Last for decades. Some argue that antifreeze approved by VAG is better, others prove that GM coolant is unrivaled, others prove that Antifreeze is the most useful. Everyone considers the stories of the type to be the main argument why this or that antifreeze is better - my friend filled in red, blue, green antifreeze from such and such a manufacturer, and the next year it came to flush the cooling system or change the engine. And few people think that it is important not only to know which antifreeze to fill in, but also to be able to distinguish it from a fake.
Why is it important to use quality antifreeze?
During the operation of an internal combustion engine, a huge amount of heat is released. Part of it heats the walls of the combustion chamber, about half exits with exhaust gases, and the rest enters the radiator through the channels of the cooling system and escapes into the atmosphere. Therefore, a large number of factors affect the liquid in the cooling system. Firstly, the high temperature, which even with high-quality cooling reaches 102-105 degrees Celsius. Secondly, the pump impeller, rotating at high speed, not only drives the coolant through the channels, but also foams it. The lower the foaming resistance, the more vapor bubbles appear in the composition of the liquid. Each of these bubbles negatively affects the transfer of heat from the walls of the channels to the coolant.
How low-quality antifreeze affects the motor
Any high-quality antifreeze is a mixture of various substances: water, ethylene glycol (sometimes propylene glycol), corrosion inhibitors and additives that improve the properties of the liquid. The composition of high-quality Russian and foreign antifreeze is carefully selected to ensure operation in difficult conditions and reduce the negative impact on the engine. If the antifreeze is made in violation of technology, then many parameters improve. If the boiling point decreases (this often happens with antifreezes based on glycerin and methyl alcohol), then the thermal regime of the engine is disturbed. This leads to overheating, damage to the valve stem seals, the appearance of cracks in the oil, a rapid decrease in oil life and an increase in wear of all rubbing parts.
Often, a violation of technology leads to a sharp increase in antifreeze foaming, as a result of which the motor overheats. If corrosion inhibitors are not properly selected, then antifreeze begins to corrode the walls of the channels of the cooling system. If this happens in a thin-walled aluminum block, then after 30-70 thousand kilometers the engine will have to be changed. Often, low-quality antifreezes turn into a thick slurry of an incomprehensible color, which is unable to cool the engine normally. Another problem of low-quality coolants is the precipitation that clogs the channels of the cooling system. As a result, the motor overheats.
What is quality coolant
Each country has its own documents that determine the quality of antifreeze. In Russia, these are GOST 28084-89, the federal law on consumer protection and a certificate of conformity issued by the federal agency for technical regulation and metrology. These documents spell out the main qualities of antifreeze and the way it is labeled. Despite the fact that this GOST came from the USSR, the requirements for coolants prescribed in it are still relevant today. The certificate of conformity confirms that the antifreeze has passed all the necessary tests and fully complies with both GOST 28084-89 and other standards referred to by the manufacturer.
If the manufacturer officially produces antifreeze in Russia or legally supplies it from abroad, then it complies with the requirements of the consumer protection law and GOST 28084-89. If the antifreeze is of good quality, then it passes tests at the agency without any problems and receives a certificate of the established sample. If it is not issued in accordance with GOST 28084-89 or the law on consumer protection, this only says one thing - the manufacturer either produces it illegally or the supplier could not sell it in another country and imported it to Russia, hoping to sell it here. The characteristics of such antifreeze do not correspond to either GOST 28084-89 or other standards that the manufacturer indicates on the label. Therefore, no one knows how such a coolant will behave in the engine.
The label must indicate:
- type of coolant according to GOST 28084-89;
- freezing point;
- boiling temperature;
- compliance with standards (GOST, SAE, ISO and others);
- Date of issue; best before date; name and address of the manufacturer;
- address and phone number for claims.
GOST 28084-89 provides only three types of antifreeze liquids for vehicle cooling systems:
- OZH-K- concentrate, which must first be diluted with water;
- OZH-40- antifreeze, the temperature of the onset of crystallization of which does not exceed minus 40 degrees;
- OZH-65- antifreeze, the temperature of the onset of crystallization of which does not exceed minus 65 degrees.
When buying antifreeze, be sure to ask the seller to show you a certificate of conformity. Not a single manufacturer or supplier who legally operates in Russia will neglect this document. Also, don't forget to check the labels. Remember, if the label says approved by VAG, GM or other recognized leaders in the automotive industry, but there is no certificate of conformity and the label is not formatted as described above, you have a fake. Therefore, inexpensive antifreeze, which is designed in accordance with the law on consumer protection and GOST 28084-89, will be more useful for the engine than expensive "branded" antifreeze of unknown production. This fully applies to both antifreeze in plastic containers, which you can buy at any auto shop, and coolant in metal barrels, which can be purchased at large dealerships and auto repair shops.
Increasingly in recent years, motorists have begun to complain about coolant manufacturers, as they have to deal with low-quality products. According to statistics, today about 40% of all antifreezes on the market are counterfeit, covered only by pretty packaging. Unfortunately, the use of such a liquid can only lead to negative consequences. Therefore, we will devote today's article to how to check antifreeze or antifreeze for quality even at the time of purchase.
What is the danger to the car is low-quality coolant?
First of all, a high-quality coolant must have a certain density, and also include a large set of additives in its composition. All this is necessary in order for the antifreeze to retain its properties at negative and very high temperatures. In addition, the presence of special additives during freezing allows the antifreeze to crystallize, turning it into a jelly-like state.
Thanks to these features, antifreeze does not expand, and thus, when freezing, it does not damage the lines of the car's cooling system. It is clear that if, instead of a high-quality liquid, a fake, consisting almost only of water, gets into the system, when it freezes, it will expand and destroy all the elements available to it. Wherein freezing will begin even when the temperature reaches 0˚С.
What are the consequences of not checking the quality of antifreeze? During the operation of low-quality fluid, the following may fail:
1.
Radiator channels that can simply break into small fragments. At best, they will only crack, although in both cases they will have to be replaced.
2. A water pump through which fluid passes.
3. The engine block, for which antifreeze is used to cool.
IMPORTANT!The use of low-quality counterfeit antifreeze can damage the car engine. Check the products you buy carefully!
It is worth noting that even if ethylene glycol is present in the falsified antifreeze, and when it freezes it will not expand so much, the absence of anti-corrosion elements in it can lead to no less sad consequences. Often, when using such an aggressive liquid without special protection for metal parts of the engine, it leads to the fact that the power unit cannot withstand even one season of operation on such a coolant.
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to check antifreeze for quality in terms of the presence of anti-corrosion additives in its composition. Checking and quality control of antifreeze for this parameter should be carried out at the production stage, but not all manufacturers are worried about this. In this regard, for each car owner, the question becomes relevant: how to check the quality of antifreeze at the stage of purchase? Fortunately, you can determine the level of freezing of antifreeze even at home and without special knowledge.
What are the nuances you need to pay attention to when buying antifreeze?
Going to the store for antifreeze, you should be prepared for the fact that sellers will begin to impose on you a product that is not entirely known and far from being of high quality. Therefore, it is better to ask all your friends in advance what kind of antifreeze they use, and which one they really trust.
It will also be useful to study the messages on the forums dedicated specifically to your car model. Surely there you will be able to find advice on which antifreeze is best for your "iron horse".
What can liquid packaging tell you?
If people are usually greeted by their clothes, then antifreeze is, of course, by its packaging. How to check antifreeze for quality by how expensive the manufacturer packed it? Indeed, famous manufacturers who care about the quality of their products will not pour liquid into cheap and fragile bottles. Therefore, before buying, take a bottle of liquid in your hand and twist it in the air, inspect for drips.
But most of the information you, of course, can get on the label. It should indicate both the density of the liquid and the temperature at which it freezes. Antifreeze packaging should also contain barcodes and membranes as identification marks.
IMPORTANT! To inspire confidence among buyers, manufacturers place the maximum possible amount of useful information on the product label. Very often, on packages with antifreeze, you can even find a list of car models for which it is intended.
What does coolant color mean?
In the USSR, only two primary colors were used in the production of antifreeze - blue and red. They indicated to customers at what temperature the liquid freezes: blue antifreeze froze already at -40˚С, while red could withstand everything -65˚С, for which he was very much appreciated by the owners of VAZ cars. Today, this criterion for assessing the quality of a coolant is not always decisive, since dye can be poured into the liquid both in specialized production and in handicraft.
But still, experienced motorists are advised to choose antifreeze that has a blue or slightly greenish color. However, it is still worth looking at its main characteristics very carefully.
How to check antifreeze for quality: basic methods
If, according to the color, and according to the description on the package, and according to the reviews of other motorists, you still bought antifreeze, it would be useful to arrange one more additional check for him at home. To be more precise, there can be a lot of such checks. We describe each of them for you in more detail.
How to check the quality of antifreeze with litmus paper?
Litmus as an indicator of an acidic environment has been known to us since the lessons of chemistry, the knowledge from which we finally had the opportunity to use. When testing coolant with litmus paper, all we have to do is determine the pH level. It's very easy to do this:
1. We take a litmus test and dip it in antifreeze, which we need to check for quality.
2. We are waiting for the paper to change its color.
3. We correlate the resulting color of litmus paper with a color scale that will indicate to us the exact pH level of the coolant being tested.
However, not every car owner can get an accurate pH scale to check (although if you use the Internet correctly, this information can still be obtained). Therefore, we give you the approximate pH values \u200b\u200bof antifreeze and the corresponding color designation of litmus paper:
If, after checking, the paper turns pink, it means that the antifreeze being tested contains too much acid. This is unacceptable for coolant, which indicates that you are dealing with a fake.
If the litmus paper has acquired a blue tint, this is also evidence of the poor quality of the tested liquid. pH in this case will be ≥10.
If during the check you saw a green color, the liquid can be safely used, since the level of its alkaline-acid balance is in the range from 7 to 9, which is an excellent indicator for coolants.
But knowing one way to check the quality of antifreeze, you cannot be 100% sure that its use will not harm the car engine. For this reason, after using litmus, which, by the way, you can take with you directly to the market or store, it is worthwhile to arrange an additional check for antifreeze.
Do you know? Many motorists use the name antifreeze for coolants, although antifreeze is just one type of antifreeze. Antifreeze was invented in the USSR as an alternative to foreign coolants.
Checking the quality of antifreeze using a hydrometer
A hydrometer is a very simple device that allows you to quickly and accurately determine the density of antifreeze. It is worth noting that it is the density that is the main characteristic of this liquid, which determines its quality. In addition, according to certain density indicators, it is possible to determine at what temperature the antifreeze freezes, and how much glycol is included in the composition of the main substance.
The normal density for antifreeze is between 1.043 and 1.115. This density will indicate that the liquid freezes at -12-15˚C, which is sufficient for our weather conditions. The very same check of the quality of antifreeze using a hydrometer will take place in the following stages:
1. Using a pipette, which is built directly into the hydrometer, collect the required amount of liquid (the float of the device should begin to float freely).
2. Follow the reading on the hydrometer scale - this will be the density of the antifreeze you are testing.
The accuracy of the readings of the device is quite high, although experts also use a more accurate device called refractometer. However, due to the high cost, it is not worth buying it for personal use.
IMPORTANT! Most hydrometers allow you to simultaneously measure the density and the freezing point of the coolant.
How to test antifreeze by trial freezing?
You can also freeze antifreeze in a conventional freezer, which everyone has at home. At the same time, having collected only 100-150 ml of coolant into an empty bottle, try to bleed all the air out of the bottle. This is necessary in case you come across a really falsified liquid, and when it freezes, it begins to expand dramatically, and then it can break the bottle in the freezer, where food is still lying.
Since the air temperature in freezers is maintained at about -35˚С, it is possible to check the stability of the liquid literally in 1-2 hours. If during this short period the liquid simply crystallizes, or remains fluid, then it will be able to cope with more serious temperatures without any problems.
If the frozen liquid in all respects resembles ordinary ice, then it consists not so much of alcohol and additives as of ordinary distilled water. It is not recommended to pour such liquid into the cooling system of your car.
Interesting to know! If ordinary water expands by 9% when freezing, then some antifreezes only by 1.5%.
Checking the quality of antifreeze by test boiling
It is not necessary to boil the entire bottle to carry out the test. It is enough to pour a little liquid onto a tablespoon and heat it to a boil. In this case, you will be interested not in the temperature at which boiling began, but in what odors the liquid began to emit at the same time.
If, when heating antifreeze, you hear a clear smell of ammonia in the air, you are heating low-quality coolant, which is better not to use for a car. When checking the quality of antifreeze, it is also necessary to ensure that when heated, a precipitate does not begin to form from it. This is also a signal of a low quality product. Most likely, copper sulfate will fall into the sediment, which, when used on a car, will clog all lines and settle on engine surfaces.
The quality of antifreeze affects not only the quality of the engine cooling system. If a poor quality coolant is used, this can soon lead to complete wear of the vehicle's power unit, as well as the need to replace the cooling system. For this reason, the purchase of coolant must be taken seriously, especially since you already know how to check antifreeze for quality.
Sintec antifreeze is a technical cooling liquid that enters the middle segment. It has an unlimited service life.
The products are versatile, work under any climatic conditions, regardless of the type of power unit. The line is represented by a variety of products that fully comply with industry standards.
For production, hybrid technologies are used, involving the use of inorganic and organic additives. Special additives create the required positions for the protection of the engine and radiators. The formation of deposits, corrosion, overheating or freezing is excluded.
Production and supply of Sintec antifreeze
Antifreeze Sintek red G12 and other commercial units are produced in the city of Obninsk, at a specialized plant "Obninskorgsintez".
A special solution is obtained using the latest technology and high quality materials. The product is known in the CIS countries and far abroad.
Varieties of antifreeze Sintec
In the modern market, Sintek G12, G12 +, G12 ++, G11 enter the line. Differences and specifications are presented in the table below:
| Pair- meters | Unlimited G12++ | Premium G12+ | Lux G12 | Gold G12 | Ultra Gil | Universal G11 | Universal G11 |
| Show- Tel pH | 8,4 | 8,4 | 7,8 | 7,94 | 7,9 | 7,9 | 7,9 |
| alkali- ness | 34,6 | 34,6 | 5,0 | 6,43 | 13,2 | 13,5 | 13,4 |
| Crystal- lysis | -40 | -40 | -40 | -40 | -45 | -40 | -40 |
| Raft- ness | 1,074 | 1,074 | 1,074 | 1,075 | 1,079 | 1,075 | 1,075 |
| Color | Red- violet new | Red- violet- out | Red- orange- out | Yellow | Raspberry- red | Blue | Green |
| Packing | 1/5/220 kg | 1/5/220 kg | 1/5/10/20 /220 kg | 1/5 kg | 1/5/10/220 kg | 1/5/10/20 /220 kg | 1/3/5/10/ 220 kg |
| vendor code | 1/801502 5/803584 | 1/990453 5/990450 | 1/613500 3/990464 5/614500 10/756665 20/990470 220/650896 | 1/800525 5/800526 | 1/800304 5/800524 10/800517 220/801905 | 1/800302 5/800522 10/800515 20/990471 220/801904 | 1/802558 3/990465 5/800523 10/800516 220/801906 |
Said product received a carboxylate base. For manufacturing, technology based on ethylene glycol is used through the synthesis of organic origin.
Imported additives are used to impart appropriate properties to the product. The latter do not have amines, phosphates.
It is used in power units subjected to high loads. Products guarantee protection against corrosion, no overheating and excessive cooling, preventing clogging. The coolant is recommended for Volkswagens and MANs.
Sintec Unlimited G12 ++ is considered a hybrid product, for the production of which the bipolar decomposition of ethylene glycol is used. Technical fluid without limitation of service life, uses functional, foreign additives.
The composition does not contain nitrates, nitrites and other destructive chemical elements. The advantage of antifreeze is mixing with other products that do not have phosphates, amines. Designed for motors with increased load.
Sintec Lux antifreeze is a universal carboxylate product, which is produced using a new technology with the addition of organic matter. The solution does not contain borates and silicates, which gives the durability and correct operation of the equipment.
The product is intended for power units, including the automotive industry of AvtoVAZ OJSC. The technical fluid is approved for use in KAMAZ, MAN, Volkswagen, GAZ and MAZ vehicles.
Sintec Ultra antifreeze is a new generation technical fluid suitable for diesel and gasoline engines, including forced ones. The company's products protect equipment for a long time, prevent corrosion and clogging.
The composition of the solution without amines and nitrites, there are powerful additives for various purposes. The product has received thermal stability, the temperature regime lies within -45 / +112 degrees.
Sintec Gold G12
Sintec G12 yellow antifreeze is a specialized fluid obtained through the synthesis of ethylene glycol and the introduction of special additives.
It is used for Russian and foreign cars, creates the correct temperature regime. The presented product does not include destructive chemical elements. The operation of the power unit is soft, there is no corrosion and deposits. The term is unlimited.
Sintec Universal G11
Sintec antifreezes have another universal product G11 in the line. The coolant has received good performance due to the base of monoethylene glycol and the addition of special additives.
The presented commodity unit copes with medium and severe operating conditions, maintains the required mode of operation of the equipment.
It does not freeze in the cooling system, which does not damage gaskets, hoses and seals. Contains no harmful chemicals, which guarantees an increased service life. The purpose is wide, used for domestic and foreign cars.
Green Antifreeze Sintec is considered a unique product, derived through innovative technologies. The product includes imported corrosion inhibitors for reliability.
The application is diverse, it is poured for cars and trucks. Severe operating conditions are not a problem for the solution, this also applies to the temperature regime. The life of the water pump is extended by the effect of separate lubrication.
How to distinguish a fake?
The manufacturer's products have gained popularity, which has led to the emergence of non-original products. This means that the original product is purchased only from an authorized distributor.
Buying for bottling or from hand entails unjustified risks of rapid wear and failure of the cooling system.
Blue Sintec antifreeze or green, this is not an indication of which product is needed. The specification and approval for operation is important. However, color is the factor that helps to buy a product. When purchasing, be sure to evaluate the quality of the packaging.
The technical fluid must have complete information on each parameter that is applied to the label. The quality certificate icon is located in the central picture.
What new antifreeze canisters look like, the main differences from the old container - video
In addition, the packaging contains contact information. Since 2017, the company has changed its logo and began to write the freezing point and class in an enlarged way. The latter is allocated in a special block and is placed in the center. All products come in a new design.
Specification and approval
The manufacturer supplies products that meet the requirements and standards of the regional and global market. Antifreeze Sintec Unlimited, Lux, Euro and other varieties are supplied to Europe, where they are popular.
As for the issues of admission, it is presented in the table:
| Name | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Premium G12++ | MAN 324 Tour SNF |
| VW TL 774 F (VW F) | |
| FUSO KAMAZ (FK) | |
| Premium G12+ | MAN 324 Tour SNF |
| VW F | |
| FK | |
| Lux G12 | VW TL 774 D (VW D) |
| TM3 | |
| GAS | |
| FK | |
| Ultra Gil | FK |
| Gold G12 | VW D |
| TM3 | |
| GAS | |
| FK | |
| Universal Gil | FK |
| EuroGil | Derways |
| FK |
When and how to use?
Attention is paid to the specification and the possibility of applying to a specific make and model. This depends on the duration of the equipment operation.
Drainage is carried out using specialized suction devices that remove dirt inside the nozzles.
note
It is impossible to fill in the concentrate, it should be diluted with distilled water beforehand. The proportions depend on the manufacturer's recommendations, as described on the package. It is not recommended to use antifreeze of different specifications that have a different composition.
Reading 5 min.
Antifreezes of the G12 + standard appeared relatively recently - in 2008. They are considered the latest generation of coolants and are of high quality. These include Sintec Unlimited G12 ++ antifreeze from Obninskorgsintez, one of the leading auto chemical goods manufacturers in Russia.
Description of antifreeze
Antifreeze Sintec Unlimited G12 ++ is the only lobrid antifreeze produced in Russia. This is the latest bipolar technology, taking all the best from carboxylate and mineral. The peculiarity of Sintec Unlimited is that it creates a very thin protective film on the surface of the parts of the cooling system, which begins to act only where corrosion centers occur. And the carbons that make up the substance are directly sent to where it is most likely to occur.
That is why Sintec Unlimited antifreeze is considered a non-consumable corrosion inhibitor. Therefore, the period of its use is practically unlimited, especially when pouring into a new engine. In general - up to 500 thousand kilometers or five years for cars.
Sintec coolant provides maximum protection under extreme operating conditions. Effectively eliminates the causes of potential radiator leaks, prevents the thermostat from clogging, and the water pump from breaking.
Composition, color and features of the standard
Label on the back of the Sintec Unlimited package Unlimited G12 antifreeze is based on an ethylene glycol base and a package of high-quality modern additives. The composition includes organic acids, silicates, carboxylic components. The product is completely free from nitrites, nitrates, amines, phosphates, borates.
The color of the coolant is purple. Antifreezes themselves are colorless liquids. Dyes are added during production. Firstly, this is done so that a person can distinguish poisonous coolant from ordinary water. Secondly, the color of antifreeze signals its composition and properties, so that you can already determine by eye what exactly is poured into the system and what can be added there without harm to the engine. Thirdly, bright colors help to detect leaks.
In the case of Sintec G12++, the purple tint of the liquid indicates that it is an organic-based lobrid product with added silicates and that it has a virtually unlimited life.
This is what the G12 product standard says. All coolants of this standard are made on an ethylene glycol basis and act “pointed”, that is, where it is most needed. And the prefix to G12 in the form of a double plus indicates that this antifreeze was created using the most modern technologies and for the most modern cars.
Specifications
Scope and Compatibility
Automaker approvals on Sintec Unlimited antifreeze label The scope of this coolant is any type of engine in cars manufactured after 2001. The product was developed primarily for extreme operating conditions and motors subjected to high loads. The use of this antifreeze is recommended by the following automakers:
- Volkswagen;
- Audi;
- Seat;
- Skoda;
- Lamborghini;
- Bugatti;
- Porsche;
- Bentley;
- FUSO KAMAZ.
Of course, subject to the appropriate specifications.
Important! It is possible to mix Sintec G12 plus plus standard coolant with any other antifreeze without the presence of nitrites, amines, phosphates in the composition.
Advantages and disadvantages
New and old (OEM) packaging Sintec UNLIMITED Syntec Unlimited coolant is the latest generation of antifreeze. Therefore, it has a number of significant advantages in comparison with liquids of previous developments. These benefits include:
- combining all the best that was in the technologies of the previous generation;
- the possibility of mixing with other high-quality coolants;
- almost unlimited period of use when pouring into a new engine;
- maintaining optimal temperature conditions;
- high boiling point and thermal conductivity;
- high protection against various types of corrosion, including chemical.
It is logical to assume that with such properties, the cost of this product will be higher than simpler antifreezes, and this is the main drawback. However, it is almost offset by a long service life. Another drawback is that under the guise of the original liquid, you can often stumble upon a fake.
Packaging options
How to distinguish a fake
Line of Sintec antifreezes on store shelves There are quite a lot of counterfeits of Sintec products due to its popularity. Fraudsters at best manage to achieve similar technical characteristics, but there can be no question of the unique properties that this product has. Fake antifreeze can cause irreparable damage to the cooling system and the entire engine as a whole. Therefore, it is important to know how to distinguish the original from the fake in appearance:
- Color. In our case, red-violet and no other.
- Price. A new generation of high-quality coolant simply cannot be cheap.
- Quality certificate. Must have for every antifreeze.
- Information. The label must indicate all indicators of the product, including crystallization temperature and density.
- Manufacturer. The label should contain all information about the manufacturer, including the address, phone number for complaints, official website.
Well, in general, this is the quality of the packaging. There should be no defects and damage, smeared inscriptions, crooked labels with traces of glue and bubbles.
Video
Don't want to boil? Follow, change and do not mix!
Almost half of the antifreezes on the market do not meet the quality standards adopted by automakers and pose a danger to motorists and their cars. This became known as a result of a large-scale inspection of the Federation of Motorists of Russia (FAR), writes the Avtovzglyad portal.
FAR activists checked 60 samples of various Russian-made antifreezes purchased in ten regions of Russia: Moscow, Moscow region, Tatarstan, Bashkiria, Saratov, Rostov, Nizhny Novgorod region, Smolensk, Voronezh, St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. All purchased samples were carefully analyzed - first - for boiling points / onset of crystallization, and then - for methanol content. All analyzes were carried out in a certified chemical laboratory near Moscow in Obninsk. Detailed results and laboratory test reports can be viewed.
"Laboratory work" gave very alarming results: in 27 samples from 17 manufacturers, the content of methyl alcohol was found in different concentrations, which is guaranteed to put these antifreezes outside the existing GOSTs and standards of automakers. And additionally conducted laboratory tests confirmed that methanol gave the tested antifreezes exceptional flammability, and the boiling point of all the studied “methanol” samples turned out to be significantly below the norm. One of the samples, containing almost 15 percent methanol, boiled at a temperature of 84 degrees Celsius, which, with the operating temperature of modern engines at about 90 degrees, means that you can’t go far from the store on such antifreeze. But, apparently, neither the prospect of lawsuits from the injured motorists, nor the prospect of inspections by the "competent authorities" does not scare the sellers of such antifreezes and antifreezes generously flavored with methanol. The reasons for the "bodyagi" are still the same - a significant increase in profits due to the replacement of ethylene glycol (from which all high-quality antifreezes are made, both Russian and foreign) with a cheap methanol-glycerin mixture. Glycerin is very cheap, but has insufficient fluidity for the cooling circuit. To improve fluidity - dishonest manufacturers dilute it with methyl alcohol. At the same time, the price of ready-made antifreeze remains approximately at the same level, but the profits of businessmen increase simply cosmically. According to the FAR, all "methanol" samples were not cheaper, but even more expensive than some high-quality ethylene glycol ones, so it will not be possible to cut off a surrogate by price parameters.
Just as it will not be possible to cut off the surrogate, buying only in large retail chains and network gas stations - FAR activists found low-quality methanol products even there. Some manufacturers package bodyaga in beautiful bottles, make high-quality label design so that their products are perceived by the buyer as branded, and deliver the goods to the seller with a significant premium. Even a quite respectable seller is often happy to take such a nice-looking and “high margin” product. On the packaging of such antifreeze, an inscription proudly flaunts that it complies with the tolerances of most automakers well-known in Russia, there is a choice of antifreezes of different colors. However, neither the presence of an extra inscription about compliance with tolerances G11, G12, G12 +, G13, nor a beautiful dye of the desired color - red, green, yellow or blue, increase the actual boiling point of the bodyaga and do not lower the crystallization onset temperature. At the same time, no information about the content of methanol on the package, of course, is contained, as a rule, some reference is made to unknown specifications (technical conditions) with a long number, established by the manufacturer itself, as well as a mention of the presence in the composition of the "combination of special alcohols".
As a rule, the methanol content in such “beautiful” samples is still lower than in frankly “counterfeit” looking antifreezes in cheap transparent plastic bottles, and the boiling point of such antifreeze or antifreeze can even be slightly higher than 90 degrees for internal combustion engines. Therefore, they may be able to ride for some time in the winter. However, do not forget that, along with a clear prospect of engine overheating in the summer, methanol actively corrodes non-ferrous metals, especially compounds with aluminum, from which most of the cooling circuits of cars are made. And by the summer you can come not only with an engine overheating, but also with a cooling system that has been pretty eaten by corrosion.
Such a flagrant situation in the Russian antifreeze market, according to the head of the FAR, Sergey Kanaev, is explained by the fact that the antifreeze market today is practically not controlled by anyone. That is, there are some “recommended” GOSTs, tolerances of automakers, but in practice their compliance is not checked by anyone, and the “antifreezes” and “antifreezes” themselves are not subject to mandatory certification. Formally, there is a ban on the use of methanol in automotive fluids, issued by Rospotrebnadzor several years ago, but the same Rospotrebnadzor is in no hurry to carry out checks even on signals from injured motorists. And the last, as always, is the consumer. Being unaware of the ups and downs of the antifreeze market and the shamelessness of individual sellers and manufacturers of coolants, buying antifreeze on methyl alcohol, he gets not only an overheated engine and active corrosion in the cooling system, but also a direct fire hazard. Methanol antifreeze flares up from the slightest spark, which creates a huge risk of fire when the cooling system is depressurized (which is very likely when it is very overheated), FAR activists also published a video with the corresponding laboratory experiment and burning antifreeze on their website. Moreover, at least every fourth car enthusiast can suffer in this way, because, according to the estimates of competent experts from the Union of Manufacturers and Consumers of Automotive Chemicals, in Russia, methanol coolers are sold annually for 14 billion rubles, and in volume terms - more than 26% of all antifreeze sold / antifreeze contains methyl alcohol in various concentrations.
How to avoid an unsuccessful purchase of low-quality antifreeze and eliminate the possibility of a fake as much as possible?
PAR activists recommend: all private label (owned exclusively by gas stations and retail chains) brands of large gas stations and retail chains have successfully passed quality tests. That is, when buying both the affordable antifreeze "Every Day" (Auchan retail chain) and antifreezes with the logos of Lukoil, Gazpromneft or Rosneft at branded gas stations, you can be sure that this is a high-quality product with a very high degree of probability. All the listed brands of antifreezes were purchased by FAR activists and passed tests in the laboratory “perfectly well”. The following brands also fully complied with the standards and specifications stated on the packaging: Felix, CoolStream, Sintec. Coolants from the following manufacturers, Tektron, Streksten (trademark Pilot), Promsintez, Promzhidkost, PKF SV Khim, VostokPiterGroup, Khiminvest, Evrokhimprom, Dzerzhinsky antifreezes, Blue Star, Nova-Neftekhim, Accenthim, were distinguished by low boiling point and high methanol content.
Methanol was also found from some of the products from manufacturers: Delfin Industry (according to the FAR, the registration address of this manufacturer is 100% the same as that of the Tectron and Streksten coolants), Auto-Leader, PromPek.
More details on the results of testing antifreezes and antifreezes, test reports and a report on the control purchase of coolants carried out in September 2016 by FAR activists can be found.
