the choice of coolant, as a result of which foam may form in the system over time. Only a complete flushing of the system or the use of high-quality coolant will help eliminate such a problem, no matter what high-quality antifreeze you subsequently use;
• sediment formation. The appearance of sediment in the cooling system is also a common problem. As a result of mixing coolants of different colors or manufacturers, chemical elements may refuse to interact with each other. Because of this, the coolant can turn into a thick mixture, which, of course, will not flow as easily through the system as before mixing. In the future, the nozzles of the cooling system become clogged with sediment, which can only be removed by timely complete flushing of the system. If you did not flush the system in time, then most likely you will have to change the hoses in the future.

Also, clogging of the pipes of the cooling system in the motor and radiator can cause:

• overheating of the water pump and its further breakdown;
• failure of the bearing;
• overheating of the head or motor block, which will lead to deformation of the gasket and jamming of the elements of the cylinder-piston group. In case of untimely repair, you are guaranteed the breakdown of these components.

But if you stick to using a certain "Tosol" on an ongoing basis, then this does not threaten your car in any way. The main thing when adding is that the composition and additives in them are the same.

What refrigerants can be mixed with each other?

If the "garage" masters tell you that different coolants from the same manufacturer can be mixed with each other, then you should know that this is a lie of pure water. This opinion exists mainly among experienced motorists who still remember the times when water, not antifreeze, was poured into the cooling system of a car. Because of this, they believe that there will be nothing bad from mixing the coolant, because "they are all useful for the car."

But that's not all. If you decide to interfere with the coolant and add green antifreeze from one manufacturer to green, but of a different brand, you cannot say for sure that they are the same in their properties. This is because in the production of one coolant line, the manufacturer can still adhere to one composition, but this cannot be said about the refrigerant produced by another company. Even if these coolants are the same color.

As you understand, color does not affect the properties and characteristics of the refrigerant at all. The only thing you need to pay attention to when mixing is the composition and additives of antifreeze. Therefore, in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, coolant manufacturers use the G11 and G12 standards to make it easier for a motorist to choose when buying a coolant.

How do these standards differ from each other?

1. G11 and G12 are approved for the use of Volkswagen refrigerants;
2. Coolant G11 and G12 have a different composition and base:

• G11 is made on the basis of ethylene glycol, and its service life is about two years;
• G12 is made on the basis of carboxylate, and there are no silicates in its composition. Due to this, its service life is no more than four years.

Attention: mixing antifreezes of these two standards is unacceptable!

If, nevertheless, it became necessary to add liquid to the system, and the same coolant that you previously poured into your car is not at hand, then it is better to add distilled water. In the summer, you can completely fill in the distillate, but before the onset of cold weather, it will need to be replaced with coolant. At sub-zero temperatures, the water in the system will simply freeze and this will not end in anything good for the car owner.

Mixing antifreezes of different colors, whether blue, red, green or yellow, is allowed only if they have the same composition and additive package. In addition, if coolants of different colors have the same composition and, accordingly, an additive package, then mixing them will not harm the vehicle's cooling system in any way. In all other cases, mixing of refrigerants is not allowed.

Video "Classification of types of coolant"

This video describes the classifications of refrigerants and the difference between Antifreeze and traditional antifreeze.

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