2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
Today, the antifreeze market for car radiators is filled with products based on ethylene glycol. This substance has a number of positive qualities in operation. The durability of the cooling system, as well as the operation of the engine, depend on the correct choice of means for the cooling system.
Ethylene glycol antifreeze has a low freezing point, which depends on the concentration of the substance. The liquid inside the cooling system begins to crystallize in the range from 0 to -70ºС. When choosing high-quality antifreeze, it is necessary to take into account the operating conditions of the machine. In summer, it should cool the engine as efficiently as possible. In winter, the liquid should not freeze even in severe frosts.
Types of antifreeze
Today there are two main types of antifreeze - carbosilicate and silicate substances. The second type is used in old-style cars. The most famous representative of this class of funds is antifreeze. Silicate antifreezes have a number of disadvantages, so they are not used for foreign cars.
Silicate-free antifreeze based on ethylene glycol is preferable for foreign new cars. The additives that make up the product, during the operation of the car, settle exclusively in areas where corrosion forms. This was made possible by the inclusion of organic components in the composition of the product. In this case, the engine is fully cooled.
Silicate varieties based on ethylene glycol cover the entire inner surface of the tubes with inorganic components. They effectively prevent the formation of corrosion, but at the same time reduce the cooling capacity of the system.
Composition of antifreeze
Ethylene glycol-based antifreezes have a specific composition. Their main characteristics depend on this. In its pure form, ethylene glycol looks like an oily substance. Its freezing point is -13ºС, and its boiling point is +197ºС. This material is quite dense. Ethylene glycol is a strong food poison. This substance is toxic, especially after the exhaustion of its resource. Waste antifreeze based on ethylene glycol, the composition of which was contaminated with heavy metals during operation, must be properly disposed of.
When mixed with water, the freezing point can be significantly reduced (down to -70ºС at a ratio of water and ethylene glycol 1:2). Organic and inorganic components can be used as additives. The first option is preferable. Corrosion inhibitors today come in 4types: carboxylate, traditional, organic and hybrid. Due to the difference in the components that make up the antifreeze, different brands of these products cannot be mixed. Otherwise, they will conflict with each other, reducing the effectiveness of the substance.
Antifreeze color
Initially, ethylene glycol antifreeze, the color of which can be seen at the factory, looks like a transparent substance. It has only a specific smell. Regardless of the brand, antifreeze has no color. Dyes are added to identify its quality. Among drivers and auto mechanics, there is a classification of the quality of the product adopted by them, depending on its color. There are 3 groups of antifreezes.
- Class G11 includes blue and green funds. These are the cheapest consumables. They include ethylene glycol and silicate additives. The service life of such antifreezes is about 30 thousand km.
- The G12 class includes red and pink types of substances. They are of higher quality. They include ethylene glycol and organic additives. The service life of such funds can reach 150-200 thousand km. However, their cost is much higher.
- There is also a third class - G13. In addition to the components listed in the previous section, it contains propylene glycol. The color of such products is most often characterized by orange and yellow hues.
Labeling system
Each ethylene glycol based antifreeze for aluminum radiators andloaded cooling systems contains dyes. They do not affect the technical characteristics of the substance in any way. The choice of one or another color depends on the whim of the manufacturer. There is no generally accepted labeling standard, as well as the addition of dyes.
The markings presented above, which are most often taken into account by drivers and auto mechanics, were used earlier in the production of German-made VW coolant antifreezes. These funds are very popular. However, even the Volkswagen concern itself has already changed its specifications. Today, this well-known manufacturer makes 3 main classes of organic-based antifreeze. Their marking has the prefix G12++, G12+++ and G13. Therefore, before buying a product for a cooling system, it is more correct to pay attention to the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer, as well as the composition of the consumable material itself. There is no single marking for all antifreezes.
Basic properties of antifreezes
In the course of their operation, antifreezes exhibit a whole range of qualities. They are regulated by the norms and approvals of car manufacturers. It should be noted that ethylene glycol is a toxic substance. With the development of its resource, this indicator increases. There are rules on how to dispose of waste antifreeze based on ethylene glycol. They are credited with various negative properties. Therefore, when replacing antifreeze, you must contact a special organization that will properly dispose of it.
It is also important to considerfoaming of antifreeze. For domestically produced products, this figure is 30 cm³, and for imported products - 150 cm³. The wettability of antifreeze is 2 times greater than that of water. Therefore, they are able to seep even into very thin cracks. This explains their ability to flow out even in the presence of microcracks.
Review of popular brands
In our country, various brands of antifreeze based on ethylene glycol are used. The most popular include Felix, Alaska, Sintek, Long Life, Nord. They are characterized by an optimal ratio of price and quality.
The presented antifreezes are designed for the harsh conditions of our climate. Also, the developed line of products allows the driver to choose the required product for the engine of his car. The presented products effectively resist the formation of corrosion, and also provide good cooling properties of the radiator.
Products popular today in our country effectively protect engine systems from deposits, especially in the water pump, engine compartment and supply channels.
Reviews of antifreeze "Sintec" G12
When considering options for which ethylene glycol-based antifreeze to choose for your car, you first need to pay attention to such a tool as Sintec G12. The composition of this consumable includes a complex of organic additives. This tool is designed for aluminum motors, as well as other types of engines.
The crystallization temperature of antifreeze is -41ºС. AvtoVAZ uses the presented product as the first filling in the cooling system. It has a wide range of operating temperatures. The relatively low price also makes the product popular.
Felix antifreeze reviews
The presented antifreeze is widely used in both cars and trucks. And this is true even for cars with a forced, loaded engine, turbocharging. This antifreeze based on ethylene glycol is used in conditions of significant fluctuations in ambient temperature. The corrosion protection system operates selectively. It affects only those areas where traces of rust are determined.
The cost of the presented product is also relatively low. Multifunctionality and a wide range of applications make Felix antifreeze popular. However, its crystallization temperature is slightly higher than the level allowed by the technical regulations.
Totachi Long Life antifreeze reviews
The manufacturer of Totachi Long Life is a Japanese company. The product presented by her is designed for cooling systems of almost all gasoline or diesel engines. The composition of the product includes organic components. The operating temperatures at which it is allowed to operate the presented consumable comply with the technical regulations of vehicle manufacturers. The advantage of Japanese-made antifreeze is a long service life. It is replaced every 5 years. Presented antifreeze onbased on ethylene glycol extends the life of all elements of the cooling system.
Some users note that the inscriptions on the canister are only in English and Japanese. This causes some discomfort.
After considering the composition, the main characteristics that ethylene glycol-based antifreeze has, you can choose the best option for your engine. Considering the feedback from users and experts on the most popular brands of consumables, it will not be difficult to purchase a quality product.
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