In the motor system of motor vehicles there is antifreeze, it is the coolant, which is special fluid To cool the working elements that enlist the specially designed additives. In the auto shops, the cooler is implemented not only from different manufacturers, but also of various colors, as a result of which a natural question arises: what color of antifreeze can be mixed between themselves and whether its qualitative indicators depend on the color scheme?
From which factors the color depends
Due to its composition, antifreeze does not have the ability to freeze at low temperature values. It is added to the extensive cooling system tank road transport In order to reduce the temperature of the engine's working mechanisms and protect them from overheating.
Any antifreeze is a chemical compound (ethylene glycol), which consists of glycols, purified water and additional additives. In a natural form, he carries a threat, as the concentrate adversely affects the resistance of the engine nodes to corrosive processes. To avoid this, various silicates add to the composition to reduce the effects of corrosion to the items. It may differ in the established standards containing certain norms. These standards feature colasters among themselves to be introduced into a solution of a package of additives.
The chromaticity of antifreeze is formed when introduced into technical fluid harmless pigments. The norms are not provided for the definition of color, but there is a mention of some rules:
- Coloring is applicable only saturated;
- Actually, the color of antifreeze can be any, the main thing is that the technical solution differs from gasoline and purified water.
Is antifreeze mixture
So, the color depends only from the dye entered into the solution, and it can push the erroneous conclusions that all refrigerants are the same. But this is not so, antifreeze differ among themselves and in other parameters. For example, the composition of the functional package of additives is divided into four types:
- Traditional compositions: mostly irrelevant, but occasionally applied at the first fill of cars at the manufacturer's factories.
- G11: Mixed, including conductors of organic and inorganic nature.
- G12 and G12 +: carboxylate-based colams are marked by an increased service life for more than five years.
- G-12 ++, G-13: The composition of antifreeze contains mineral retarders of chemical reactions.
The coolant contains always highlights information to which species it belongs. Only with this data can be mixed with multi-colored solutions.
If you independently choose which color of antifreeze can be mixed, you can make rude errors. This is mainly due to the fact that even when mixing the compositions of the same type, the residue existing in the tank can enter the conflict with a plot. Ultimately, the beneficial functions of the cooler will decrease or disappear at all. There are always risks, even if, for example, mix one-color G12 from different manufacturers. Therefore, one is not allowed to mix single-color and multi-color compositions, it is better to completely replace the coolant in the car system in order not to doubt the quality characteristics of the compulsory substance.
If you need to add the cooling fluid to add, then it is necessary to choose the maximum possible variation. There is a simple compatibility verification recipe. In one reservoir poured two experimental liquids. If the thickness and saturation have not changed, then everything is in order. If the formation of precipitate occurred in the mixture, and the solution was clouded, then such a technical fluid is processed to use for its intended purpose.
What antifreeze colors can be mixed, table.
Initially, the cleaning of antifreeze was done for visual attraction. The buyer reacts better to something bright than a translucent, slightly muddy liquid with a sweet odor.
This article will be devoted to the following question: Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors?
Each manufacturer applied dyes into antifreeze to their taste, what color is more likely, he used. Only then, after the technologies for the release of antifreezes (cooling liquids) stepped far ahead, and the coolant began to differ much from each other, the color became a specific characteristic for each product separately, but again not everywhere, but as part of the line of one manufacturer.
For example, our domestic Tosol, originally produced in green and blue. Why is it not so clear, but it can be seen in the era of the USSR, these dyes on the basis were surplus.
Already later, when ethylene glycols were susceptible to a better synthesis, Tosols began to equip various additives. They were mainly aimed at reducing the freezing threshold, since for pure ethylene -13 it is considered a critical number and a liquid begins to thick, becomes viscous and a bit rubber, after which it freezes well, without providing the engine with due cooling.
Even later, it was decided to choose protective anti-corrosion additives for the entire line of antifreeze on ethylene glycol. After that, the synthetic components of the additive packets were successfully attached to the basis and antifreeze, more often in common, called Tosol, received another purpose - to protect the cooling system of the car from corrosion and high-temperature deposits. It is after that, antifreeze - Tosols began to paint into other colors, except for blue and green - red, yellow, orange.
Next, the chemical industry was on development and antifreezes of a new generation were produced, which also needed to be painted in some color. The world community agreed with each other and solved sparing cooling fluids on propylene glycol to paint in red and orange shades, and old good toosols leave in blue and green, sometimes allowing yellow dyes for special antifreeze formulas.
Is it allowed to interfere with antifreeze of different colors?
Having considered a little history, creating and way of development of antifreeze, it is safe to say that it is possible to mix antifreeze between different colors among themselves, only carefully. To do this, you need to know the features to create a cocktail to harm your four-wheeled friend.
What to check before mixing antifreezes?
1. Manufacturer. It is better to use one antifreeze manufacturer - this will be guaranteed that the additives from different antifreeze will be the same.
2. The basis of antifreeze. It is necessary to determine which the main component lies in the composition of the cooling substance - propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Polypropylene antifreezes are taken to label G-12, G-12 + and G-13, ethylene glycol Tosols G-11.
But again, it all depends on the manufacturer, as many antifreeze 12 and 12+, can also have ethylene glycol in their component. This is the basic information that should be interested in any car enthusiast, going to buy antifreeze for your car. Marks with the same basis from one release can be mixed without problems regardless of color, as the additives from the manufacturer will be the same.
3. Additives. For modern antifreeze classes G-13 and G-12, G-12 +, which are gentle by the improved propylene glycol base, the additive packages are designed as a liquid formula, despite the fact that the viscosity of such antifreezes is higher, just like the point boiling.
In other words, red and orange antifreeze on propylene are less harmful and does not form a protective layer, unlike all antifreezes on ethylene. The protective layer is sufficiently dense and remains even after the whole toosol merges, but the system before downloading the new antifreeze is not for nothing.
Is it possible to mix diverse and different-drawing compounds between themselves, without applying flushing - in no case. Heterogeneity and multidirectional of these connections will not give anything other than foam in expansion tank, flakes, greasy sediment and color change.
In other words, what is shown for modern antifreezes used on high-speed machines with thin hoses of the cooling system, the usual Tosol will simply eat. That is why it is not recommended to mix not so much multicolored antifreeze among themselves, as different. But, of any rule, there are exceptions and when mixing, this exception must be considered.
Some examples
For example, the red antifreeze G-12 + will flood the system, the freelance breakage of the system on the track led to the topping of standard green or blue toxol. Is it possible to do this? You can, and without problems, liquids will not be compatible until the end, but the system will not bring much harm. The only thing that arrives at the place, the system is worth rinse with distilled water and pour into it the liquid on the cooling that the manufacturer provided.
Consider the situation on the contrary, it was flooded in the G-11 system, is it possible to add G-12, G-12+ or G-13 to it. Without consequences, it is possible to mix the G-13 and G-12 +, but the G-12 on the propylene glycola can be mixed with ethyl in no case, again, regardless of the color in which the manufacturer painted its antifreeze. And further, different manufacturers Again, different additive packages are used, they may also differ in the basis of the natural base and the synthetic base. Moreover, the synthetic is just in toosas, so the additives can also affect mixing and harvest cars if the mixture is not competent.
In custody
Many motorists prefer to buy concentrates and then again the question of mixing multicolored antifreezes. Lithuanic bottles are rarely used to the end, the remnants do not allow to live quietly, and it is often a decision, to arrange a common residual damage. It is possible, but again you need to look at the color, but to the components. Dilute anyway and antifreeze and antifreeze you will be distilled or technical water, which has passed a special cleaning, but the component incompatibility of the original products will give instead of saving, flying to serious mining of the system.
Is it worth it to risk, it decides for yourself, but it's still easier to buy fresh high-quality antifreeze. There are a lot of offers on the market and if you like it precisely red or blue cooling fluids, it is not difficult to find the source code in your parameters.
Antifreeze is an important working fluid, the main function of which is the cooling of the engine and protection. This liquid does not freeze when low temperatures and has a high boiling threshold and freezing, which protects the engine from overheating and damage, due to the change in boiling volume. The additives included in the antifreeze possess many properties that protect the details of the cooling system from corrosion and reduce their wear.
The basis of any is the glycolic basis (propylene glycol or ethylene glycol), its mass fraction of 90%. 3-5% of the total volume of concentrated liquid occupies distilled water, 5-7% - special additives.
In each country producing fluid for the cooling system, there is own classification, but the following classifications are mainly applied to avoid confusion:
- G11, g12, g13;
- in colors (green, blue, yellow, purple, red).
Reference. Collectible classification does not guarantee the identity of the composition and the possibility of mixing, as there are no generally accepted world standards in colors, and the manufacturer has the right to paint antifreeze in any color.
Groups G11, G12 and G13
The most common classification of cooling compositions was the classification developed by the concern VAG.
Folkswagen gradation developed by Volkswagen:
G11 - Cooling fluids created by traditional, but outdated at the moment, technology. The composition of anti-corrosion additive includes a variety of inorganic compounds in different combinations (silicates, nitrates, borates, phosphates, nitrites, amines).
Silicate additives form a special protective layer on the inner surface of the cooling system, the thickness is comparable with screaming on the kettle. The layer thickness reduces heat transfer, reducing the cooling effect.
Under the constant influence of significant temperature drops, vibration and time, the layer of additives is subjected to destruction and begins to crumble, leading to a deterioration in the cooling composition circulation and causing other destruction. To avoid a destructive effect, silicate toosol should be changed at least every 2 years.
G12. - antifreeze, which includes organic additives (carboxylic acids). The peculiarity of carboxylate additives is that the protective layer is not formed on the surface surfaces, and the additives form the finest protecting layer with less micron thickness only in damage places, including corrosion.
His advantages:
- high degree of heat transfer;
- the absence of a layer on the inner surface, which eliminates the clogging and other destruction of various nodes and parts of the car;
- an increased service life (3-5 years), and under 5 years old can be used such a liquid at full cleaning of the system to its bay and the use of the finished antifreeze solution.
The main, but weighty minus, carboxylate mixture is that the additives included in its composition begin their work only when corrosion processes appear, but do not possess preventive qualities.
To eliminate such a minus, a hybrid antifreeze of G12 + was created, which combined in itself positive characteristics Silicate and carboxylate mixtures through the use of organic and inorganic additives.
In 2008 appeared new Class - 12G ++ (deed antifreeze), in the organic basis of which includes a slight number of inorganic additives.
G13. - Environmentally friendly coolant based on propylene glycol, which, unlike poisonous ethylene glycol, is harmless both for humans and for ambient. Its only difference from G12 ++ is environmental purity, technical specifications Identical.
Green
The composition of the cooling fluids of green includes inorganic additives. Such antifreeze refers to the class G11. The service life of such cooling solutions is no more than 2 years. It has a low price.
Recommended for use on old cars, due to the thickness of the protective layer, which prevents the formation of microcracks and the appearance of leaks, in cooling systems, whose radiators are aluminum or aluminum alloys.
Red
Red antifreeze refers to the class G12, including G12 + and G12 ++. It has a life of at least 3 years, depending on the composition and preparation of the system before the pouring. It is preferable to apply in systems whose radiators are copper or brass.
Blue
Cooling fluids of blue color Created to class G11, often called Tosol. Mainly used in cooling systems of old Russian cars.
Purple
Purple antifreeze, like pink, refers to the G12 ++ or G13 class. It includes a slight number of inorganic (mineral) additives. Highly environmental safety.
When pouring the muffin purple antifreeze in new engine It has an almost unlimited service life. Applied on modern cars.
Is it possible to mix green, red and blue antifreeze among themselves
In many cases, the color of the solution for cooling in DVS Reflects its composition and properties. You can mix antifreeze different shades only if they refer to one class. Otherwise, chemical reactions may occur, which sooner or later affect the state of the car.
What will happen if mixing group G11 and G12
With mixing different types Antifreeze eventually problems.
The main consequences of mixing silicate and carboxylate classes:
- corrosion of the internal surfaces of the cooling system;
- foaming working fluid;
- engine overheating;
- an increase in fuel consumption up to 5%;
- blocking channels of DVS;
- clogging radiators and other cooling system nodes;
- pump replacement;
- reducing the operational resource of engine oil;
- other malfunctions.
Only in case of extreme need you can add different types.
At the same time, the following factors must be taken into account:
- mixing cooling solutions is necessary with the same basis (ethylene glycol only with ethylene glycol);
- remissible mixtures are strictly forbidden to mix with others;
- it is necessary to find the appropriate antifreeze to the car and use it only when taking advantage and replacing the working fluid in the coolant.
If it is necessary to draw a slight amount of coolant and the absence of suitable, preferably adding distilled water, which slightly reduce the cooling and protective properties, but will not cause dangerous for the car chemical reactionsAs in the case of mixing silicate and carboxylate compositions.
How to check antifreeze compatibility
To check the compatibility of antifreezes, it is necessary to carefully examine the composition, since not all manufacturers adhere to classifications in colors or classes (G11, G12, G13), in some cases may not even indicate.
Table 1. Compatibility with topping.
Type of liquid tosses | Type of antifreeze in the cooling system |
||||
G11 | G12. | G12 +. | G12 ++. | G13 |
|
Forbidden mixing | |||||
Forbidden mixing | |||||
Pulling the liquid of various classes is permissible only for operation during a short period of time, after which it is necessary to perform full replacement With washing the cooling system.
Properly selected antifreeze in accordance with the type of cooling system, the composition of the radiator and the condition of the car, its timely replacement Will ensure the safety of the cooling system, the engine will be removed from overheating and help to avoid multiple other unpleasant situations.
Among the car owners is the error that the quality of antifreeze directly depends on its shade. The following "classification" is most often provided:
The best - red antifreeze, whose shelf life is 5 years;
Middle quality - green antifreeze, its service life - 3 years;
Simplest" - blue antifreezeTo whom Tososol belongs, its service life is one or two years.
It also exists that all the refrangements of the same color are completely identical, respectively, they can be mixed with each other. In order to increase the range, antifreeze of different shades are made: green, blue, yellow, red, despite the fact that they are completely identical in their composition.
In reality, all Tosols and antifreeze have no color. The amount of the dye added is minimally - only a few grams per ton of antifreeze. The color in no way affects the properties of the toosol.
What will happen if mixing antifreeze of different shades of different manufacturers?
When mixing antifreezes of a different shade, nothing terrible will happen - if, of course, they are made with full compliance with the established standards. As a rule, with such a situation, car owners face when antifreeze in cars is over, and to acquire the same or impossible.
For example, the antifreeze of green G11 can be mixed with similar antifreeze G11 green, but another brand.
The most important thing is that there are the same standards for which liquids are produced.
Accordingly, G12 can be mixed with the G12 of another manufacturer.
It should be immediately noted that the Tosol produced in our country is a conventional antifreeze G11, which can be calmly mixed with blue and green antifreeze another manufacturer.
Is it possible to mix antifreeze G11 of different colors
Mixing toosol of different shades and different categories G11 and G12 does not bring any particular harm. However, there are subgroups G11 and G12, and the third version of fluids - G13.
If we take only the first subgroup, the mixing of such Tosas will cause the additives to be acquired both anti-corrosion and protective properties. Of course, no car owner will be able to control the entire process of mixing liquids from and to.
Most likely, the compositions will not enter into the reaction and the precipitate will not fall, but it is desirable to remember that the addition of different additives that have not designed for a certain car and its "insides" may adversely affect the coolant.
The reason for this lies in the green antifreeges, which form a film on the tubes, which does not allow the engine and other nodes of the machine to cool down properly. Simply put, if blue or green is added to the red antifreeze, the temperature regime is reduced due to changes in the characteristics of fluids.
It is worth noting it separately that when adding a small volume - up to one and a half liters - this effect may not be.
Is it possible to mix green, yellow and red antifreeze
Blue, green and red antifreeze are mostly consisting of ethylene glycol and distilled water. In yellow and purple, on the contrary, the main share of the composition falls on distilled water and propylene glycol.
Accordingly, there are absolutely different base in liquids - single-napric alcohols, one of which is ethylene glycol - toxic, while propylene glycol is safe. For this reason, propylene glycol began to be added to antifreeze to eliminate the toxicity of the composition.
In addition, Tosol G13 includes two types of additives - protective and anti-corrosion.
When mixing red or green antifreeze with yellow, the following happens:
It is not known which one reaction will enter propylene glycol and ethylene glycol;
Additives, which are part of yellow or purple antifreeze, are calculated only on interaction with propylene glycol, respectively, as they will behave with ethylene glycol - is unknown;
In addition, there is a question of compatibility of additives with each other.
For this reason, the refrigerants of the G11 and G12 refrigerants are mixed with each other and the G13 is not worthless - the probability that the precipitate may be formed, which can lead to malfunctions in the car.
If the coolant has ended in the car systems, but it is necessary to add it, it is best to use distilled water.
In summer, antifreeze can be completely replaced by distilled water, but it is changed to a special cooling fluid with the onset of cold. Water at temperatures below zero will simply freeze, which will cause malfunctions of all the components and aggregates of the car.
Mix antifreeze different shades - green, red, blue, purple and yellow - possible only if they have a completely identical composition and package of additives.
If these nuances are observed, there will be no harm to the cooling system. In other cases, antifreeze is unacceptable.
Antifreeze - red, green, blue ... What is the difference? Does the color affect the coolant composition for the car? What will happen if you mix antifreeze of two different colors?
These questions are actively set by motorists before the onset of winter. Well, let's try to figure it out.
What does antifreeze color mean
Antifreeze is a special liquid of a particular composition designed to cool the car's power unit. Honors antifreeze from ordinary water in this case Serves the stability of operational properties in a wide range of temperatures, including very low. That is, using antifreeze, you can be sure that it will not freeze in the cold season.
Tasks facing antifreeze producers are quite a lot. The main one includes the stability of the chemical properties of antifreeze, its neutrality to metal and rubber elements of the engine and the cooling system, guarantees from the occurrence of insoluble precipitation during operation. Provide all the specified characteristics of manufacturers manifested by applying a special package of additives that give liquids. Required properties.
More recently, the differences in the chemical composition of antifreezes were determined visually - based on the color of the coolant, which can be red, green or blue. So, the red color matched antifreeze with acid, and blue and green - silicate. Today, such graduation is not always applied, but regarding silicate and acid antifreezes separation still remains in force.
As it is clear from purpose, the antifreeze of any composition is intended to perform the same function - cooling the engine and do it both in summer and in winter without significant changes in its own physical properties. In fact, any antifreeze is responsible for this criterion, including domestic Tosol.
However, in practice, criteria turns out to be much more. These include:
- resistance to foaming;
- efficiency of anti-corrosion additives;
- warranty from the appearance of insoluble sediment long operation etc.
Actually, according to these characteristics of antifreeze and differ. Some "work" more efficiently, others are less. These features are necessarily taken into account when designing a car, and the automaker provides its own recommendations regarding antifreeze, optimal for use in a particular car engine.
Thus, for example, the domestic "Tosol" has a small number of protective additives and a tendency to foaming, which limits its use in modern turbocharged force aggregates Most foreign cars and many domestic models.
Video - Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different brands:
Another one an important nuance It is an antifreeze resource, that is, its service life as a coolant engine. For most foreign antifreeze, it is approximately 120-150 thousand mileage kilometers, and for the aforementioned "Tosola", at best, about 60 thousand kilometers.
Speaking about the composition of antifreeze, it is worth noting that all of them - from the domestic "Tosol" to the most expensive branded fluids, have the same basis, the role of which is performing ethylene glycol.
This substance has a very low freezing temperature and allows the use of antifreeze on its basis to any frosts. However, in itself, this substance is very active and with the "naked" application will cause quick corrosion of internal metal elements.
It is for this reason that all antifreeze manufacturers use special additives that prevent the formation of rust, reduce the foaming of the composition, increase the lubricating properties and so on. From these additives, the color of antifreeze is largely dependent.
Red, green or blue ...
After examining the difference between antifreeze, many motorists are asked about what antifreeze is better - red or green, or perhaps blue? You can answer it briefly - the best antifreeze one that recommends a car manufacturer.
This is due to the fact that automakers carry out their own testing of certain compositions, and when using the recommended liquid there is a guarantee that in the cooling system, all nodes will work as a suitable way, and there is no risk of corrosion.
Accordingly, when using the coolant of a different composition, even if more expensive, it can not always lead to better results on a particular motor.
At the same time, the color of the coolant does not play a completely none role - which they advised, then. Of course, what to speak in such a situation about which antifreeze is better or worse, it is not necessary.
Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors
As we have already written above, the color of antifreeze is often dictated by the features of its chemical composition, more precisely, the characteristics of additives introduced into it. Accordingly, the antifreeze of a similar composition should be used for the topping.
This is due to the fact that many additives can respond quite aggressively with each other. Such chemical interaction can be expressed by the appearance of a precipitate, an increased tendency to foaming and other unpleasant features.
At the same time, they do not immediately appear, but for a long time.
In fact, this means one thing - if you were attached to the system antifreeze of a different color and composition to get to the house, and then replaced the cooling fluid in the motor to the manufacturer recommended by the manufacturer, there will be no harm. If you are operating a car on a similar mixture during long time, There is a fairly big risk of harming the cooling system.
Video - Is it possible to mix blue and green antifreeze:
First of all, the "risk group" is a pump, which may well fail due to corrosion or a sediment, which will have an abrasive effect on its mechanisms.
So, as we found out, in most cases mixing antifreezes of different colors is undesirable. However, it is worth noting, today there has been a tendency to release close to the composition of antifreeze, in which the color of the liquid may vary.
Based on this, you should pay attention not so much on the color of the coolant, how much on its composition, indicated on the canister. In the coincidence of fluid parameters, it is quite suitable for mixing even if their color differs from each other.
In this case, not all antifreeze of the same color may be complementary due to the differences in the composition of the additives used in them.
Which antifreeze is better to pour and in what cases
Replacing antifreeze, in most cases, seasonal event. Often it is also timed to repair the cooling system, for example, replacing the radiator. In addition, antifreeze along with others operating fluids Recommended for replacement. And in this case, it often arises the question of which antifreeze to pour and in what cases.
Speaking of antifreeze, first of all it is worth noting the fact that most liquids are divided into certain classes - G11, G12 and G13.
The G11 class includes cheap antifreeze containing a minimum set of additives. Actually, the domestic "Tosol" and its analogues can be attributed to it.
The G12 class implies more expensive antifreezes created on the basis of carboxylate additives. They have better heat sliced \u200b\u200babilities, and also give better protection against corrosion.
Antifreeze class G13 are based on polypropylene glycol, which makes antifreeze more environmentally friendly in use. Such a liquid is not poisonous, and at the same time possesses all the advantages of antifreeze of other types. As a matter of fact, most modern automakers are recommended for using antifreeze of this group, and are guided not only by technical aspects, but also the concepts of environmental purity.
Accordingly, it is necessary to look at the product class, and not on its color, which roles in this case does not play.
In essence, when replacing antifreeze should be guided solely in accordance with technical characteristics your his vehicle, as well as specifications to the tolerance. The last of each car has its own and is indicated by a specific code, which is also indicated on the canister with antifreeze.
For example, for the specification to the tolerance is indicated as SSM-97B9102A, at Volkswagen - VW TL-774, in BMW - No. 600.69.0. etc. Accordingly, the recommendation of the automaker and should be selected antifreeze, which you will use throughout the service life.
It should be remembered that antifreeze is presented on the market with two types - concentrate and liquid, already ready for use. The distinction of the concentrate is that it is divorced by distilled water in a specified proportion, which, in most cases, is 1: 1.
At the same time, the difference in which antifreeze is used - diluted or concentrate, there is no. In fact, the finished antifreeze in the canes is the essence of the same concentrate, but already diluted to you by the manufacturer. So it only plays the role of personal convenience factor, but not the working characteristics of the coolant.
conclusions
Based on the foregoing, we see that the performance characteristics of antifreeze depends not as much from its color, as from the composition and, most importantly, the package of additives used in it.
At the same time, only antifreeze recommended for your car should be used, and any mixing experiments are possible only in emergency situationbut not for permanent use in the car.
At the same time, the regulations for replacing the coolant and not forget about safety measures, for any antifreeze based on ethylene glycol (and these are all the compositions presented on the market), is a highly toxic product that needs to be kept away from children and use very neatly.
