Choice of coolant for car engine is an important task, because it depends on the right decision uptime, economy and durability. On Russian market There are two main groups of coolants: antifreeze and antifreeze. Below we will consider how antifreeze differs from antifreeze.
Any engine coolant contains water and ethylene glycol in its base (propylene glycol may occasionally be used). If you add alcohol in an amount of 50-60%, then the boiling point of the solution will increase, and the freezing point will decrease. But to get a full-fledged coolant, all these components are not enough.
Need whole line special additives that will reliably protect parts and the engine housing from corrosion and improve the functionality of the fluid itself. It is in the composition of these additives that the difference between all coolants produced by various manufacturers lies.
The difference between antifreeze and antifreeze
Antifreeze is an engine cooling fluid that contains salts of inorganic acids as additives. These include:
- borates;
- phosphates;
- nitrites;
- silicates;
- amines;
- nitrates.
Each of these salts is added to slow down the process of corrosion on engine parts. However, antifreezes are no longer produced in developed countries, since the technology for their production is considered outdated.
Antifreeze is a more modern development. It is a coolant in which a complex of additives is formed by salts of organic acids - carbonates. It is because of the addition of carbonate additives that antifreezes are often called carboxylate coolants.
In addition to additives, there is another difference that even a novice motorist can notice. It is known that antifreezes and antifreezes produced by different manufacturers have a different color. Therefore, many are interested in: what, for example, is different green antifreeze from red, and red antifreeze - from blue?
There is no need to worry about this - the color of the coolant does not affect it in any way. operational properties and it's not even worth paying attention to. Coloring appears as a result of the addition of a special dye, which coolant manufacturers try to distinguish their products from the rest. Naturally, green antifreeze is different from red, but this difference is not in appearance, but in the performance of the fluid.
Video about antifreeze and antifreeze
Which is better - antifreeze or antifreeze?
In this case, there will be only one answer: it is better to use antifreeze, as it has a lot of advantages. These include:
- long service life without loss of protective properties. In antifreezes, a smooth consumption of additives occurs, and in antifreezes they are consumed quickly and unevenly.
- high cooling efficiency. Antifreeze on all contact surfaces is able to form a protective film 0.5 mm thick. This film contributes to the deterioration of heat dissipation. Antifreezes form such a film only in places most susceptible to corrosion.
- protection of aluminum parts when heated. IN modern machines aluminum is increasingly common, and antifreeze is of little use for its protection at high temperatures.
- protection of engine cylinders from cavitation.
- ensuring a gentle operation of the water pump. The composition of carboxylate antifreezes allows the blades of the water pump to avoid the effects of water hammer due to cavitation. This extends the life of the pump by 50%.
- stable chemical composition.
- during operation, the components contained in antifreeze can form insoluble compounds, which then precipitate and clog the cooling system. Antifreezes do not have this drawback.
- compatible with rubber or plastic seals.
This is far from full list the benefits of antifreeze, which looks pretty impressive. Therefore, the choice between antifreeze and antifreeze becomes obvious. To choose the right antifreeze that is most suitable for your car, study the recommendations of the car manufacturer. Usually they are given in the instructions for the car.
What is better to use - antifreeze or antifreeze? This question worries many car owners who care about their car.
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The owners of vehicles are concerned about the fact that at first glance there are no differences between consumables.
However, this is an erroneous opinion. To understand how antifreeze differs from antifreeze, you need to carefully study their features.
Important Points
Before deciding which substance is better, you need to figure out what antifreeze and antifreeze are.
Understanding the features of the products will allow the car owner to make right choice.
Required terms
Antifreeze is a liquid that is poured into the cooling system vehicle to prevent the engine from overheating during operation.
Antifreeze has a similar definition. Sometimes antifreeze is called all consumables used to operate the car's cooling system.
However, this is wrong. Antifreeze and antifreeze have significant differences between themselves. Liquids have a different service life and a different effect on a car engine.
What is the purpose of adding to the cooling system?
The importance of consumables for the operation of the cooling system is invaluable. By circulating, the liquid helps to remove excess heat. It prevents the engine from overheating.
Special products are indispensable for the operation of the cooling system and in cold weather. Their freezing point is much lower than that of water.
Ordinary liquid can freeze if the temperature drops below 0. Whereas antifreeze or antifreeze will be able to retain their properties and continue to ensure the proper functioning of the car engine even at -60.
Consumables for the cooling system have and additional properties. They help to protect the car engine from corrosion.
In addition, antifreeze and antifreeze have lubricating properties, which also has a beneficial effect on the operation of the entire system.
What is the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze
Despite the fact that consumables for the operation of the cooling system are very similar, they have a number of significant differences.
By identifying them, vehicle owners will be able to independently understand which product better fit for their car.
Specifications
If we think we are making the right choice, we must clearly know specifications Supplies.
Experts advise not to save time on a careful study of the similarities and differences of fluids for a car cooling system.
Tosol is a Soviet development. The product was intended for VAZ vehicles. He appeared when the release of the first "kopeks" began. Antifreeze can be used for VAZ 2107.
Photo: comparative data of antifreeze coolants
For Zhiguli, 2 types of this liquid are suitable - "-40" and "-65". Their freezing point is hidden in the name. Antifreeze has a density of 1.060 to 1.090 g / cm3 per cubic meter.
The indicator is considered good for this type of consumable for the cooling system. Usually antifreeze is designed for about 3 years of use or for a run of 80,000 km.
The signal for replacement is a change in the standard color. Antifreeze was developed abroad. Typically, liquid is used to fill the cooling system of foreign cars.
The freezing point of antifreeze is about -60 degrees. The density of good antifreeze is between 1.073 and 1.079 g/cm3.
Boiling temperature
Antifreeze and antifreeze are specifically designed to prevent the engine from boiling over. For this reason, their boiling point is higher than that of water.
However, the differences are not as significant as we would like. Antifreeze begins to boil if the temperature rises above +110 degrees Celsius.
A similar process begins to occur with antifreeze if the indicator exceeds +120 degrees Celsius.
The differences are insignificant, but in hot summer conditions they can play important role in vehicle protection.
The car owner must understand that the above indicators are only true if the car's cooling system is fully operational.
However, liquids can boil at a lower temperature if:
- they contain impurities;
- the cover has lost its tightness;
- system integrity is compromised.
The car owner must carefully monitor the car's cooling system and the quality of the consumables that he fills in there in order to prevent overheating.
What is their difference
To understand which coolant to give preference to, it is necessary to identify the difference between them.
The differences between antifreeze and antifreeze lie in the composition of the substances and their effect on the vehicle engine.
It is believed that 2 liquid has the following benefits over 1:
- increases the efficiency of the cooling system;
- has a longer service life;
- allows better protection of aluminum during operation at elevated temperatures;
- has a higher environmental friendliness;
- better protects cylinder liners from cavitation.
However, experts say that it all depends on the manufacturer. Some substances can be harmful.
Today, there are antifreezes that can be used for all vehicles, and there are antifreezes that can ruin the most reliable system cooling.
VAZ 2110 is unpretentious to consumables, but even this car, the use of unsuitable antifreeze can be harmful.
Among some motorists there is an opinion that the main difference is only in color.
Some vehicle owners believe that antifreeze can only be blue, while the color range of antifreeze is much wider. To date, the statement is not true.
If you carefully study the features of coolants on the market, the car owner will find out that the color range of antifreeze has expanded significantly.
Today, the liquid for the car cooling system can be:
- green;
- yellow;
- red.
Technologies for the production of substances for car cooling systems also do not differ.
The only difference is that additives in antifreeze are developed on the basis of inorganic acids and do not contain additional substances in their composition.
This results in the fluid having a limited lifespan. Antifreeze must be changed every 1-2 years.
Can I mix (compatibility)
Having studied the information and found out that liquids are very hiking, vehicle owners often wonder what will happen if antifreeze is mixed with antifreeze?
Experts do not advise to conduct such experiments. Such fluid will continue to help cool the vehicle, but may harm the vehicle's engine.
If a person wonders if antifreeze can be added to antifreeze and decides to carry out such a manipulation, experts advise paying attention to the compatibility of additives.
If the liquids have a different set of additives, they can react with each other.
This can lead to the fact that the anti-corrosion and lubricating properties of the resulting liquid may deteriorate.
Video: antifreeze or antifreeze which is better - use, pour into your car
The result of such a result will be unpleasant - the vehicle's engine, which is cooled with a mixture of antifreeze and antifreeze, will begin to wear out faster.
If it is necessary to add antifreeze to antifreeze, experts advise combining liquids of the same color.
However, even such manipulation must be done with caution. It is better to mix products from the same manufacturer.
If this is not possible, before pouring the mixture into the car's cooling system, it is necessary to check the fluids for compatibility. For this you need:
- prepare a separate container.
- pour some antifreeze and antifreeze into it.
- mix liquids.
During the process, it is necessary to check whether a precipitate will form. If not, liquids can be safely used together.
How to determine what is flooded
Drivers do not always know what kind of liquid is in the tank of their car. To understand whether it is antifreeze or antifreeze, a person must know how one differs from the other.
As already mentioned, both coolants can be different color. For this reason, it will not work to distinguish them by this parameter.
There is a myth among motorists that it is possible to determine whether it is antifreeze or antifreeze by taste.
Some vehicle owners claim that the latter product has a sweetish taste. However, this is nothing more than another myth.
It must be understood that they contain substances that are very toxic. The result of such a tasting can be very deplorable.
In addition, there are other ways to figure out how to find out what exactly is poured into the tank.
Engine coolants vary:
| By smell and touch | Standard antifreeze has no odor. If you pour a little substance on your fingers, the car owner will feel that it is oily. If you do the same trick with standard antifreeze, it will not be so oily |
| Cold resistance | To determine what liquid is poured into the cooling system, it is necessary to drain it without a large number of into a bottle and put in the freezer for a while. Manufacturers claim that their products do not freeze in the cold. However, the results of experiments have shown that some types of liquids still have little resistance to cooling. If, as a result of being sent to the refrigerator, the product is frozen - this is antifreeze Low quality. If it remains in its original form - this is a good antifreeze |
| Water compatibility | For the experiment, you need to take some coolant and pour it into a bottle. Then you need to add some water from the tap to it. During the action, proportions must be observed. The ratio of substances should be 1:1. The mixture should be left for 1 hour, and then see the result. If a stratification of substances has occurred, the liquid has become cloudy or a precipitate has fallen out - this is an antifreeze that was made Russian companies. Foreign antifreeze should not change from manipulation |
| Density | To perform the manipulation, you will need to acquire a special device - a hydrometer. The test must be carried out in a warm room. The ambient temperature must exceed 20 degrees. After the measurement, you need to study the result. If the device showed a value from 1.073 to 1.079 g / cm3, most likely the experiment was carried out on a good antifreeze |
To increase the probability of correct identification of a substance, it is better to carry out several tests at once. Their implementation will allow you to understand how to distinguish one consumable from another.
Greetings friends! It's no secret that the coolant in the car system plays key role. It can not only extend the service life of many parts power unit but also to provide them with normal conditions for their functioning. Everyone knows in times Soviet Union only water was poured into the radiator neck. But it's not for me to tell you about its negative qualities. It's a paradox, but it was then that domestic developers created special liquid for engine cooling called antifreeze. It is this composition that is used today most in demand! However, not so long ago, his main competitor- antifreeze. Which of the two options is optimal for a vehicle, we can only find out after we figure out how antifreeze differs from antifreeze? This is exactly what we will do!
Antifreeze - definition
The coolant created abroad using a unique carboxylate technology is called antifreeze. It consists of the following elements:
- ethylene glycol;
- Water;
- Glycerol;
- Alcohol;
- Carbonate additives or salts of organic acids.
A liquid of this type has a number of positive qualities: effective anti-corrosion and anti-cavitation properties, resistant to foam formation, and so on. Antifreeze cannot boast of such prosperity! The manufacturer does not indicate any restrictions on the use of antifreeze. That is, it can easily be used both on the elite Mercedes and on the domestic Zhiguli.
The same about antifreeze
Antifreeze, on the other hand, was developed by our scientists back in the USSR, of course, only water could compete with it at that time and, as you yourself understand, this rivalry was slightly relative. Moreover, due to their ignorance, many drivers of those times mistook for antifreeze even original antifreeze. But it was on the basis of the latter that the first non-freezing coolant was born in Soviet Russia, whose name stands for none other than: Technology of Organic Synthesis of a Separate Laboratory. Well, about that, of course. domestic manufacturer tried not to speak. And what, you know less, you sleep better!
Antifreeze contains the same water and ethylene glycol, but completely different additives are added. IN different types, there may be additives exclusively based on salts of organic acids, for example, such:
- nitrites;
- silicates;
- Nitrates;
- Phosphates, etc.
Of course, antifreeze is intended exclusively for cars. domestic production, but I'm sure those of you who own a foreign car use it there too. In this case, be careful, because it loses all its properties when the coolant is heated to a temperature of + 105 degrees.
The principle of action of antifreeze and antifreeze
So, let's start with antifreeze, which is more dear to us. When it enters its habitat, such a liquid forms protective layer on a metal surface with a thickness of not more than 0.5 mm. And everything would be fine, but this film transfers heat disgustingly, which leads to more intensive wear of engine parts and increased fuel consumption. As you yourself understand, both that and that will certainly affect the thickness of your wallet. On top of that, the shelf life of antifreeze cannot be called a long language - 30-40 thousand km, and it needs to be changed. Consider how things are with antifreeze.
The oldest coolant, unlike antifreeze, forms a protective film only where it is needed. That is, in those parts of the metal that are really susceptible to corrosion, such a smart liquid. Laugh or not, but it is precisely because of this (the absence of a continuous protective layer) that heat transfer remains at the same level. Antifreeze boils at a temperature of +115 degrees, leaves no residue in the engine, and most importantly, it is suitable for use over 250 thousand kilometers driven by a car. It is already clear what is better, but if not for you, we will continue the declaration of antifreeze!
Differences between antifreeze and antifreeze
For those who have not yet understood what the difference is between antifreeze and antifreeze, let's draw a line and compare these two compositions:
- Antifreeze does not form a thick protective layer on the metal surface, which significantly increases the efficiency of the entire cooling system.
- The service life of antifreeze, think about it - six times lower than from antifreeze, good savings is not it.
- The traditional composition (for us) of the coolant is not able to protect engine parts at temperatures above +105 degrees, an unconventional composition (again for us) is able to function effectively at higher temperatures.
- Provides reliable protection cylinder liners from cavitation.
- Differs in stability of the characteristics declared by the producer.
- Significantly prolongs the "life" of the pump.
- Compatible with elastomers and various plastic elements cooling system.
- Does not leave any deposits, which has a positive effect on the condition of the radiator.
- Unlike antifreeze, such a liquid stably fulfills its mission at high temperatures.
Now you certainly understand, the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze is obvious! However, even with such information, to distinguish one from the other, the mission is quite difficult. But the tips I will provide you next should definitely help!
How not to make a mistake?
What are the differences between antifreeze and antifreeze? How to buy exactly antifreeze? Every motorist asks similar questions when he goes to buy coolant. If you think that a color or smell will help establish the truth, don't even hope. Both liquids are found in a wide variety of shades, it can be red, and blue, and even green or pink.
What you really need to pay attention to is the manufacturer. Antifreeze a priori cannot be made in Russia, so if you decide to buy it, ask about the origin of the composition. Next, pay attention to the composition of the liquid, above I have already described what both options consist of, keep this in mind when choosing. And of course, the period of use and the boiling point of antifreeze and antifreeze are significantly different, this should also help you identify antifreeze.
No matter how sad it may sound, you are unlikely to be able to find any other criteria for distinction, so you will have to be content with what you have. Oh yes, in no case do not believe the persistent sales assistant, even the best antifreeze is not able to compete with antifreeze.
Conclusion
Now you definitely know which is better! However, I just can't forget about some additional nuances. Here, for example, what will happen if you mix antifreeze different manufacturers? You don't know, but I'll tell you! Of course, you may not feel the difference, but such an action obviously will not benefit the power unit of the car. All because of the composition of the additives, which may differ in each individual product, so I cannot recommend them to interfere with each other! There is no need to talk about the antifreeze and antifreeze tandem at all, from this the answer to the question “can they be mixed?” Is categorical - no!
But despite all the advantages of antifreeze, it also has one drawback! This, as you yourself understand the price, but if you remember the same operational life of the liquid, then it is also a disadvantage, this fact is difficult to call. In general, there is nothing for me to add here, best antifreeze and that's a fact! Really, someone else doubts, then the video below is for you. Stable engine temperature and good luck to you Dear friends! All the best!
The difference between antifreeze and antifreeze in the origin of the coolant, is there fundamental difference, let's figure it out. The engine cooling system performs important features and demands special attention. Represents closed loop through which fluid circulates to cool the engine.
Depending on the characteristics of the car and the manufacturer's recommendations, the use of a certain class of liquid (antifreeze and antifreeze) is allowed. Why is this and what is the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze, we will consider further. 
All coolants can be classified into four color groups: blue, green, red and yellow. All of them are called Antifreeze. Translated from English - "against freezing." They perform the same tasks, but, due to differences chemical compositions do it differently.
The composition of antifreeze and antifreeze
Almost all coolants have the same base. About 90-93% of the total volume is ethylene glycol + distilled water. By itself, such a compound gives good characteristics: the boiling point is about 150 degrees, freezing occurs at -40 degrees.
The disadvantages of this composition include high aggressiveness in relation to the elements of the cooling system. The use of such a liquid without anti-corrosion additives leads to irreparable consequences (deformation of the cylinder block, failure of the pump and radiator, softening of pipes and lines).
In order to avoid negative consequences use additional additives, the composition and quantity of which classifies all antifreezes as follows. 
Antifreeze - a liquid of blue or red colors
It originates from the times of the USSR. Antifreeze is just a non-proprietary abbreviation that is widely used by many manufacturers.
The first three letters of TOC stand for organic synthesis technology, the last two letters were added for consonance.
It is based on ethylene glycol and distilled water, as well as a package of chemical additives (silicates, phosphates, borates, etc.) is added, due to which the aggressiveness of the liquid is reduced.
How to determine the quality of antifreeze - video
In addition to cooling properties, antifreeze also has protective functions. With the help of a package of additives, a protective layer is formed inside the cylinder block, radiator and pipes, several microns thick, which prevents the formation of corrosion, but reduces the heat transfer of the engine.
In winter this contributes to accelerated warm-up ICE and is positive quality. But in summer period may cause the engine to overheat. The freezing point of antifreeze is -40 degrees, if the liquid of blue color and -65 if red. Boiling point +115 degrees.
The service life of Tosol in normal conditions operation is two to three years. With more long-term operation possible precipitation and destruction of the protective layer.
Antifreeze (G11)
Color blue or green. Produced by import organizations. G11 - marking according to the generally accepted classification proposed concern VAG.
In its composition it has a glycol base and distilled water with an additional set of chemical additives. The main difference from antifreeze is the addition of organic matter (carboxylic acid). Actions that are aimed at preventing the development of foci of corrosion.
The protective function is carried out in a similar way with blue coolants. Freezing temperature - 40 degrees. Maximum working + 130 degrees. The recommended replacement frequency is 5 years. 
Red antifreeze (G12). All the same base: ethylene glycol and distilled water. No chemical additives are used in the production of this fluid. They were abandoned in favor of organic ones based on carboxylic acid.
Absence protective film on internal elements cooling system increased heat transfer, which solved the problem of overheating in summer time. But it increased the formation of corrosion foci, which carboxylic acid fights quite effectively.
The disadvantage of this formula is that the protective functions of antifreeze appear only after the formation of a problem. None preventive measures organic additives is not performed.
The operating temperature range is from -40 to +150 degrees. The service life of the coolant G12 is 5 years.
Modifications of red antifreeze
To solve problems with the formation of corrosion in the system, antifreezes were developed, called G12 +, G12 ++. Which differ from G12 by the addition of chemical additives in the amount of 10-15% of their total volume.
Due to the preventive functions of inorganic compounds, it was possible to achieve less formation of corrosion centers without a significant loss of heat transfer. 
Yellow. Developed by VAG in 2012 specifically for their cars. Initial color applied to German cars- violet.
The basic base includes propylene glycol and distilled water. Compared to ethylene glycol, this compound is practically harmless. The addition of hybrid additives (organic and chemical) to its composition increases its preventive and protective functions. Freezing temperatures around -40 degrees. Boils at +140 degrees.
The difference between antifreeze and antifreeze and the possibility of mixing
So what is the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze? By by and large only in their name and country of origin. It is generally accepted, since the days of the USSR, that Antifreeze is produced in Russia, and antifreeze abroad. The same base and similarity of additives contributes to the unhindered mixing of antifreeze and G11 antifreeze.
About the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze - video
Group G13 antifreezes are not completely compatible with antifreeze. The inorganic base of antifreeze and propylene glycol in G13 enter into a strong chemical reaction.
All types of antifreezes are presented on the market in the form of concentrates or ready-made coolants and, including antifreeze, are diluted only with distilled water according to the indicated proportions in the instructions.
Attention!
Excess water lowers the boiling point and raises the freezing point.
What is better antifreeze or antifreeze
To say unequivocally that it is not possible. Each liquid has its pros and cons. Each is recommended for use in certain vehicles.
Antifreezes of class G12 (red), which contain carboxylic acid, perfectly show their qualities when working in copper and brass radiators. The greatest protection for aluminum radiators is provided by class G11 fluids (green) and antifreeze.
An important point when choosing an coolant. Antifreeze itself is colorless. Blue, red, green, yellow coolant is achieved by adding dyes that do not perform any function.
Correspondence of color to a certain class is generally accepted, but not permanent. You need to understand that color is not a determining factor when choosing a liquid. It is the classification on the label that will help you choose the coolant you need for your car.
How to distinguish fake antifreeze
The quality of the coolant is of great importance. Inconsistency with the declared properties can turn into serious problems for car owners.
A low boiling point can cause the engine to overheat. 
No crystallization and heat freezing can damage the cooling lines, the cooling radiator and the engine block.
When buying coolant, it is better to contact sellers with a good reputation who have been on the market for a long time. Having a quality certificate will reduce the likelihood of purchasing counterfeit products.
Even in this case, the buyer is not immune from forgery. A few tips that can help you choose and fill in high-quality antifreeze.
The first thing you should pay attention to is the quality of the packaging and labels. A poorly printed sticker that barely sticks or a deformed canister is the first sign of a fake product.
Strong foaming of antifreeze indicates poor quality. It is enough to shake the canister. If the container is not transparent, look at the level line at the end.
All these measures are preliminary and cannot give a definite answer about the quality of the coolant. More accurate results help to achieve the following experiments after opening the package.
Testing for Ph
Done with litmus paper. If the acid environment indicator changes color to pink or blue after contact with the coolant, then the antifreeze is of poor quality. Green color indicates the correct choice. 
We measure the density
With a hydrometer. Measurements are made on a liquid at room temperature (15-20 gr.) Indicators in the range from 1.071 to 1.104 are the norm. It is recommended to take measurements new fluid and after a week of use. A big difference in the results speaks of additives that increase the density. The fluid is recommended to be replaced. 
Freezing at home
It is enough to place a small amount of antifreeze or antifreeze in the freezer. In view of the low temperature and a small amount of liquid (100-150 ml), conclusions can be drawn after one and a half to two hours. If the viscosity of the fluid has not changed or crystallization has occurred, the antifreeze is of good quality.
Bring to a boil
We use a heat resistant container. Ethylene glycol is a potent poison. Therefore, it is better to choose a disposable container. If there is a thermometer that allows you to perform the necessary measurements, use it. Compare the boiling point with the declared one.
The minimum boiling point of antifreeze is 110 degrees. If there is nothing to make measurements, pay attention to the presence of sediment. With low-quality antifreeze, additives fall out. 
Summarize
There is no significant difference between antifreeze and antifreeze. This marketing ploy allowing to separate Russian manufacturers coolant from imported.
Antifreeze and antifreeze can only be diluted with distilled water in the recommended proportions.
You can mix antifreeze and antifreeze with each other, but with an eye on the chemical composition. Pour into the car only what is recommended by the car manufacturer.
The engine compartment of a modern passenger car is a complex and confusing for a simple layman system of sequentially operating mechanisms, electrical networks and liquid lines. The heart of any car is its engine. In our time of high power, small volumes and tiny dimensions, its operation is impossible without quality system heat removal to environment. Air cooling systems are gradually becoming obsolete, but liquid cooling systems, on the contrary, are improving more and more every year. New powerful motors receive improved mechanisms to increase power, reduce fuel consumption and improve the engine's environmental friendliness class internal combustion. And each such detail, as a rule, releases significant portions of heat during its operation, which also needs to be removed from engine compartment, in order to avoid overheating, oil decomposition and subsequent failure of the engine itself.
Why not water?
In order to understand how antifreeze differs from antifreeze, you must first understand why these liquids should be used at all. After all, the simplest and a budget option- is to draw water from the tap and pour it into the system. And it's all true. Water, as a heat carrier capable of transferring kilowatts from one medium to another, has the highest specific heat capacity coefficient equal to 4.2 kJ / kg * ºС. And after all, many people do this, especially in the summer. However, water has a huge drawback, which negates the beneficial effect of its use. When passing through zero degrees Celsius, the water freezes, expanding at the same time and tearing hoses, fittings, including the engine jacket, completely defrosting the system. Therefore, even those who pour water into the system in the summer try to drain it in advance, even before the onset of night frosts, replacing it with a liquid with a lower freezing point.
Other options
Pickles
Not the brines that remain in a glass jar after pickles, but the so-called salt solutions (abbreviated: brines) are part of many coolants. Monoglycols are the main and practically the only subspecies of brines that are used in automotive systems cooling. Monoethylene glycol (or MEG for short) in its pure form is a clear, odorless liquid with a slightly sweet taste. Ingestion of pure ethylene glycol, even in small quantities, inevitably leads to death. And in its pure form it is rarely used. Diluting it with water in a proportion of 60% (and 40% water) gives the maximum low temperature the beginning of the crystallization of the solution (about -50 ºС). And here lies the main answer to the question of how antifreeze differs from antifreeze. Antifreeze contains MEG, but antifreeze does not. Antifreeze is a carboxylate liquid. But monopropylene glycol is practically not used in such systems, although it is less toxic. Its high cost in the market affects.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze was developed by Soviet engineers of the VAZ automobile plant in the 60-70s. XX century. At that time, various antifreeze liquids, for example "PARAFLU", but by decree from above it was instructed to develop their own technology. To do this, Togliatti even created a special "Department of Technology of Organic Synthesis", abbreviated as TOS. This abbreviation plus the suffix "-ol" as an analogue of most other chemical elements (ethanol, methanol) formed the basis of the name new brand coolant. In its composition, in addition to water and ethylene glycol, there are special inorganic additives and antifoams. After the release of this coolant on the market, antifreeze began to be widely used in Soviet cars. Its price was an order of magnitude lower than its competitors, and it performed its function regularly. Now the cost of a liter of antifreeze varies from 100 to 250 rubles, depending on the manufacturer and retail chain.
antifreeze
The name came from English word antifreeze (against freezing, non-freezing). With the advent of affordable antifreezes on the market, the Soviet layman had reasonable question: is it possible to mix antifreeze with antifreeze. After all working fluid it was a pity to drain from the system, and the coolant had to be topped up regularly, especially on domestic engines that time. And the answer to this question is a categorical "no". The manufacturing technology and composition of liquids, as mentioned above, are completely different, and their teamwork will lead to damage to the cooling system and frequent boiling during engine operation. The boiling point of antifreeze and antifreeze differ: 105 ºС versus 115 ºС. Such a temperature glide will adversely affect the operation of the dispersed mixture. Carboxylates do not mix with MEG, forming a colloidal solution with precipitation. At critical moments of the system operation, this sediment can fall on the walls of pipelines, narrowing the flow area and leading to boiling of the liquid.
Which is better: antifreeze or antifreeze
There is no single answer to this question, but it should be remembered that the antifreeze family was developed for ours, soviet cars. Foreign cars require increased attention to themselves, and it was for them that antifreezes were created in Europe. However, at present domestic cars are made from a large number of imported parts, and the country is gradually filled with Korean and Chinese models, whose engines are optimized for any coolant. And although the service will most likely answer you in the affirmative to the question of whether it is possible to mix antifreeze with antifreeze, professionals advise not to do this. Think about fluid resource. Antifreeze is changed after 30-50 thousand kilometers, and antifreezes - after 240-250 thousand. A mixture of two liquids will have to be changed at intervals of antifreeze, otherwise the machine will start to boil. Yes, and to the question of how antifreeze differs from antifreeze, any seller in the store will answer you that, first of all, by price. The price of the latter is two to three times higher.
myths
There are myths that you can distinguish two liquids from each other by their color. However, this is not the case. Just like antifreeze, antifreeze also comes in blue, red and Green colour. Another misconception, they say, you can mix two liquids of the same color, is debunked by the conclusion from the first myth. Two blue liquids may turn out, not only that they are different in composition of additives, they can also be manufactured using different technologies.
Identification
Then how to distinguish antifreeze from antifreeze? The answer to this question can only be found on the nameplate of the canister. All other factors, namely: color, smell, consistency, transparency, viscosity, and even more so taste - will not give you an exact answer to this question. As a last resort, you can contact the car dealer and find out which fill fluid the manufacturer recommends. Most likely, it will be flooded into the system. A professional serviceman will also tell you how antifreeze differs from antifreeze and what the consequences of mixing them will be. Well, if you couldn’t find a single clue, it’s easier to drain the mysterious liquid, flush the system with water, fill in a new coolant, and leave a note for yourself in the future about what you still use in the system.
