For any motorist, the need to use non-freezing liquids in the cooling system is understandable. One of the most common anti-freeze options is ethylene glycol or propylene glycol-based antifreezes (modern modifications). Manufacturers offer mixtures of various colors and chemical compositions, therefore, it is quite justified that questions arise - how does red antifreeze differ from green, are they interchangeable, can they be mixed? To understand them, it is necessary to have a general understanding of each of the proposed types of antifreeze coolant.
It is worth saying that we are talking about certified products, which are produced by a number of well-known companies. For the counterfeit that our market is filled with, it is simply impossible to determine the composition, color, and find out the real properties.
Most of the existing antifreezes are based on an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol, which ensures use at temperatures up to -40 0 C. The share of this substance in any coolant of this type is 80-90%, which is why the products of all manufacturers are largely similar.
The main differences are in 10-20% additives that protect the components of the cooling system from corrosive processes. The composition of these additives differs between manufacturers and in most cases it is considered a trade secret. It is possible to define only the group of substances added to the ethylene glycol solution. And it is the color of the liquid that can help in this.
Green antifreeze
It is this color of the liquid that indicates that it belongs to class G11 antifreezes (according to the generally accepted classification). Anti-corrosion additives based on inorganic (silicate) substances are introduced into the composition, the principle of operation of which is as follows. When the coolant circulates through the system, a protective layer of silicate components is formed on all internal surfaces. Thanks to this, the entire system is completely protected from corrosion.
The presence of such a layer also has disadvantages. The fact is that over time, the particles of the protective coating peel off (under the influence of vibration loads and temperature changes) and settle in the lower part of the radiator. Therefore, when using antifreeze of this class, do not forget to change it within the time specified by the manufacturer. In addition, the protective coating can significantly impair the heat transfer of the cooling system.
G 11 coolant canisters can be marked as follows:
- Traditional coolants
- IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology)
- Conventional coolants
There is also an opinion that G 11 antifreeze should be used in cooling systems with aluminum radiators.
Red antifreeze
Red and its shades are inherent in class G12 antifreezes. The basis of its anti-corrosion additives are carboxylic acids and their derivatives. That is, the main components of the additives are organic substances that have anti-corrosion properties. The second name for this class of coolant is carboxylic antifreeze.
The additives that make up the liquid do not create a continuous protective surface along the inner walls of the cooling system elements. They act specifically on areas with the presence of corrosion foci. At the same time, the thickness of the resulting protective coating does not exceed a few microns. According to the existing opinion, G12 antifreeze is more suitable for cars with a copper radiator.
Among the advantages of G 12 antifreeze, experts note:
- There are no prerequisites for the formation of scale.
- Heat exchange processes in the cooling system are not disturbed.
- Higher service life.
Tanks with coolant of this class are marked with the following designations:
- OAT (Organic Acid Technology)
- Carboxylate coolants
Video about the differences between red and green antifreeze
Is it possible to mix red and green antifreeze
It is not necessary to talk about which of the antifreezes is better. Both of these classes have sufficient efficiency, they are simply designed to work in different systems and under different conditions. At the same time, quite often the question arises whether it is possible to mix them. Someone wants to experiment, someone wants to save money, but the result may upset you.
If we are talking about antifreeze classes G11 and G12, then you should not experiment with mixing these liquids. The main reason lies precisely in the use of additives that are too different in chemical composition. Mixing organics and inorganics without observing the concentrations in the domestic environment is not allowed. The result will be the curtailment of the resulting mixture as a result of the interaction of the components, as well as the loss of the physical properties of the solution.
Yes, there are additional classes of antifreeze that combine silicate and carboxylic additives (G12+ and G12++). But their production is carried out in the factory using special technologies. It is impossible to get the same result at home.
Therefore, if you value your car, then avoid such mixing and follow the manufacturer's instructions. This approach will ensure efficient engine cooling and reliable protection of the system from corrosive processes.
(CO) helps prevent overheating of the power unit in the machine. Therefore, you need to monitor the amount of substance in the tank. When adding it, it must be borne in mind that if antifreezes are mixed without taking into account their composition and class, then this can lead to problems in the operation of the cooling system. Accordingly, to overheating of the internal combustion engine. Read more about how to properly mix refrigerants below.
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What are the types of antifreeze
To understand what is fraught with mixing antifreezes of different colors and how to mix correctly, let's look at the main points.
Coolants are divided into two groups:
- with a salt base, usually have a green and blue color;
- with an acid base, as a rule, have a red tint.
Refrigerant colors may vary as determined by the manufacturer. But manufacturers usually assign just such shades to their products so that buyers have no difficulty in purchasing them. Color does not affect the composition and characteristics, since it is only a dye.
What types of liquids can be found on sale:
- TL. Traditional class of antifreeze, dyed blue. In composition, this type of substance is more similar to Tosol than others.
- G11. Products covered by this standard are colored green and blue, as well as blue-green. Silicate elements are added to the composition of such mineral antifreezes. Some manufacturers assign orange and yellow colors to liquids of this type. Once in the cooling system, the substance forms a protective film on all its internal components. The disadvantages of such products include a low resource of use, averaging no more than two years. During operation, the protective layer that appears inside the system begins to crumble and spread through it when the liquid circulates. Its residues become abrasive and disrupt the work of CO, leading to problems in heat transfer.
- G12, G12+ and G12++. Such refrigerants have a red color or another shade of it - lilac, pink, violet, etc. Organic liquids of this standard refer to carboxylate products. The main advantage lies in the local action. In the presence of rust in the cooling system, they do not allow corrosion to spread its focus to other elements. This is achieved by adding special additives to the composition. The service life is on average about five years, but if the consumer dilutes the concentrate and adds distilled water to it, then the service life of the refrigerant is reduced to three years. The main disadvantage is that the product does not prevent the formation of corrosion, but only prevents the already existing focus from spreading. And antifreezes related to the G12 + and G12 ++ standards allow you to remove rust. The refrigerant, even at the end of its service life, will not become abrasive, since it does not create a protective film in the system.
- G13. May have a pink, lilac or yellow tint. This product belongs to hybrid and, in fact, it is a more advanced version of G12 ++. The main difference is that the refrigerant is not based on ethylene glycol, but on the safer propylene glycol. This led to an increase in the cost of the liquid, which is why it is not so popular among consumers today. Manufacturers do not have a single standard for antifreeze colors; each company can assign any shade to its product.
What is common and different in the compositions?
The composition of fluids, especially those of classes G11 and G12, is very similar. Approximately 80% they are the same. As a rule, manufacturers use distillate and ethylene glycol in the basis of products of different brands. The remaining 20% are additives that perform important functions.
You can learn more about the classification of antifreezes from the video filmed by the Unol Tv channel.
Regarding additives, each manufacturer uses different sets, making their product unique and with the characteristics it needs. Additives are used to remove the destructive effect, which is achieved by mixing distillate and ethylene glycol. The combination of water and this element is chemically active and can lead to the destruction of the metal components of the cooling system. Especially the walls of the radiator device and pipes. The use of additives reduces the likelihood of damage.
There are several options for additives:
- Protective. They are designed to cover the lines of the cooling system. Additives create a special film on the internal surfaces that prevents the destruction of metal components. Such additives are usually used in products of the G11 standard, as well as domestic Tosols.
- Anti-corrosion. They do not create an additional film, but actively remove rust when it appears. Thanks to these additives, the focus is blocked, since the chemical elements that make up the composition seal it.
- Hybrid. Combine the advantages of the two types of additives described above. Manufacturers of liquids usually mix them in the required proportion.
- Additional additives. There may be many. For example, anti-foam, designed to prevent the formation of foam in the cooling system.
Mixing different colors and brands
It is possible to mix red and blue refrigerant, green and yellow, as well as other colors of the same or different manufacturers in the heating system, if both liquids have the same characteristics. Each antifreeze before adding the dye to the composition is colorless. The main difference in the products is not the shade, but the quality itself. One coolant may be designed to protect the cooling system from rust, another for lubrication properties, and the third has a certain temperature range.
All refrigerants can have different freezing and boiling point thresholds, as well as be aggressive to metal and rubber elements to varying degrees.
If two liquids are mixed that do not correspond to each other in composition, this is fraught with the following consequences:
- Deposits will begin to appear in the cooling system, which will lead to the formation of a mixture. Because of this, antifreeze will lose its characteristics, which helps to reduce the resource of use. As a result of the conflict of different additives, the chemical components refuse to work with each other. The liquid becomes thick and forms a mixture that is not able to circulate normally through the cooling system. Because of what, its lines become clogged and the CO becomes inoperable as a whole, and, as a result, the motor overheats. This problem can be solved by flushing. In case of untimely cleaning, it will be necessary to replace the nozzles.
- It will be worse if the chemical molecules present in the composition of the liquid begin to work against each other. As a result, you will not only have to change the refrigerant, but also, sometimes its elements may fail.
- Foaming will occur. This problem is faced by many consumers who have mixed antifreezes of different composition and additives. Foam appears in the expansion tank, as well as in the pipes of the cooling system. There is no point in adding a new liquid with anti-foam additives to the tank. CO must be completely rinsed several times, then pour fresh product into it.
With critical clogging of the hoses and lines of the cooling system, the following can occur:
- accelerated wear of bearing parts and their destruction;
- failure of the water pump caused by excessive heating of the mechanism;
- overheating of the HVD and the engine as a whole, which contributes to deformation and wear of the cylinder head gasket, as well as jamming of the pistons (an untimely solution to the problem will lead to their failure).
If you constantly use antifreeze of the same composition, then your engine will not face problems.
Damaged CO radiator Scale on the radiator device Deposits in CO CO hoses before and after cleaning
We dilute correctly
It is impossible to allow the operation of the cooling system on several different antifreezes at once. If two or more types interfere, the composition must be taken into account. It is important that the liquids have a similar base. Mixing of any brands is allowed, although this is undesirable and applies only to high quality products. Refrigerants belonging to the G11 standard can be diluted with any antifreeze except G12. As for G12 fluids, they are only allowed to be mixed with similar refrigerants or with products related to the G12+ standard. Do not mix with substances of another class.
G13 refrigerants can be diluted with G12+ as well as G12++ fluids. domestic production, which is considered a more aggressive means for many imported cars, is not allowed. Since these products have a fundamentally different basis. Why it is impossible to interfere with refrigerants of unequal compositions, we figured out, separately it should be said about dilution with water.
If you have fixed a lack of liquid in the OS, then you can replenish the volume with distillate, but this is only allowed in the warm season. In cold weather, adding water can cause it to freeze in the cooling system, which will negatively affect the functionality of the elements. Do not use tap liquid for mixing, as the composition contains substances that will lead to the formation of rust and scale. As a result, this will cause clogging of highways. In cold weather, adding water to the concentrate is not worth it, since usually it is at least 65% in any refrigerant.
What to do if you filled in antifreeze of a different classification?
The VChSLV channel on its video showed the process of flushing the cooling system, as well as replacing antifreeze.
If you mix different types of refrigerants in an automotive cooling system and do not flush it in time, this will lead to the formation of deposits. As soon as possible, cleaning is done, which will require a minimum of 10 liters of distilled water.
Execution process:
- Open the hood, let the car engine cool down.
- Substitute a container under the antifreeze drain hole or under the radiator into which “working out” will drain.
- Remove the plug with a wrench or by hand. The spent substance will begin to merge.
- When the liquid comes out, screw on the cap.
- Pour distillate into the cooling system. Its volume should correspond to the amount of drained liquid. Citric acid can be added to the water (at the rate of 1 kg per 10 liters of distillate for severe contamination or 800 grams per 10 liters for non-critical deposits).
- Start the engine, let it run for about 15-25 minutes.
- Unscrew the drain plug and wait for the water to exit the system.
- Remove the expansion tank. Sediment collects at the bottom. Perform a thorough cleaning of the tank. If the contamination is strong and is not washed out, the container is changed to a new one, after which it is installed in place.
- If the drained liquid is too dirty and has traces of scale or deposits, repeat the flushing procedure again. Carry out cleaning until the water drained from the system becomes clear. Then you can fill in new antifreeze. We recommend assessing the condition of the pipes of the cooling system. If they are very clogged and flushing does not solve the problem, the hoses should be replaced. Also look at all gaskets and seals. In the event of their deterioration and critical condition, these components must be changed.
A very common question both to my channel (Youtube) and to the blog is the compatibility of coolants. Namely - what will happen if you mix antifreeze? And then there were variations - one manufacturer, but different colors. Same colors but different brands. Different standards, such as G11, G12, G13, etc. In general, I constantly answer these questions, and they constantly ask me them. Therefore, today I want to write this article, in which I will answer everything at once, as there will usually be a video at the end. The information is helpful, so read on…
I would like to note right away that we will also talk about mixing, because despite the different names, these two liquids are also very similar.
What is the same in the compositions?
Well, at the very beginning, I once again want to repeat - the guys, all antifreezes, especially in the G11 and G12 standards, are very similar in their base. What I mean is, 80% of the composition of both red and green and blue antifreeze is the SAME. Usually it is ethylene glycol +. The remaining 20% (and possibly less), these are already additives that characterize this or that behavior, I also have an article about this,.
That is, if you mix different antifreezes, different colors and categories, then they will be 80% similar.
What's different?
The difference, as I said above, is the additives. That is, various additives are added to the same liquid and the desired composition is obtained. It is worth noting that additives in the compositions are needed precisely in order to remove the negative destructive effect of ethylene glycol and water, because this combination is extremely active and can destroy any metal surface, and even more so a tube or radiator wall. And additives hold back this ardor, removing the negative impact.
Roughly characterized, now there are only two types of additives:
- It's protective . They protect tubes and pipes inside, forming a film on their surface that prevents metal parts from collapsing. Mainly used in G11 and our TOSOLs.
- It is anti-corrosion . There is no film formation here, but it turns out that all the work happens when rust begins to appear. These additives block the hearth by simply sealing it. Applicable in G12 and G12+.
In fairness, now there is also a third type - hybrid additives (G13 antifreezes), this is when two protective and anti-corrosion effects are combined at once, that is, they are simply mixed in the right proportion.
About color
The color of antifreeze is more of a distinguishing component. As a rule, now, it does not carry any semantic load. Although many manufacturers, including Volkswagen, tried to introduce color differences in antifreezes, they even had their own recommended colors.
So G11 - almost always was green.
G12 - red (well, or bright orange)
G13 - purple
Although many manufacturers now do not follow the path of Volkswagen and paint antifreeze in the colors they please, this is because there is no strict standardization. So G11 can be either blue or reddish. G12 - green. .
Colors were introduced so that the driver could easily and easily distinguish between antifreezes, but the confusion between manufacturers is now becoming more and more confusing for the average layman.
What happens if you mix green, red, yellow (purple) antifreeze from different manufacturers?
YES actually nothing will happen, you can pour and not even be afraid, if they maintain their standard, then ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WILL HAPPEN. Such questions arise when, say, your branded antifreeze is over, there is nowhere to buy it (for example, you are on a trip), but red ones from another manufacturer are sold.
So G11 green (of one manufacturer) can be mixed with G11 green of another manufacturer. The main thing is that the standards are similar.
As you may have guessed, G12 can be mixed with G12 from another manufacturer.
You can do the same with G13, that is, pour yellow into yellow or purple into purple.
What happens if you mix different colors
We recall what I said above - the characteristic may be one, but the colors may differ. For example, I have personally seen the G11 in both blue and green. THEY CAN BE MIXED, NOTHING WRONG WILL HAPPEN.
Here I would also like to note that our Russian TOSOL is nothing more than G11 antifreeze and can be mixed with green or blue from another manufacturer.
Everything is the same, you can do it with G12. If they have different colors, then this does not mean anything! The characteristics are the same, which means mixing is possible.
G13 is now very much fooling the brain of my readers. The thing is that there are only two primary colors - yellow and purple. And many are simply afraid to mix them. Guys, if there is an inscription of the standard, then there is simply nothing to be afraid of, do not be afraid to mix. Color is just a dye.
Is it possible to mix different characteristics, for exampleG11 andG12
Here you already need to think, although again, nothing terrible, most likely will not happen. BUT you need to understand there is a subgroup of G11 and G12, but there is a completely different option - this is G13.
If we take the first subgroup, then mixing will lead to the fact that in the final liquid there will be additives, both protective and anticorrosive. Although properly you will not be able to control the mixing. Precipitation most likely will not fall out, BUT you need to understand that adding other additives not designed for your car, in particular radiators, can worsen cooling. WHY? YES, because green antifreezes envelop the tubes with a film inside, which prevents the engine and other units from cooling. That is, if you suddenly added antifreeze to red, say green or blue, then be prepared for the fact that the temperature regime may drop. All this will also happen and vice versa, if you add blue or green (G11) to red (G12), then the characteristics of the liquid also fall.
Is it possible to mix yellow and green (red) antifreeze
There is already a slightly different situation, namely the yellow and purple compounds of G13, these are completely different substances. What I mean.
In red and blue (green) versions - the main mass fraction is distilled water + ethylene glycol.
And in the yellow and purple version - the main mass fraction is propylene glycol + distilled water.
THAT is here even the base is different! Ethylene glycol (toxic) was replaced by propylene glycol (safe), these are two monohydric alcohols, they were changed only due to the removal of the toxic component.
Also, G13 contains two types of additives - immediately anti-corrosion + protective.
What happens when you add red or green to yellow antifreeze?
Nothing really good:
- WE just do not know how ethylene glycol and propylene glycol will react with each other, even if they are similar, BUT IT IS NOT THE SAME.
- Additives that are in the yellow (purple) version are designed for propylene glycol, how they behave with ethylene glycol is not known!
- Also, we do not know if additives are compatible in general!
Hence the moral to mixG11 andG12 (G12+) withG13, I wouldn't! There is a high probability that a precipitate may fall, because, nevertheless, this is not the same thing.
But G13 purple and yellow, YOU CAN mix WITHOUT FEARING!
Fake antifreeze
Actually, it seems to me, the topic is fully disclosed! BUT what I want to say in the end - have you ever wondered why some formulations, say branded or serious companies, are expensive, but there are formulations that are very cheap?
The same G13 antifreeze, made under the patronage of Volkswagen (usually purple), can cost 300 rubles per liter
And the yellow one, let's say the same G13, produced in some unknown place and not clear by whom, can cost the same money only for a 5 liter canister.
The whole point here is a “fake”, because a high-quality liquid will not be cheap, and it will also meet all the characteristics and safety requirements, such as.
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 behave differently. 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.
Any car owner knows that antifreeze is a coolant designed to prevent engine overheating. Previously, ordinary water was used as a coolant. Distilled at best. Usually - from open reservoirs. It had a significant drawback - it froze when the temperature dropped to 0 degrees and below. Antifreezes do not freeze even at low temperatures.
Coolants are available from various manufacturers. They have a different composition, different properties, different colors, and for each car there are recommendations on what materials can be used to maintain it.
However, on the road, a situation may arise when the radiator is dripping, the coolant level has dropped, and it needs to be urgently replenished with something.
It becomes even more complicated if the color of the coolant has become indeterminate and it is not known what brand it was filled with (this often happens if the car has recently changed its owner).
In such cases, it is often difficult or impossible to find antifreeze of the same manufacturer and exactly the same color, but many other brands of fluids can be purchased.
A logical question arises - is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors, standards, brands, brands with each other?
We will try to answer it in this article.
Different grades of coolant
First you need to understand what antifreezes are and what they are.
Due to the use of different base components and additive packages, coolants can vary greatly in chemical composition. Their colors may also vary.
Additives are divided into two broad categories and perform two main functions - protective and anti-corrosion.
This classification has become quite popular and has been accepted by the European community. However, it is not mandatory for all manufacturers. And if the division according to operational characteristics is still actively used, then the color of the dye can vary significantly. Therefore, on sale you can find other options for class-color combinations.
In the 70s of the XX century, the Volkswagen automobile concern classified coolants depending on their purpose, composition and set of performance properties into the following main classes:
G11 - coolant based on ethylene glycol with the addition of a package of additives of inorganic origin (usually silicate-based). Volkswagen assigned green color to this class
G12 - these materials are also made on the basis of ethylene glycol, but organic additives are added to them (usually these are carboxylate compounds of the compound)
Silicate and carboxylate technology have their pros and cons. It was possible to combine their best properties by using hybrid additives of organic and inorganic origin in one composition. Such coolants received class G12 +
In 2008, another class of G12 ++ coolants appeared, in which organic-based additives form a special package with a small amount of mineral components.
G13 - Coolant with organic carboxylate additives, but based on harmless polypropylene glycol
For this reason, drivers are interested in the question, if the compositions and colors of antifreezes are so diverse, then how much miscibility of antifreezes is possible? Will the types and differences in chemical composition cause any harmful consequences for the cooling system and engine?
What is antifreeze made of?
The basis of most coolants is ethylene glycol with a certain set of additives. Its use has caused a lot of controversy due to its high toxicity.
In modern antifreezes, poisonous ethylene glycol has been replaced by a more expensive but safe monohydric alcohol - polypropylene glycol.
In addition to the base component, the finished coolant usually contains distilled water.
To give the product various necessary performance properties, various additives are introduced into the antifreeze formulation. They can be mineral based (most often silicate liquids), organic (usually carboxylate) or hybrid.
Is an antifreeze mixture acceptable?
It must be borne in mind that when mixing liquids of different classes and grades, their chemical components can react with each other. At the same time, it is very difficult to predict how they will interact without knowing the exact composition.
Nevertheless, if you mix antifreezes of the same class, albeit of different colors, then nothing bad will most likely happen, since these products have very similar recipes.
If the components are significantly different, then one of them may cause a decrease in the performance specified by other components. In this case, deterioration of anti-corrosion properties or the formation of sediment in the cooling system, which can reduce the efficiency of heat transfer, cannot be ruled out.
Thus, a mixture of antifreezes of different brands is acceptable if it is known that they are of the same class and are close in composition. If the origin of the liquid is in doubt, it is better not to risk it.
And one moment. After the start of work, the liquid may change its color. This usually happens during long-term operation of equipment and indicates the loss of the protective and anti-corrosion properties of the liquid. In this case, adding fresh antifreeze is not worth it. This is not only pointless, but economically impractical and, moreover, can be harmful to the engine. It is better to make a complete replacement, for which the liquid should be completely drained, the system flushed and a new portion filled in.
What does the color of antifreeze mean?
In fact, the color does not depend on the properties that antifreeze has, and is determined only by the addition of dyes.
Initially, coolants were colorless. However, some manufacturing companies began to add dyes of a certain color to them. After the classification made by the Volkswagen automaker, it became more convenient for the consumer to navigate the choice of the desired product.
Blue
For example, the blue color is traditionally given to "silicate" coolants.
Green
The silicate type liquids also have a green color.
Red
Red dyes are added to antifreeze, which will have its own unique qualities and composition.
Yellow and purple
"G13" class fluids, developed for VOLKSWAGEN, had a "signature" purple color. Other manufacturers have yellow fluids of the same class.
To date, such a color classification is not standardized and is not always relevant. Dyes do not change the basic composition and do not add any special properties, but only make it easier for the driver to select the right antifreeze.
What happens if you mix different colors?
What color of antifreeze can be mixed, and what can not?
As already discussed above, color is a sign of antifreeze difference, set by the manufacturer at its discretion (in order to highlight its product, to make "marking" for the convenience of customers or for large special orders.
If we focus on the Volkswagen classification, then we must remember that a different color means a different class and chemical composition of base fluids and additives, which means that they cannot be mixed!
The consequences of such "cocktails" can be deplorable for the engine.
If you mix antifreezes of different colors, but of the same class (this is found in different manufacturers), then nothing bad will happen.
Is it possible to mix coolants of different characteristics, such as G11 and G12?
If antifreezes belong to different classification categories, then they have a different chemical composition. At the same time, G11 and G12 fluids have additives of a completely different nature and having a different mechanism of action.
If in G11 they create a protective film, then in G12 they eliminate rust. Thus, if G11 is added to the system, this can lead to the creation of a film with a deterioration in heat transfer and a narrowing of the cross section for the passage of antifreeze in the radiator.
If we talk about mixing antifreeze classes G13 and G11, then because of the difference in base alcohols (polypropylene glycol and ethylene glycol), this is absolutely not worth doing. In addition, it is not known how additives operating in one medium will behave when they are transferred to another liquid.
But mixing antifreeze classes G12, G12 + and G12 ++ is quite acceptable, since they are based on ethylene glycol and they contain both organic and inorganic additives of the same nature.
Antifreeze Compatibility
To easily determine the compatibility of antifreezes of different classes, you can also use a special table.
Table. Antifreeze Compatibility
| antifreeze in the system / topping up antifreeze |
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No | |
| No | Yes | No | No | No | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
At the same time, a large number of low-quality or fake antifreezes are on the market. Their distinguishing feature is the cost is much lower than the market. Regardless of what information is on their labels, what color this substance is, or how they will assure you of safe use - it's not worth the risk. These fluids must not be mixed with any class of original antifreeze.
