The coolant circulating in the “shirt” of the motor prevents it from overheating and helps maintain optimal temperature conditions. In our everyday life there are two names for coolant - Tosol and antifreeze. They will be discussed.
Made in USSR
The word “Tosol” came into use among drivers in the 60s, when the Soviet antifreeze was developed at the closed institute GosNIIOKhT, in the department of organic synthesis technologies (“TOS”), a non-freezing coolant based on ethylene glycol ( dihydric alcohol). The ending "-ol" was added to the name by analogy with other alcohols ("ethanol", "methanol"). "Tosol" was an excellent coolant for its time, served up to three years and strictly complied with the state standard GOST 28084-89. But over time, the same Tosol-AM antifreeze became technically outdated, and it became quite difficult to find an authentic product on the market, and not a fake. Nevertheless, the name is so entrenched in the mass consciousness that many still consider "Tosol" and antifreeze to be absolutely interchangeable concepts. Like a Jeep and an SUV, a Pampers and a diaper, a Xerox and a photocopier...
GOST is not always a quality mark
It sounds like a paradox, but it's true. If for food products compliance with GOST can be considered an advantage, then when choosing antifreeze, you should not focus on Soviet quality standards. Coolants are improving and no longer need frequent replacement, as required by the Soviet standard. In addition, a third of the same GOST 28084-89 regulating coolants is devoted to packaging, labeling and transportation standards, and not to product quality at all. Another interesting point of GOST 28084-89 is the stringent requirements for the "foaming" of antifreeze. It is curious that the requirements of the domestic list of standards for this indicator are about 5 times tougher than the standards of other countries, and some sellers talk about this characteristic as clear advantage"Ghost" antifreeze. In fact, the strict standard of "foaming" came to GOST from the AvtoVAZ standard, and is associated only with the specifics of the enterprise. Foam gets in the way on the conveyor when coolant is poured into cars or canisters, so an antifoam agent is added to all antifreezes. But this substance completely loses its properties within a month or two after pouring.
Just add water
From time to time, there is less antifreeze in the expansion tank - this happens with an absolutely healthy engine due to the evaporation of the water contained in the antifreeze. Valve on the lid expansion tank triggered by excess pressure and releases water vapor. Other components of antifreeze - ethylene glycol and additives - evaporate much more slowly. If about 100-200 ml of liquid “left” from the tank, then it is better to add distilled or simply filtered water. This will not degrade the quality of antifreeze, while a mixture of different coolants will be much more harmful for the car. But if you need to add more than 200 ml, then you need to add antifreeze, not water.
For taste and color
Many motorists are sure that different coolants can be mixed without harm to the engine if they are the same color. This myth is built on established practice to paint carboxylate antifreezes (contain corrosion inhibitors based on organic (carboxylic) acids) red, hybrid (contain organic acids and inorganic inhibitors - silicates, nitrites or phosphates) - green, lobrid (have an organic base, as well as a small number of mineral inhibitors) - in purple, traditional - in blue. But here it is important to understand that antifreeze acquires color due to the usual dye (and not additives, as “experts” write on the Web), which is added to an initially colorless liquid. Therefore, some enterprising manufacturers color the same antifreeze in different colors misleading the buyer.
We choose wisely
The only way to choose the right antifreeze for your car is to find out its specification from the car manufacturer. You should not buy antifreeze just because the brand of your car is indicated on the label - this can be a trick of unscrupulous manufacturers. It is best to check directly with the manufacturer (or certified workshop) of your machine which brands of coolants have been received. official approval and permission. Everyone has major automakers there are lists of requirements for antifreeze. Compliance with them means that the liquid has successfully passed all the tests, and their results have been officially registered.
In the Soviet Union, a coolant called antifreeze was used. Years later, no one guessed to patent it, so today this name is more generalizing for a certain class of coolants that are produced by various domestic manufacturers. There are two types of antifreeze on the market: of blue color(with a temperature limit of up to -40 degrees) and red (with a freezing point of -65 degrees Celsius).
The composition of antifreeze includes the following substances:
- ethylene glycol;
- water;
- various additives to prevent corrosion;
- phosphates and burates.
Antifreeze, like any other coolant, has several mandatory characteristics: it does not freeze when low temperatures and will not ignite, foam or boil, or adversely affect cooling system components.
During operation, antifreeze, of course, loses its qualities, which makes it impossible to use it in the cooling system. The development of the composition and evaporation are natural processes, therefore this liquid should be changed every 2-3 years or after 80 thousand kilometers. When buying antifreeze, the driver can only be guided by his temperature indicators. also in technical guidance the car is always spelled out which coolant is recommended for use for this model.
Antifreeze and its varieties
To understand what is better than antifreeze or antifreeze, you need to understand what the latter is and what types it is. Let's find out! Antifreeze is the generalized name of the coolant that came to the territory of the CIS countries from abroad. According to the specification and markings, there are several classes of this liquid, each of which has its own characteristics and composition. The defined class is used for specific vehicles, therefore, when choosing antifreeze, it is necessary to be guided in its varieties.
To simplify the purchase, Volkswagen has developed a universal classification system by which most manufacturers and buyers are guided. According to her, all antifreezes are divided into classes G11, G12 and G13. Behind last years intermediate classes also appeared, for example, G12+ and G12++. Let's look at each of the products separately.
Antifreeze G11
Such products are created using traditional (silicate) technology, while containing inorganic substances and their combinations as protective additives. This refrigerant is recommended to be filled in vehicles produced before 1996. If we talk about the composition, then most (about 90 percent) is ethylene glycol. The rest is distilled water and additives. The service life of such products is up to 3 years.
This coolant creates a protective film on the entire surface of the parts, which prevents corrosion. Of course, this also has negative effect, because a continuous film adversely affects heat transfer. This film crumbles from vibrations, and sediment accumulates in the cooling system.
Antifreezes of the G12 line
The next step in the development of coolants was the appearance of the composition G12. It has a fundamental difference from its predecessor - the developers used the technology of organic acids. Ethylene glycol also remains in the base, but carboxylic acids are added as additives. Due to this, antifreeze creates a protective shell only in those places that are subject to corrosion.
He has the following benefits compared to its predecessor:
- increased heat transfer;
- no sediment after operation, since there is nothing to crumble;
- increased service life up to 5 years (subject to the rules of operation).
The products are recommended for use in cars manufactured after 2001. Classes G12+ and G12++ are refinements in which organic additives are combined with others (inorganic and mineral). Fundamental differences from the main G12 is not. Here only improved environmental Safety composition.
Products class G13
This latest development created in 2012. The main difference from all other antifreezes is the basis on propylene glycol. Unlike ethylene glycol, which is poisonous, this antifreeze is almost completely safe for environment. This is where the differences end. According to its characteristics, the products are identical to the G12 ++ class.
All presented classes differ visually in the color of the liquid, however, there is no generally accepted staining rule for all countries. When buying antifreeze, be sure to read its labeling and do not be guided only by color. Now that you know the composition of antifreeze and antifreeze, you can move on to the most important question.
Antifreeze or antifreeze: which is better to choose
Given several classes of foreign coolants, it would not be entirely correct to identify the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze in general. Let's compare antifreeze with specific classes of antifreeze.
Antifreeze vs G11
These are practically twins, since the substances have a common base (ethylene glycol) and almost identical additives (inorganic). Antifreeze is in most cases used in VAZ cars, which were just released before 1996. The choice between antifreeze and antifreeze G11 is only conditional. Here you can focus on the manufacturer, how much you trust him and what are the reviews of other drivers about the products.
Antifreeze in comparison with the G12 line
There are already noticeable differences between the products. The basis of these two coolants remains (ethylene glycol and water), but organic additives are already used in G12. Due to this, the G12 class has advantages over antifreeze, similar to the advantages over G11:
- Creation protective film directly in the centers of occurrence of corrosion;
- longer service life;
- better heat dissipation;
- does not adversely affect aluminum parts and does not form condensate.
Compared to G13
This class of antifreeze is the peak of evolution. It uses a different base (propylene glycol), due to which the product is environmentally friendly, as well as hybrid additives that guarantee the effectiveness of the coolant. In all respects antifreeze G13 better than antifreeze . The only drawback is the high cost. At the same time, you should not save on the purchase, since overhaul engine new foreign car will cost disproportionately much compared to a bottle of even the most expensive antifreeze.
Class G11 and antifreeze have an almost identical composition, so mixing is theoretically allowed. But be careful, as domestic and foreign manufacturers may use different additives. Due to this small difference, fluids can conflict. It is recommended to add only identical coolant to avoid adverse effects.
It is impossible to mix antifreeze with classes G12 and above, since the products have excellent compositions, not to mention different manufacturers, each of which uses its own methodology. Similarly, mixing of G11 and G12 formulations is not allowed. In the worst case, when mixing, sediment will appear in the cooling system. You can only remove it full rinsing systems.
How to distinguish antifreeze from antifreeze
There is a myth among drivers that liquids can be distinguished by color. We remind you that color designation conditional, respectively, each manufacturer is different. You can never rely on color. Taste, viscosity and transparency will not tell drivers anything either. The only composition identifier is the name and marking on the canister. In practice, you can check the freezing point and determine the type of antifreeze. To distinguish, for example, classes G12 from G12 + / ++, a driver without specialized equipment and skills will never be able to.
Car owners are advised to write down what type of coolant is used in the car. If you forget, don't risk mixing. Perform a complete drain, and then fill with coolant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or a more affordable equivalent. When buying any coolant, you should focus on a number of parameters:
- boiling and freezing point;
- anticorrosive and lubricating properties;
- product price;
- popularity and demand for the products of this brand.
Results
During the article, it turned out that antifreeze practically does not differ in any way from the G11 antifreeze class. When comparing antifreeze with G12 / 13, the domestic product loses, since inorganic additives are used in antifreeze, and even the base has changed in the most perfect product. Owners of foreign cars of the last years of production need to use only antifreeze. For owners domestic cars with a year of manufacture until 1996, you can fill in both antifreeze and G11 antifreeze. Here to decide what is better antifreeze or antifreeze, only you will have to.
Good afternoon. In today's article, I want to raise a topical issue - antifreeze or antifreeze, which is better to use in Russian conditions? Under our conditions, I mean a complex of factors - the amount of counterfeit, price, availability, temperature difference, etc. and so on.
First of all, let's agree on terms.
Antifreeze(anti - against, freeze - freeze) - antifreezes are a wide group of liquids that do not freeze at low temperatures. In the case of the cooling system automotive engines usually a mixture of water, ethylene glycol (or propylene glycol) and anti-corrosion additives is used.
Antifreeze – trademark antifreeze developed at NIIOKhT during the Soviet era. Developers - Oskar Naumovich Dyment and Alexei Vasilyevich Borisov.
No thoughts have arisen?
After reading this segment, I want you to understand that it is unacceptable to compare antifreeze and antifreeze, since antifreeze is one of the brands of antifreeze!
In order to understand and remember even better, I propose a completely similar phrase - “You Chevrolet Niva or a car?
So the next time the store asks you for antifreeze or antifreeze, and if antifreeze, then which one can you be smart about ...
Problems of classification of antifreezes.
There is a huge problem with the certification of antifreezes in the Russian Federation, since the last document, somehow regulating the composition and characteristics of coolants - GOST 28084–89, was adopted during the Soviet era and only regulates liquids containing ethylene glycol. For this reason, antifreezes on the labels indicated by this guest were not included in our review, and there is no ethylene glycol in their composition (an obvious falsification).
The second point is the separation of antifreezes by color.
There is an opinion that red antifreeze is the highest quality, but this is not so. Worldwide classification - red antifreeze is designed for cars with cast iron blocks and copper radiators, and green for aluminum blocks and aluminum radiators, but this is not a dogma. Dyes give color to antifreeze, and the characteristics of antifreeze (its corrosive activity) depend on anti-corrosion additives, and all antifreezes are divided into classes! In fact, color is needed only in order not to confuse antifreezes of different types with each other.
What kind of antifreeze is good?
Antifreeze consists of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, distilled water, dye and anti-corrosion additives. The rate and type of electrochemical corrosion depend on the additives, the freezing point, boiling point and cavitation resistance depend on the proportional ratio of water and ethylene glycol.
To save money, many unscrupulous manufacturers replace components. The fact is that ethylene glycol is quite expensive, and propylene glycol is even more expensive, but all this can be replaced with methyl alcohol and glycerin. As a result, you will also get antifreeze! And it will even work, but as a result, the aluminum parts of the engine will be hopelessly damaged. For example, like this:
Thus - any antifreeze, on the components of which the manufacturer did not save and did everything according to the recipe, will be of high quality.
Many manufacturers set their tolerances for antifreeze, for example Mercedes approval— 325.0. Such antifreeze is red, green, yellow and even blue, but you should not mix different colors with each other without checking the admissibility. Here is a picture of what and how to mix:
It's interesting - tolerances from the manufacturer are nonsense! Tolerances on antifreeze is marketing, when buying antifreeze, you should focus on the classifications (G11), F (G12+), G (G12++), J (G 13) and add quality liquids color to color.
To make it clear why I consider antifreeze tolerances as marketing - in the case of Mercedes oil Lukoil has approval for most types of engines!
Is it possible to mix different types of antifreeze with each other?
It is impossible to answer unambiguously. In most cases, it is allowed to add color-to-color antifreeze, but if you get a fake (which is very likely in small shops), when mixing, you will get antifreeze delamination and flakes falling out.
Therefore, buy antifreeze only in trusted places and carry 1-3 liters with you for topping up.
In case you are not sure about the quality of antifreeze, it is better to add water! It is guaranteed to bring the level, and delamination of antifreeze will not happen.
Flakes are dangerous because they will clog the radiators, and the cooling system will require expensive repairs.
It is also possible to mix different antifreezes but this should only be done as a last resort!
- G11 can be mixed with G11 analogues
- G11 must not be mixed with G12
- G11 can be mixed with G12+
- G11 can be mixed with G12++
- G11 can be mixed G13
- G12 can be mixed with G12 analogues
- G12 must not be mixed with G11
- G12 can be mixed with G12+
- G12 must not be mixed with G12++
- G12 must not be mixed with G13
- G12+, G12++ and G13 can be mixed together
Do not mix antifreeze with antifreeze(cooled with traditional class liquid, type TL). No way!
Why does antifreeze need to be changed periodically?
All antifreeze contains substances called corrosion inhibitors. They form an oxide film on the surface of non-ferrous metal and prevent its corrosive destruction. Antifreeze and classic antifreezes have a service life of 3 years (G11). G12, G13 have a service life of 5 years. If you miss the deadline for replacing antifreeze, nothing terrible, except for accelerated corrosion of engine parts and radiator, will not happen.
Overview of antifreeze.
Tosol.
The most common in the area former USSR antifreeze. On sale there are two brands A-40 (green) and A-65 (red). In the name of antifreeze, the number indicates the temperature at which freezing begins.
When buying, the color of antifreeze will be different and will turn green or red after 400-600 hours of operation, but the class of the liquid will not change from this =).
Antifreeze is a traditional antifreeze.
Advantages - low price, prevalence, low risk of forgery when buying from trusted manufacturers.
Disadvantages - after 105 degrees it poorly protects aluminum from electrochemical corrosion.
The service life of the fluid is 3 years.
Antifreeze G11.
Our antifreeze belongs to this class of liquids. As part of G11 antifreeze, ethylene glycol is used, with a small package of anti-corrosion and anti-cavitation additives. This class has been assigned green color. An anti-corrosion film is created on all internal surfaces of the cooling system.
The service life of the fluid is 3 years.
Antifreeze G12.
G12 antifreeze contains ethylene glycol and carboxylate compounds. The anti-corrosion film is created only in the places of foci, and does not cover all internal surfaces, the heat dissipation when using this antifreeze is much better than that of G11. This antifreeze is suitable for high-speed and temperature-loaded engines. Due to a more advanced additive package, antifreezes of this class are more expensive. This class was assigned a red color.
The service life of the liquid is 5 years.
Antifreeze G13.
It contains polypropylene glycol. This is a much more environmentally friendly product (non-toxic, decomposes much faster). According to the characteristics, this is a complete analogue of the G12, but for the Europeans who are turned on their heads on the ecology.
The most expensive coolants. Behind this class is fixed yellow or Orange color. In Russia, not a single manufacturer makes G13 class fluids. This is the most forged class of coolants!
The service life of the liquid is 5 years.
Attention! The color does not always match the type of antifreeze, especially for Russian manufacturers. In addition to color, be sure to see the markings (G11, G12, G13).
Conclusions:
- Antifreeze is a classic antifreeze
- Antifreezes differ in classes and it is undesirable to mix them
- If the manufacturer did not save on components, antifreeze is safe for the engine
- Service life of antifreeze is 3-5 years.
- In the Conditions of the Russian Federation, it is better to use what is less often counterfeited and what is better distributed.
That's all I have today. I hope that the article fully answered the question - “antifreeze or antifreeze, which is better to use?”, But if you have questions or additions, please write them in the comments ....
POPULAR ABOUT ANTIFREEZE AND ANTIFREEZE
In Russia, two well-known Russian proverbs are equally common: “Prepare a sleigh in the summer ...” and “Go hunting - feed the dogs ...”. Needless to say, the second one is dearer and closer to the heart of most of our compatriots? It is no coincidence that on the eve of winter colds, the demand for liquids such as “antifreeze” and “antifreeze” traditionally increases, and millions of motorists begin to ask eternal questions starting with the letter “A”: “What is better to choose:
Antifreeze or TOSOL?
"And how to fill in correctly?",
"Can you mix?" etc.
We will try to satisfy the reader's healthy curiosity and conduct a small useful educational program.
What is antifreeze base
Antifreezes ("antifreeze" translated from English - antifreeze) is the general international name for an extensive group of coolants (coolants) on various chemical bases, which have a much lower freezing point compared to the freezing point of water (0 ° C).
They are used instead of water in devices operating at temperatures below zero in order to maintain the performance of systems and prevent their damage due to the expansion of H2O when it freezes. In addition to a lower freezing point, antifreezes are also characterized by an increased (more than 100 ° C) boiling point, reaching up to 120-140 ° C, which is another advantage.
A clear advantage of antifreezes is also their inability to damage the device even in the event of complete freezing. So, if solid ice is formed due to the freezing of water, the volume of which is approximately 8.3% higher than the liquid one, then the antifreeze, when frozen, turns into a kind of soft snow slurry, which occupies only 1-2% more than the initial volume in the liquid state.
Among all the others stand out, poured into the engine cooling system internal combustion cars. IN automotive antifreeze usually add special additives that give them a number of additional useful properties(anti-corrosion, anti-foam, lubricating, etc.).
The basis chemical composition auto-antifreezes of all types are based on a single principle: they are a solution of distilled water and a non-aqueous component (diatomic or polyhydric alcohols-glycols, as well as organic acids) in combination with the necessary additives, occupying 4-6% of the total coolant volume. In this case, the ratio of non-aqueous and aqueous fractions can be different depending on sub-zero temperature under which the vehicle is intended to be operated.
Release form
The industry produces antifreezes in the form of a concentrate designed for engine operation at extremely low temperatures down to -80 ° C. The antifreeze concentrate contains up to 85-90% of the working non-aqueous fraction. In its pure form, it is practically not used (with the exception, perhaps, of the extreme Arctic and Antarctic) and, before being poured into the engine cooling system, it is diluted with distilled water to the required consistency. The ratio "concentrate-water" in the coolant should be, depending on the expected freezing point, respectively:
-38-40°C - 1:1;
-28-30°C - 2:3;
-18-20°C -1:2.
Ready-made antifreezes are also produced, designed for operation in temperature regime-38-40°C and representing a concentrate half diluted with water.
Alphanumeric and color coding
There are various classifications of antifreezes, however most widespread all over the world received the VW-proposed G marking with digital index after her. At the same time, certain brands of antifreeze are painted in certain colors.
Depending on the chemical composition and service life, the following brands of antifreeze are on the market, regardless of manufacturers:
· - Coolant based on ethylene glycol, the cheapest and very toxic, having a service life of no more than 2 years and painted in blue-green hues, is used mainly in older cars with a brass-copper radiator and a cast-iron crankcase;
G12 - a modernized ethylene glycol antifreeze with a service life between replacements of up to 4-5 years, characterized by the presence of a more modern additive package and painted in colors of intense red-orange hues (in recent years, improved versions have been produced that can be replaced even 8 years after filling );
G13 - propylene glycol-based antifreezes, color from raspberry to lilac, service life from replacement to replacement - up to 10 years, non-toxic and less aggressive than ethylene glycol, recommended for use in cars with a radiator and crankcase made of aluminum alloys.
OAT (Organic Acid Technology) antifreezes stand somewhat apart, developed according to a technology that provides for the use of inorganic acids as a base component, not glycols, which are also powerful corrosion inhibitors. The service life of such antifreezes is practically unlimited, but their mixing with group G antifreezes is completely unacceptable.
In the era of the USSR, Soviet motorists everywhere used an coolant called "TOSOL", originally developed specifically for VAZ cars. It has been produced since 1971 according to the recipe proposed by the Department of Technology of Organic Synthesis (hence TOS) as part of the Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology (NIIOKhT). The basis of the product was ethylene glycol (hence the ending OL, indicating belonging to the group
glycols). plastic cans with the corresponding inscription on the labels and dubious multi-colored contents can be found in the car markets today. With a familiar name and an indicatively low price, they attract the attention of potential buyers who have forgotten that "the miser pays twice."
At the same time, one-day firms positioning themselves as manufacturers practically do not use the classic Soviet recipe in their products, adhering to considerations aimed at achieving material benefits at the expense of quality. Modern options, made according to an incomprehensible recipe, often corrode aluminum parts - from the block head and radiator, and also cause rapid wear sealing elements. In addition, according to many car owners, these pseudo-coolants, as a rule, “do not hold” temperatures above 110-120 ° C and curl up into a kind of dense jelly-like mass that clogs the cooling system communications. Natural result - burnout cylinder head gaskets, mixing coolant with oil, formation of foam flakes, etc. Negative consequences necessitating a major overhaul of the engine. Particularly susceptible to such problems are heavy trucks and special equipment operating in the heat of construction sites.
That is why in answer to the question "Which is better - TOSOL or antifreeze" it is the second option that is preferable and truly reliable. So, use only branded antifreezes in your cars and only from time-tested brands. Especially considering that in many cases
the current antifreeze, unlike branded antifreezes, is outright fakes.
Is it possible to mix antifreeze with antifreeze and is it worth it?
Theoretically, it is allowed to mix antifreezes within a single alphanumeric group. It is unlikely that the mixing of products from different groups G will lead to the loss of basic properties. However, theory and practice are definitions that in some cases are not very compatible. The fact is that every manufacturer of antifreezes, even of the same brand, necessarily has some kind of prescription "zest" using, in particular, original additive packages. Therefore, with the theoretical compatibility of antifreezes, after mixing them, the components of the additives can enter into unpredictable reactions with unpredictable consequences: from the precipitation of a solid powdery precipitate that clogs the cooling system and causes abrasive wear to the coagulation of the entire volume of the filled coolant into a dense curd mass that completely clogs the system. So experimenting on the topic “if you can’t, but really want to, then you can” is extremely undesirable and, as they say, “fraught”. It is much more correct to carry a couple of liters of the same product with you for emergency topping up without unnecessary risk, and even in the most force majeure circumstances use plain water- you will reach the garage without incident, and there the antifreeze can be replaced in full.
Antifreeze or antifreeze, which is better to use in the engine cooling system? What is the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze, and how to distinguish them from each other? Is it possible to mix antifreeze with antifreeze, and what will happen if they are mixed? You will find answers to these and many other questions about car coolants in our article.
There are really a lot of myths about what is better to fill in the cooling system. Therefore, it is very difficult for an ordinary motorist to find the truth in the mass of conflicting information that has accumulated on the Internet. We will try to help you with this and debunk all the myths about antifreeze and antifreeze.
Instructions for replacing antifreeze in the engine cooling system, maybe it will come in handy.
The difference between antifreeze and antifreeze
What is the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze, and how can they be distinguished from each other?
- Antifreeze- this is the international name for coolants for engine cooling systems (mandatory reading: a large educational program on antifreezes).
- Antifreeze- this is also antifreeze, only domestic production. It is no worse and no better than other coolants.
The word "antifreeze", in fact, is an abbreviation of the name of the department "Technology of organic synthesis" (abbreviated as TOS) of the Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology, in which it was developed in 1971. The ending "OL" denotes belonging to the group of alcohols.
In those days, no one thought to patent the name "antifreeze" and now it is used by many domestic producers antifreeze. To date, no manufacturer produces antifreeze according to the recipe of that very real Soviet "Tosol".
This is neither good nor bad, it's just that manufacturers use a popular name among motorists for marketing purposes. Therefore, in most cases, under the brand name "Tosol" you can purchase quality antifreeze for the engine cooling system. The main thing in this matter is to choose a trusted manufacturer, and not to buy the first canister that comes across with the inscription "Tosol".
Antifreezes are divided into mineral (class G11), organic (class G12) and lobrid (class G12 ++ and G13) - the difference between them lies in the base and additives used.
- Tosol refers to mineral antifreezes. Its service life is 50,000 km or 2 years of operation.
- Organic antifreezes can be used up to 5 years or 250,000 km.
- And lobrid antifreezes are compatible with any other coolants for cars, and they can be safely added to new engines.
Tosol is more used in domestic cars. Antifreeze and antifreeze have the same base - ethylene glycol, and their density is different. Therefore, one hydrometer is used to measure the density of antifreeze, and another is used for antifreeze.
There are antifreezes and antifreezes according to certain parameters:
- boiling point;
- freezing temperature;
- anti-corrosion properties;
- Lubricating properties.
Coolants are available in colors such as green, blue, yellow and red. This is achieved through the use of dyes.
We figured out the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze, now we can move on to the next common question among motorists.
Antifreeze or antifreeze - which is better to use?
It is necessary to choose what is better to use (antifreeze or antifreeze), based on the characteristics of the cooling system of the machine.
So how are u different cars it consists of various materials, then for some brands in the cooling system mainly more copper and brass are used, while for others - aluminum and its alloys.
Thus:
- Red antifreeze suitable if your autoradiator is mostly made of copper and brass (yellow radiator).
- Green antifreeze suitable when there is more aluminum and its alloys in the heat exchanger (silver-colored radiator).
- Antifreeze in most cases it will work if you have domestic car(especially for older cast iron engines).
Is it possible to mix antifreeze with antifreeze, and what will happen if they are mixed?
Many are haunted by the question of what will happen if you mix antifreeze with antifreeze, and can these liquids be mixed at all? We answer.
According to GOST, the coolant, whether it be antifreeze or antifreeze, should not contain mechanical impurities. It should be transparent and uniform. For antifreeze different classes there may be the same color, but this does not mean at all that they can be mixed with each other. Even when mixing antifreeze from different manufacturers, a suspension of small but solid particles may appear.
And when mixing mineral and synthetic antifreeze, even if they are of at least one color, a cloudy precipitate is almost guaranteed to fall out, which will certainly settle in the car's cooling system. This sediment will eventually clog the radiator, stop the pump and cause the engine to boil.
If you mix antifreezes of the same category, but different colors and manufacturers, it is likely that their characteristics (eg freezing and boiling points) will not change. However, after heating, such a mixture may form a suspension of barely visible solid particles. It is impossible to unequivocally say or somehow predict how this "suspension" will behave in the engine cooling system.
In order to avoid problems with the car, we do not advise you to engage in such dubious experiments on mixing antifreezes, and we recommend periodically flushing the engine cooling system.
Experience shows that it is relatively safe and without deplorable consequences for the motor, mineral (G11 or antifreeze) and organic (G12) antifreezes can only be mixed with high-quality universal antifreeze of the G12 ++ class. Therefore, if you do not know exactly what kind of coolant is filled in your car, then once again it's not worth the risk - add only universal antifreeze.
Video: antifreeze or antifreeze - what is better to fill in the cooling system?
