Tosol or antifreeze to choose for your car, which is better and how to make the right choice? Comparison of antifreeze and antifreeze: which is better, what is the difference, can it be mixed.

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How is Tosol different from antifreeze? The same way herring differs from fish! This is the name of an ancient liquid, which eventually became a household name. Comparing antifreezes and antifreezes is the same as talking about the differences between Zhiguli and cars! Because "Tosol" is also antifreeze.

Where did the confusion in terms come from?
A long time ago, water was poured into car radiators. In the cold, it was diluted with ethylene glycol, which made it possible to avoid freezing of the liquid. Such a mixture did not threaten to rupture the cylinder block and radiator, since it turned into a viscous sludge with small ice crystals. For ancient cars with cast-iron engines and brass radiators, such a liquid was also safe in terms of corrosion, and therefore the solution seemed ideal. This is how the first antifreeze was born. Because in translation, antifreeze means: “against frost”!
Problems began with the arrival of more modern cars. Circulating through brand new cooling systems, heated antifreeze literally devoured metal, gnawing out pieces of the impeller and channel walls of the block head ... Therefore, the GosNIIOKhT institute created an original coolant composition that can curb the corrosive activity of "ordinary" antifreeze. Additives based on inorganic salts began to be introduced into its composition - they formed on metal surfaces ethylene glycol resistant layer.
The name of the novelty arose like this. The first three letters were taken from the plate above the department door: "Technology of organic synthesis." The ending "ol" comes from chemical terminology. As a result, "Tosol" was born!
The name seemed so successful that from an abbreviation poti-honku turned into a common noun. And since the "Lada" in the seventies was our symbol life success, then "Tosol" fell into the category of elite liquids for the elite. It was then that a stereotype formed in the minds: they say, "Tosol" is a liquid suitable only for "Lada"!
A few decades later, the situation in the country has changed dramatically: the term "Lada" has become almost a curse word, and any "Zhiguli" component has become synonymous with base hack-work. As a result, "Tosol" in the mouths of sellers by inertia began to be considered a kind of liquid for domestic - read, "bad" - cars! Moreover, for some reason, any antifreeze for “our” cars began to be called this name! Just as a layman confidently calls any off-road vehicle, and not just the American Jeep, a jeep ....
Recall again: any coolant is antifreeze! Just like Mercedes, Kalina and ZIL are all cars! And "Tosol" is also antifreeze! Another thing is that modern antifreezes are as different from a mixture of water and ethylene glycol as a car of the third millennium is from the first self-propelled carriages. But, alas: “antifreeze” and “antifreeze” have confidently become common nouns, as well as almost synonymous with the terms “bad” and “good”!
Unfortunately, this division of coolants was willingly supported by the entire "chain" of intermediaries, from wholesalers to retailers. In what is called "Tosol" today, manufacturers most often add additives that provide only minimal anti-corrosion properties - and this is understandable! Firstly, it’s cheap, secondly, they will buy more often, and thirdly, it will do for the Zhiguli. But numerous liquids with an inscription like "ANTIFREEZE" were much less fortunate. Some, even major manufacturers they don’t bother with new developments and implementations, but pour the same “antifreeze” of the 70s and 80s of the last century into such canisters. And what is inside - what is it, this antifreeze? Silicate, carboxylate, lobrid? Many sellers do not even know such words.
So what to buy? There is only one answer: for "serious" modern machines only antifreezes from advanced manufacturers are suitable! The best confirmation of such “advancement” is a reference to the approval of the product by a serious automaker, be it Mercedes, Volkswagen, etc. Therefore, it is better to immediately bypass any unknown brands - it will not be worse. Of course, any “company” can be faked, and any nonsense can be written on the canister, but the Internet can help here. Every major automaker's website lists exactly who it gave its approval to.

What to pour Tosol or Antifreeze?

What's better - antifreeze or antifreeze? Can they be mixed? How to choose the right coolant? These questions are of concern to many novice motorists. Let's try to answer them and decide on the main question - what is better to fill in, antifreeze or antifreeze? Before proceeding to the analysis, it is necessary to understand what a coolant is, why it is needed, and on the basis of what it is produced.

Characteristics of coolants

The task of any coolant (coolant) is to prevent the engine from overheating during operation. Previously, ordinary or distilled water was used in this capacity, but its use has a number of disadvantages, including:

• water freezes in frost and boils at a temperature of + 100 ° C, that is, it has a small operating temperature range;
• water has a negative effect on some elements of the engine cooling system, in particular, exposes them to corrosion.

It was these shortcomings that at one time forced automakers to invent coolants based on a water-glycol composition. In the territory former USSR The most popular coolants are liquids using ethylene glycol. In addition, anti-corrosion additives are added to the coolant composition to prevent corrosion of the elements of the cooling system. They are of two types:

• silicate. Such formulations cover the inner surface of the parts of the system a small layer of scale. This reduces the amount of thermal energy recirculation. As a rule, such coolants have green color.
• Carboxylate. These formulations perform corrosion protection in those places where it is most likely by creating a protective layer. At the same time, carboxylate compounds have more long term service, and when replacing the coolant, there is no need to flush the system. The color of such liquids is red.

This classification is the standard worldwide. However, at present, many manufacturers use various dyes in the production, which make it difficult to identify a particular liquid.

Antifreeze and antifreeze, what's the difference

What is the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze

First, let's define them. Antifreeze (from English word antifreeze - non-freezing) is common name for liquids that do not freeze in the cold. In English-speaking countries to determine automotive antifreeze the term Antifreeze Coolant is used. There are separate trade marks antifreeze, such as GlasELF, GlycoShell, Havoline, Glysantin, Prestone.

"Tosol" is separate brand coolant. It first appeared in the USSR in 1971, when Zhiguli began to be produced on its territory. They needed a coolant with increased operational characteristics, which were not available for liquids produced at that time in the country. It was developed at the State Scientific Research Institute of Chemical Technology, in the Department of Organic Synthesis Technology. This is where the abbreviation TOS comes from. The ending “ol” means that the liquid belongs to alcohols.

Initially, "Tosol" had a composition fixed by the state standard. But at present, manufacturers produce coolants based on their own specifications. Therefore, on the territory of Russia and the CIS countries you can find the most different brands Tosola with different quality both high and below average.

Antifreeze is a broader concept that is used to define coolants. And antifreeze is one of its varieties. Such a confusion in words arose due to the fact that after the collapse of the USSR, on the territory of the former Soviet republics appeared a large number of foreign cars that needed high-quality coolant. And in the minds of the population, antifreeze was associated only with the Zhiguli. Therefore, enterprising businessmen began to call all coolants antifreeze. And only the coolant for the "Lada" - antifreeze.

There are two main types of antifreeze - normal and for the conditions of the north. The first has a freezing point of -40 ° C (has a blue color), the second - -65 ° C (has a red color). Distinctive feature antifreeze - the use of ethylene glycol. That is, it was created mineral basis. The remaining components are various silicate additives. It has a low resource, about 30 thousand kilometers.

Foreign antifreezes, as a rule, are created using organic additives, which are designed to reduce the level of oxidation of working surfaces during high temperature. That is, they are made using more advanced technology.

The composition of antifreeze and antifreeze

Tosol is produced on the basis of ethylene glycol / glycerin / di- / triethylene glycol (“anti-freeze agents”) or their mixture. In addition, it includes water, dye and corrosion inhibitors (their composition is different for each manufacturer). Antifreeze is made on the basis of similar antifreezes, however, with the use of organic additives. We present to your attention a table that lists the substances that are part of antifreeze and antifreeze.

Now let's take a closer look at the classes of antifreezes, the evolution of their development, as well as the substances that make up their composition.

Antifreeze classes

Antifreezes are classified using the letter G and a number by which you can judge its composition and properties. The ancestor of such marking is the world famous company Volkswagen, which once produced popular brands antifreeze "VW coolant G 11" and "VW coolant G 12".

So, in accordance with the marking adopted in Volkswagen, the following types of antifreeze are currently used:

• Silicate, designated as G11(corresponding to VW TL 774-C specification). By the way, the old Soviet “Tosol” also belongs to this type. The principle of action of the composition is the formation of a thin protective film, which prevents corrosion of the elements of the cooling system. Volkswagen recommended it for cars own production until 1996 release. Typically, G11 fluids are green or blue in color. Liquids contain nitrates, amines, nitrites, borates, phosphates, silicates.
• Carboxylate, have the designation G12(corresponding to VW TL 774-D specification). In Europe, G12 antifreezes are recommended for use in cars up to 2001. Has red or pink color.
• Hybrid, G12+(corresponding to VW TL 774-F specification). Designed for high-speed engines with a high temperature load, they are used for cars manufactured in 1997 ... 2008 (in our country it is also used for newer ones). Has a red color.
• Lobrid. It has index G12++(corresponding to VW TL 774-G specification) or G13. In the latter case, instead of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol is used as the base. Such antifreezes are not poisonous, decompose quickly and cause much less harm to the environment. However, their disadvantage is their high cost, so they are rarely used in the CIS countries. These antifreezes are recommended for use in vehicles manufactured in 2008 and later. Has an orange or yellow color.

It should be noted separately that most of the domestic market antifreeze does not meet the mentioned specifications from Volkswagen. In addition, in order to have an official license, antifreeze must be certified in the company's laboratories. Naturally, 99% of the liquids sold did not pass such a test. Therefore, the classification of antifreezes according to the G-parameter is very conditional, and it should be treated with a grain of salt.

Antifreeze G12, its features and difference from antifreezes of other classes

Antifreeze G12 is designed for the coolant system modern engine. It has its own characteristics and differences from G11, G12 +, G13 antifreezes. The difference in the compatibility of g12 antifreeze with other coolants in stabilizing additives

Is it possible to mix antifreeze and antifreeze

Experiment on mixing antifreeze and antifreeze

In such a formulation, to which most domestic motorists are accustomed, the question is not entirely correct to pose. Since we have already found out that antifreeze is also antifreeze, it would be more correct to ask - what brands of antifreeze can be mixed with each other?

Omitting unnecessary details about possible chemical reactions, it can be argued that class G12 +, G12 ++, G13 antifreezes can be mixed with G11 without problems. And G12 can be mixed with G12+. However DO NOT mix G12 and G11. As a result of their reaction in the radiator, you run the risk of getting a deposit that is very difficult to flush out of the system. In some cases, even a jelly-like mixture may occur instead of the radiator fluid.

Therefore, based on general considerations, we do not recommend that you mix different types antifreeze. This can be done only in exceptional cases, and on condition that you know what kind of liquid is filled in the radiator, and what kind you are going to fill in. Also, never focus only on the color of antifreeze. The fact that a new fluid has the same color as the one that is poured into a car engine does not mean at all that they can be mixed with each other. Additional specifications need to be clarified.

Mixing antifreeze and antifreeze with water

The dependence of the freezing point on the concentration of antifreeze

Many motorists are interested in the question - is it possible to mix antifreeze and antifreeze with water? We hasten to please them - you can. However, with some reservations. The first condition is that the water must be distilled. The second fact that you must remember is that the more you dilute the coolant, the more it will lose its properties. In particular, its boiling point decreases and its freezing point rises.

As can be seen from the graph, the crystallization curve goes down to the level when the amount of ethylene glycol is 67% and water is 33%. Up to this point, the solution is ice crystals and ethylene glycol. Both liquids freeze at the bottom point.

Therefore, to increase the volume of liquid in the radiator, you can use distilled water, but try to add antifreeze or antifreeze as soon as possible. Moreover, it is desirable that they be of the same brand that was filled before.

Coolant ratio

What is better to fill in, antifreeze or antifreeze?

Is it possible to pour antifreeze into the cooling system

The choice of brand of coolant must be made, focusing on the following parameters:

• boiling temperature;
• freezing point;
• anticorrosive properties;
• lubricating properties.

There is also a dilemma related to periodicity. If you plan to use antifreeze or class G11 antifreeze, then you will have to change it 2-3 times more often than. However, its cost will be higher, which will pay off with a rarer replacement. However, considering other positive characteristics antifreeze class G12 and above, we still recommend using them. The main factor to consider in this case is the compatibility of the radiator material and the chemical composition of the coolant.

When choosing, you should also follow the recommendations of the automaker on which coolant to use. This information can be found in the manual or on the official website. Always focus on information about the approval (approval) of the manufacturer of your car on the use of one or another antifreeze.

When choosing a coolant, always pay attention to the content of borates (boers) and phosphates. Official specifications Volkswagen G11, G12, G12 +, G12 ++ prohibit the presence of borates in antifreeze. A domestic producers(including some Tosolov) often sin with this. Also antifreeze should not be phosphates, amines And nitrite. If the liquid contains borates and phosphates, then it certainly does not fall into the categories G11 and G12. As for silicates, in G11 antifreezes their content is allowed in the range of 500-680 mg / l, in G12 + - 400-500 mg / l, and in G12 ++ the presence of silicates is prohibited.

How to distinguish fake antifreeze

There is one folk method how to distinguish fake antifreeze from branded. The fact is that fakes are made on an acid basis, which can damage the elements of the engine cooling system. To reveal this, after purchase, it is enough to pour a little purchased liquid into a cap or a small vessel and add a pinch of baking soda to it. If a violent chemical reaction has not occurred, you can safely pour liquid into the radiator. Otherwise, you need to take a canister and go to sort things out with the sellers from whom you bought antifreeze, demanding your money back.

To determine the authenticity of antifreeze, as well as its properties, upon purchase, you can check its density and pH (acidity). In the first case, a density meter (hydrometer) is used, in the second, a litmus test. Density measurement must be carried out at a temperature of +20°C. Significant deviations will lead to significant errors. So, at this temperature coolant density must be not less than 1.075 g/cm3. This density means that the liquid will not freeze in frost down to -40°C.

Table of the dependence of the density and freezing point of antifreeze and antifreeze on the content of ethylene glycol in them

Density of antifreeze, antifreeze, g/cm3	The content of ethylene glycol in percent, in antifreeze, antifreeze	Freezing point of antifreeze, antifreeze, °С
1,115	100	-12
1,113	99	-15
1,112	98	-17
1,111	96	-20
1,110	95	-22
1,109	92	-27
1,106	90	-29
1,099	80	-48
1,093	75	-58
1,086	67	-75
1,079	60	-55
1,073	55	-42
1,068	50	-34
1,057	40	-24
1,043	30	-15

Acidity is tested by dipping litmus paper into the liquid. Ideally, the pH value should be in the range of 7 ... 9 (green paper). If you get a value of 1 ... 6 (pink paper), then there is a lot of acid in the solution. If 10 ... 13 (purple or blue paper) - alkali.

In conclusion, I will say that...

The final decision on which fluid to use is up to you. When choosing, consider car manufacturer's recommendations. When buying, always read the information about the composition of the coolant, as well as the conditions for its use. Because the fundamental difference there is no antifreeze between antifreeze and antifreeze, and it only lies in the composition of additive packages, and, accordingly, the area of ​​​​applicability (for which cars or engines) and the service life. This will save you from possible problems in the operation of your vehicle's cooling system.

Always keep an eye on the condition of the antifreeze, in particular, on its color in the expansion tank. If you have not yet traveled the distance declared for the liquid, and it has already changed color, That needs to be replaced. Also, do not forget to change the coolant in accordance with the schedule. Do not override even with the most modern antifreeze.

The purpose of the refrigerant is to cool the power unit of the machine and prevent it from overheating. If the system uses a fluid that does not meet the engine specification, this will result in serious problems. How to find out what Antifreeze or antifreeze is filled in, and why the driver needs it, we will describe below.

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Why do you need to know?

Finding out what is flooded, Tosol or antifreeze, is useful for several reasons:

1. The car was recently purchased from the hands. It is logical to find out from the previous car owner what is used in the cooling system and when it was last changed consumable. This will allow you to know to understand when to replace.
2. In work cooling system malfunctions have occurred. The heating device began to work worse, sometimes the power unit overheats. Such problems are often caused by the use of low-quality refrigerant. It is useful to know what is specifically uploaded to the system in order to never use such a product again.
3. Even if everything is working fine and there is no engine overheating, the car owner still needs to know what is used in the cooling system. At a minimum, in order to understand what liquid to buy to add if there is a shortage of refrigerant.

What is the difference between Tosol and antifreeze

It is not so easy to distinguish ordinary antifreeze from Tosol in a car. After all, both types of consumables have a certain composition and specifications which we will consider below.

Find out what kind of liquid is advisable to use in a machine engine from a video shot by user Alexander Skripchenko.

Compound

The composition of working fluids and their technical features- the main difference between refrigerants.

Antifreeze is a product Russian production. It is based on ethylene glycol and distillate, the proportions of mixing liquids are determined by the manufacturer. The composition of the liquid is supplemented with additives made on the basis of inorganic acids.

As for antifreeze, in addition to ethylene glycol and distilled water, the base of the substance is propylene glycol and alcohol. The main role in the work of the substance is played by additives related to the organic type. Their presence in the composition is especially important for the liquid, as they prevent the formation of corrosion on the internal walls of the components of the cooling system and foam.

Characteristics

Antifreeze, poured into the car cooling system, forms on the surface of the metal elements of the radiator and engine protective layer. Its thickness, as a rule, is no more than 0.5 mm. The formation of a layer can affect the quality of heat transfer. In some engines, this contributes to an increase in fuel consumption and a decrease in the life of the power unit. The service life of the coolant averages about 30-40 thousand kilometers.

As a result of the presence of silicates and other inorganic acids in the fluid base, the refrigerant may gel over time. A precipitate will appear in the system, which will remain on the walls. Due to the appearance of deposits, clogging of the radiator device may occur, which will lead to its breakdown. The same problem will cause the internal combustion engine to overheat.

Basic information about the characteristics and composition of various consumables is given on the video filmed by the Inflated Wheels channel.

Thanks to technological additives in the composition of antifreeze, the liquid forms a film to protect against corrosion only where rust pockets have already been fixed. As a result, heat transfer in the system is not disturbed. The use of antifreeze favorably affects the functionality of the motor as a whole.

How to determine what is filled?

It will not work to check and recognize with the help of color what is flooded in the car. Antifreeze is always painted in blue tint. But modern antifreezes are also available in blue.

If you don’t know what is filled in the car, then you can determine the type of consumable by several factors:

1. Smell and feel. Antifreezes are usually odorless, and if you touch the liquid to the touch, it will be more oily, unlike traditional Antifreeze.
2. Determining the type of fluid can be done by diagnosing the compatibility of the refrigerant with plain water. Must be taken from expansion tank some substance and mix it with tap water in a ratio of 1:1. After the refrigerant container is placed in the freezer for about one hour. If as a result a separation of liquids occurred, the mixed substance became cloudy and a precipitate formed at the bottom, then you use Tosol. If high-quality antifreeze is poured into the cooling system of your car, then such problems will not arise.
3. Another factor is resistance to negative low temperatures. Pour a small amount of refrigerant into a separate bottle and place it in the freezer. When using Tosol, the liquid will freeze quickly, but if a good refrigerant is filled in, this will not happen.
4. Using a hydrometer, you can diagnose the density of a substance. The test should be carried out at an air temperature of 20 degrees. With this condition, the refrigerant density parameter should be about 1.073-1.079 g/cm3. If so, then you are using antifreeze.

Hydrometer for diagnosing the density level Parameter check

For diagnosis, you can resort to the old "grandfather" method:

1. You will need a plate or other metal fixture. You will also need a rubber product, for example, a piece of hose from the cooling system.
2. Take some liquid from the reservoir under the hood of the car. It is necessary to pour it into a jar or bottle, where a plate and a piece of hose should also be placed.
3. After 20 minutes, look at the result. Russian-made consumables create a protective layer on all components of the cooling system. Accordingly, you will see a barely noticeable film on both the plate and the piece of hose. If the metal is corroded, and the film has formed only where rust is present, then you use antifreeze. Remove the products from the container and check them by touch.

How to understand what antifreeze is in a car from the factory?

To understand which brand of refrigerant to add to the cooling system, you need to know what is initially poured from the factory. It is not possible to determine this on your own. An accurate conclusion can only be given by the results of laboratory tests. Alternatively, you can contact your dealer or read service book for operation. It specifies which refrigerant standard to use.

You can learn about mixing refrigerants and the results from the video shot by the Avto-Blogger.ru channel.

Is it possible to upload something if you don't know?

If the situation is urgent, for example, while driving you had to stop due to engine overheating, then water can also be poured into the cooling system. If this happens during the cold season, we recommend that you do not ride on the water for a long time, but drive to the nearest service station or garage to solve the problem. Even when pouring liquid in the warm season, after the operation of the car, the cooling system is flushed. In frost, water will freeze quickly, and it has the property of expansion, so freezing will damage the expansion tank and pipes.

It is possible to mix only those refrigerants that correspond to each other in composition and standard. not allowed. This will lead to a chemical reaction, as a result of which the liquid will lose its properties and will not be able to perform its duties. Precipitation forms in the cooling system, which prevents the normal circulation of consumables through the lines. Due to loss of properties internal parts radiator device, corrosion will appear, which over time will lead to serious damage unit.

If you had to mix Antifreeze with antifreeze, then do not delay the replacement process. Be sure to drain consumables. When changing, the motor is flushed, and the procedure is repeated several times. It is done until the moment when it starts to exit the cooling system pure water without deposits and traces of scale. Then we can assume that the cleaning was completed successfully. For flushing, use special means. When filling, take into account the engine specification and the manufacturer's recommendations for the use of antifreeze.

Coolant manufacturer Arteco claims that about forty percent of car breakdowns are attributable to the coolant in the car. And in order not to make mistakes, let's figure out what to choose antifreeze or antifreeze and what are their differences.

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Coolant separation (coolant)

The basis of coolants is a mixture of ethylene glycol, water and additives that protect the metal from corrosion. The refrigerant manufacturers have their own unique composition, which differs in the technology of production of additives. Additives are an essential component of the coolant.

When choosing Antifreeze or other antifreeze for a car, you need to pay attention to the instructions for use and read the manufacturer's recommendations. The manual contains a list of tests and experiments with liquid, the names of coolants and their class affiliation.

The production technology is reduced to:

• classical, when the composition is based on additives from salts of inorganic acids;
• carboxylate: the basis of this technology is corrosion protection based on organic acids, that is, carbonates;
• hybrid production technology is an offshoot of the second method, where additives are formed using salts of carboxylic acids with an admixture of silicates and phosphates.

We watch a video from Alexander Skripchenko about the thoughts of experienced motorists on this topic.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze will keep your car from overheating. Its boiling point reaches one hundred and fifty degrees Celsius. In frost, it stays up to thirty-eight degrees. Among other things, key elements of antifreeze, such as various additives, help keep machine parts from corroding metal.

If the antifreeze had no additives, its rather aggressive components would work to destroy the radiator walls. Water mixed with ethylene glycol without additives will eat away pipes, rubber pipes and even an engine in a matter of months. Active experiments are currently underway to improve additives. To on automotive market show their differences, coolants began to be produced different colors: blue, red and green.

• G11, G11+, G11++. This antifreeze is green. Withstands from - 40 to 130 degrees, this is a distinctive plus compared to Tosol. The second plus: with the formation of a “malignant formation”, that is, corrosion, carboxylic acid, which is part of the additives, begins to work.
• G12, G12+, G12++. It's red antifreeze. It is more advanced and is great for the delicate cooling systems of foreign cars. There are no chemical additives in its composition, but there are organic ones. This is a definite plus. This improves heat dissipation.

Gallery "What to choose and use for the engine?"

Antifreeze

This is the traditional technology for preparing coolant. Under the word "Tosol" on the market can be sold as high-quality antifreezes international production as well as fakes. However, there is not a single modern company that would prepare liquid according to the recipe according to which it was made in Soviet times. In a market where every second canister and can is called "Tosol", it is better to give preference to a trusted manufacturer.

Antifreeze of blue color— Antifreeze

The difference between antifreeze and antifreeze

In the past, when cars were equipped with cast-iron impenetrable engines, ethylene glycol and water-based fluid did no harm. Now (in modern cars), hot antifreeze, flowing through the system, threatens cylinder blocks and radiators. Tosol was created to protect the system, and it was then that this coolant became associated with domestic cars.

In fact, there is no difference between Tosol and antifreeze. Antifreeze is the same antifreeze, only of our production. It can be sold on the market in both blue and red.

The difference lies in the following parameters:

• boiling and freezing temperature of the coolant;
• properties that protect against corrosion;
• lubrication parameters.

What is the difference between Antifreeze and antifreeze, and what is better to fill in - video from the CAR SALON channel.

What is better to fill?

To understand what heats and cools better, you need to understand the components of a car radiator.

Antifreeze

In the automotive market, it can be found in both blue and red colors - it all depends on the temperature. The service life of the coolant is from two to three years. It boils at a temperature of 110 to 115 degrees Celsius. Red antifreeze or red antifreeze - it is better to choose depending on the radiator. It is important to remember: red antifreeze lasts up to 60 degrees, and blue (standard) up to 40.

Green antifreeze

In its composition, it contains organic and protective chemical additives. A mixture of phosphates, borates, a small amount of carboxylic acid create a shield effect. The coolant touches the inner walls of the cooling system and strengthens its "health". Due to this protective reaction, the risk of metal decomposition is reduced. But the antifreeze of this technology has its drawbacks. It needs to be changed every 2-3 years, and it limits heat transfer.

Red antifreeze

Protective additives are almost always organic, where carboxylic acid is used in huge doses. The manufacturing technology protects the nozzles from films and increases heat transfer. The film that covers the places of corrosion does not crumble and does not clog the cooling system. Red antifreeze is long lasting and can be changed after five or six years.

Summing up, which antifreeze is better, we pay attention:

1. Antifreeze is recommended to use if your car domestic production, and the engine in it is an old model.
2. You can buy green antifreeze if there is an excess of aluminum in the cooling system.
3. If the radiator yellow color, this indicates that there is an excess of brass and copper in it, and in this case, you can use red antifreeze.

Antifreeze or antifreeze: do right choice in the video from the AutoFlit channel.

Can different coolants be mixed?

The refrigerant, whether it is Antifreeze or antifreeze, according to the state standard, should not contain mechanical impurities (dust and ash, dirt and microscopic pieces of materials). It must be homogeneous and transparent.

1. If antifreezes have the same color, but they will different classes, they must not be mixed, because mixing of solid particles can occur.
2. If mixed different types antifreeze - mineral and organic - this guarantees the appearance of a cloudy precipitate. This sediment will settle to the bottom of the cooling system, not promising anything good: after a while it will clog the radiator, block the pump and eventually cause the engine to boil.
3. If you combine different coolants that belong to the same group, their characteristics will not change, but after heating the antifreeze, a suspension of tiny but heavy particles may appear in the liquid.

Since no one knows how the coolant will behave in the radiator, it is impossible to give a definite answer and say what exactly should be feared.

Antifreeze mixing scheme

Greetings dear readers of my blog. In this article, I will tell you what better antifreeze or antifreeze for pouring into the car's cooling system. Also, I will consider all the advantages and disadvantages of these liquids. Let's discuss the main aspects technical properties And technological process changing the coolant in the system vehicle. So, let's proceed to a phased analysis of all the nuances.

Why do you need engine cooling and what dangers await in its absence?

As you all know, there are a lot of all sorts of fluids in the car that have their own working life and should be replaced when they lose their properties. The use of refrigerant to cool the engine is an essential attribute of every vehicle.

The car may even start and drive for a while before it boils. And then, the fun begins - the assessment of damage and repair. The average operating temperature range is 80-110 degrees. If you do not reduce the temperature, then overheating will lead to the following consequences:

1. Breakdowns in pipes or parts of the cooling system. This, of course, can lead to losses. small blood i.e. minimal repair costs.
2. Head deformation cylinder block and coolant entering the engine. This problem is much more serious than the non-living replacement of nodes, which are described in the previous paragraph. Here, you can get to head replacement, in best cases, And overhaul power unit as a whole.

If the coolant is already sweating, then buy it (it is better to carry a liter or two with you) and top up to get to the parking lot or repair. I do not advise overheating the engine in order to avoid serious consequences that may entail more significant costs.

Briefly about "Tosol"

Designed to replace distilled water, which severely destroyed the elements of the block and cylinder head. It was produced mainly for Soviet car industry, namely for cars of the VAZ brand. Of course, today the quality of "Tosol" is different, from low and cheap to high-quality and relatively expensive.

Let us consider in more detail the positive and negative qualities of antifreeze. Advantages:

• TO positive quality refers to a change in color with aging, which makes it clear that it's time to change it.
• Low price relative to antifreeze.

Negative qualities:

• Enough for only 40,000 km, after which, the antifreeze needs to be changed.
• Uniformly covers cavities, while it is not activated in places of heating.
• It greatly affects the destruction of aluminum from which most of the components and assemblies are made.
• Leads to a detrimental effect on the water pump, namely on the bearing.

Briefly about "Antifreeze"

Antifreeze is the next generation of antifreeze coolants. It has many properties that you have probably heard about. His chemical composition differs in that it contains additives that have a good effect on aluminum. A lot of automotive manufacturers recommend certain types of this fluid. Therefore, it is difficult to say which antifreeze is the best.

Now, together we will consider all the advantages and disadvantages of antifreeze. Of course, let's start with the positives:

• It is enough for almost 200 thousand km, which is 3-4 times more than antifreeze.
• Involved in places of greatest thermal activity.
• Creates a film that envelops corrosion areas and aluminum parts.
• Increases the resource of the radiator and engine, or rather their elements.

There is only one drawback of antifreeze - the high price, while not every car owner can afford to fill it. The best antifreeze one that is recommended by automakers and has the best physical and chemical properties. Therefore, before buying, read which one is right for your car.

What is the difference between antifreezes? This is elementary: in addition to the difference in price, they have different composition, which may be more designed to protect vehicle components or meet environmental standards. Also, it is worth noting that there are antifreezes for everyday cars and separately for sports cars, where coolant is used for high-speed engines.

Differences and which is better?

The main difference between antifreeze and antifreeze lies in the chemical and technological properties. The first is developed on an inorganic basis, but the second is based on organic salts. They both have additives that promote anti-corrosion damage.

What is the best coolant? For its properties, antifreeze better than antifreeze, because it has a better chemical composition and less corrodes machine components. At the same time, antifreeze changes 3 times more often, which leads to higher costs than pouring antifreeze.

Among motorists there is a question, what cools better in summer? Some say antifreeze, others - antifreeze. There is actually no difference, since both of them belong to the class of automotive coolers. Of course, according to its properties, it is better to fill in antifreeze, which even in summer cools the car much more efficiently.

How to replace coolant in a car?

Replacing the coolant in a car is quite simple, the only thing is the time. Together with you, we will go through this process step by step.

1. Definitely change the coolant only when the car is cold, so that the hot coolant does not get on the hands, face and other parts of the car.
2. We are looking for a container for draining liquid. The volume of coolant poured into the car is from 8 to 10 liters, so the capacity should also be the same.
3. Now let's move on to the process itself.. I think it is not worth reminding that before you change, you should buy everything you need. The price of antifreeze is lower than antifreeze, but you should not save on car maintenance. Along the way, you can replace the thermostat or pump if there is a suspicion of their failure.
4. As a rule, coolant drain points located at the bottom of the radiator and on the cylinder block. Many who had Vaz and remember how it's done. First unscrew the plug or drain cock on the radiator. As the liquid drains, you should unscrew the plug on power unit and wait until it flows out of there.
5. If you want to change the fluid for another type, it is worth flushing the cooling system. This will help wide choose flushes that are designed for this.
6. After the operations, it's worth spinning everything drain holes. new liquid it is worth pouring into the radiator through the hole in the plug. When the process is completed, we tighten the cap of the radiator and expansion tank.
7. We start the car and let it run for a while. The liquid should go away a little, and the air should be forced out. We add to the coolant level and rejoice that everything worked out successfully.

It is worth noting that working with liquids is worth wearing gloves, as they will save your hands.

In this article, I told you everything you need to know about normal operation car. From the properties of coolants to the process of replacing them. As can be seen from the article, antifreeze has more advantages than non-living antifreeze, and, therefore, it is recommended that it be poured into the cooling system.

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