Some people ask themselves the question: “I've heard the opinion that you can mix blue with green, but not with red”. In fact, it depends on which green antifreeze to interfere with, and with which blue.
Mix red and green antifreeze.
On the other hand, or the G30 package, they mix perfectly with the blue-green G11 Wagovsky, which is the main representative of the G48 package, we just get a dark brown color at the output.
Specification G12 +
It is the G12 + specification that allows mixing with silicate-containing antifreezes, without precipitation. Coolant G12 without “+”, which is also most often red, does not mix with blue-green. Therefore, in any case, the color of antifreeze does not affect its properties, but the specification is required.
Organic antifreeze
In fact, the liquid can be orange and red, and sometimes it is not miscible with the yellow inorganic. First of all, the protection against corrosion and cavitation is assigned to carboxylic acids. Accordingly, all our protection is organic. The liquid contains neither silicates nor phosphates.
See more description
The main advantages of organic antifreeze.
Does not create such an anti-corrosion package, does not create a continuous film on the surfaces of contact antifreeze and metal, that is, on surfaces internal radiator in the engine cooling jacket, the additives work only where there are micro foci of corrosion. They are triggered only as needed, only where there is a problem. Accordingly, these antifreezes serve for a long time.
Modern hybrid. Japanese antifreezes.
If we take modern hybrid ones, then 2 schools have appeared here. These are the so-called hybrids. the latest generation which appeared later organic. This is where there is a full-fledged organic antifreeze, where additional protection is provided by the addition of inorganic compounds, such as modified silicates, or the latest Japanese antifreezes. It can be a complex phosphate-containing organics, and a combined package is obtained. What are the pros? Organic antifreezes work best on aluminum, and they have weaker protection for ferrous metals. They work amazingly on any surface. Since they combine both options of protection, inorganic, organic. But unlike the first generation, they do not create a thick film. The film is created where there is a micro focus of corrosion, it is neutralized by organic matter, organic additives.
In this case, from above, an inorganic antifreeze still creates the thinnest film that closes these areas of micro foci of corrosion. As a result, organics are also consumed less. In Europe, the most popular antifreeze based on the G40 package. He, according to the VAGA marking in 12 2 + a, respectively, has the colors: bright yellow, bright green and bright purple, and bright green is precisely the passenger antifreeze for Mazda.
Can I mix green antifreeze with blue
If we take European bright green antifreeze, then it has a completely different chemistry. Therefore, when they say: “I will mix blue with green, and I will not have any problems, I want to ask the question: And what green will we take?” And if it is “phosphatic”, and we add European blue-green to it? minimum, we will lose most normal work anti-corrosion package. Some antifreezes, when mixed in this way by color, can give a soluble residue.
In this case, the problem with the water pump oil seals, the problem with clogging of the radiators, as they say, is guaranteed. Some people ask themselves the question: Returning to the first question: “I heard the opinion that you can mix blue with green, but not with red”. In fact, you can see for yourself what it depends on which green and which blue.
Quite often, in motorist conversations, motorists ask questions about antifreezes: can they be mixed, what color of antifreeze to choose, what is its difference from antifreeze, what is affected by the color of antifreeze and others. Antifreeze is a low-freezing water-based solution (oily liquid), consisting of ethylene glycol alcohol. Its purpose is to protect aluminum metals from corrosion with the help of silicates included in the composition. We will try to answer the most interesting questions this topic.
Today in stores there are a huge number of varieties of antifreeze. They come in almost all rainbow colors: yellow, red, purple, blue, and others. Not all antifreeze agents work the same way. In terms of their composition, antifreezes with anti-corrosion attachments are divided into several types:
1) Hybrid antifreeze
It is green in color and consists of inhibitors (silicates and phosphates). It is a combination of carboxylic acids. Intended for indoor use. Shelf life this antifreeze expires in three years.
2) Carboxylate antifreeze
Colored red and based on carboxylic acids containing corrosion inhibitors. Will last five years. It creates on the cooling system protective layer and is absorbed only in corroded areas. Carboxylate antifreeze protects against cavitation more effectively by optimally cooling the engine.
3) Lobride antifreeze
Consists of mineral inhibitors, which are combined with organic matter, and organic acids. They form a very thin protective film on the cooling system. Only consumed when corrosion occurs. Lobrid antifreeze has a deep purple color. Has no expiration date.
4) Traditional antifreeze
Consists of inhibitors containing mixtures of nitrites, borates, phosphates and nitrates. This type of antifreeze is obsolete. Will last no more than two years. Cannot withstand too high temperatures (above 110 ° C). These include antifreeze.
Can I mix different colors of antifreeze?
As a rule, it is not recommended to mix antifreezes with each other, especially with antifreeze, as there is a risk of corrosion. However, carboxylate antifreeze (red) may be mixed with any color of antifreeze.Antifreeze properties:
Any antifreeze freezes at a temperature much lower than the freezing point of water. It is achieved with the help of ethylene glycol included in its composition. Freezing, this substance turns into a thick slurry that protects engine parts. It has the ability to boil.High-quality antifreeze foams only slightly. Otherwise, a large formation of foam contributes to a decrease in the amount of heat transfer. He must also have an inert property in order not to show aggression towards rubber hoses.
There are other types of antifreeze: salt, glycol, alcohol, glycerin, etc. All these types are created on the same basis - propylene glycol and ethylene glycol with additives.
Some car owners replace them with antifreeze. Yes, of course you can do that. Only, unlike antifreeze, antifreeze has some advantages.
Why is antifreeze better than antifreeze?
- Cools the engine with increased efficiency 0.5 mm protective layer
- Carboxylate fluid with cooling effect is used more
- Perfectly protects aluminum from high temperatures
- Extends the service life of the water pump
- Protects engine liners from cavitation
- Has stable coolant properties
- Reacts safer with plastic and elastomer
- Leaves no blockages in the radiator
- Provides good high temperature stability
What color of antifreeze to choose?
Antifreeze for your iron horse you should choose only according to the requirements that the manufacturers of the car brand make, as well as the recommended replacement period. Since each car has a different expiration date for antifreeze, it is recommended to look at the exact data in the car passport. If your passport is lost, you can check it by phone at authorized dealer.If you do not know which brands of fluids were poured into the car, you should replace everything in it with a new one: glass fluid, oil, and antifreeze without fail.
Dilute antifreeze only with distilled water. The proportions are indicated in the instructions for use (usually 1: 1). Plain water has a lot of impurities and salts, which can adversely affect the properties of antifreeze and, therefore, worsen engine cooling. Distilled water can be purchased at any drug store or auto store.
As all motorists know well, antifreeze is the liquid without which no engine can function normally. internal combustion water cooled. It is he who removes heat from parts and units that heat up during the operation of the motor, and at the same time prevents the appearance of corrosion and cracks on them.
Until relatively recently, only one of its varieties was used in Russia: antifreeze, which is well known to all motorists (especially those who have a long driving experience), which has a blue color. It is still used now, but it is far from being alone in the domestic market of engine coolants. Along with it, means of a similar purpose are also offered in red and green colors, yellow and purple antifreezes are somewhat less common.
The choice is wide enough, and in this regard, vehicle owners have many questions related to the use of these coolants. One of the most relevant of them is the following: is it possible to mix antifreeze different colors? Let's try to figure it out.
Regardless of the color, any modern antifreeze is about 80% composed of a mixture of monohydric alcohol (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) and water. Such a composition is able to withstand temperatures up to +196 ° С without boiling, and as for the freezing threshold, it depends on the ratio of the components and ranges from -11 ° С to -65 ° С. It should be noted that, according to the international classification, depending on what kind of alcohol is used in antifreeze (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol), it is divided into three types:
The remaining 20% in the composition of any modern antifreeze is a variety of additives. They are necessary in order to protect metal and rubber parts with which this liquid comes into contact from corrosion and destruction under the influence of alcohol. The effect of the additives differs depending on the type of antifreeze. In order for this difference to be determined visually, liquids different types painted in various colors.
What does the color of antifreeze mean?
As mentioned above, the most common colors in which antifreezes are painted are: blue, green, red. Each type of these coolants has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Blue
Antifreezes, which have the simplest chemical composition, are colored blue, and in many respects, therefore, are inexpensive. It is this color that antifreeze, well-known and used in our country since Soviet times, has. The freezing point of blue antifreezes is -40 ° C, and the boiling point is +115 ° C. They use traditional chemical additives, which form a thin protective film on the surface of those parts with which they come into contact.
It should be noted that antifreeze of blue color are now considered obsolete. Their service life is no more than three years, moreover, the additives that make up their composition are quite aggressive and negatively affect engine parts. Due to the low boiling point and the tendency to foaming in modern cars blue antifreezes are not recommended.
Green
According to the international classification, automobile antifreezes of green color belong to the G11 category. They use both inorganic and organic additives (in particular, carboxylic acid). In terms of their effect on engine parts, green antifreezes are more “gentle” than blue ones. They also have the property of forming a film on the inner surfaces of the cooling system parts, which protects them and also localizes the emerging areas of corrosion.
At the same time, this protective film also has its drawbacks. First of all, it significantly reduces heat dissipation. In addition, after some time, it collapses, crumbles, and its particles clog the narrowest channels of the cooling system. It should also be noted that green antifreezes, just like blue, have a very limited life and must be completely replaced every three years.
Red
Automotive antifreezes of red color of the international classification belong to category G12. They are characterized by the fact that additives of organic origin prevail in their composition, and a significant proportion of them is carboxylic acid. Due to this, red antifreezes do not form films on the surfaces of parts at all, and therefore heat is dissipated most efficiently.
At the same time, the additives contained in these coolants are excellent at inhibiting the spread of corrosion. As for the service life of red antifreezes, it is about five years. Antifreezes also have a rather significant drawback, which is that they weakly protect aluminum parts from destruction, which are quite numerous in the cooling systems of modern cars.
Yellow and purple
In recent years, yellow and purple antifreezes have begun to appear on the market. They are not yet used very actively, and largely because manufacturers have not yet finally decided on their exact composition. In terms of their characteristics and properties, G13 antifreezes (it is to this category that they belong according to the international classification) are close to red. Their main distinctive feature is the use of not ethylene glycol, but propylene glycol, which is less reactive and has better environmental characteristics.
Mixing antifreeze of different colors
As practice shows, in cars of a certain make and model, it is best to use the antifreeze recommended by the manufacturer. Automotive concerns, when testing their equipment, thoroughly test it for the use of various coolants, and based on the results of these tests, the most optimal one is determined.
However, in practice, it often happens that the recommended antifreeze is simply not at hand, but there is another. Therefore, the question arises regarding the possibility of mixing coolants of different colors.
Since antifreezes of different colors have different additives in their composition, it is very difficult to say exactly how they will react with each other when mixed. At the same time, the consequences of adding coolant of one type to another may well appear not immediately, but only after a while, and be very negative. This can manifest itself in the formation of a precipitate, increased foaming, etc.
Therefore, mixing antifreeze of different colors is strongly discouraged. This can only be done when an urgent need arises. Moreover, the service life of such a mixture should be as short as possible. As soon as possible, it is necessary to drain it, thoroughly flush the engine cooling systems, and only after that pour the antifreeze recommended by the manufacturer into it.
Video on the topic
Antifreeze is a liquid that does not freeze when very low temperatures... Due to the existence of liquids of different colors, users often wonder about them: is it worth it and whether it can be mixed. Red and green antifreeze far from the only ones on the modern market, but one of the most popular. Therefore, it is appropriate to consider the dilemma: is it possible or not to mix red antifreeze with green?
Characteristics of the composition of various groups
One liquid will not be able to satisfy all the requirements and desires of buyers in the modern market. That is why manufacturers have focused on the creation of various antifreezes, which are radically different in their composition of functional butts, and as a result are aimed at solving and neutralizing various problems. They should be divided into the following groups:
- Carboxylate antifreezes G-12, G-12 +
- Hybrid - G-11
- Lobrid antifreeze G-12 ++, G-13
- Traditional
The main feature of the first group is the presence of carboxylate inhibitors in their composition, obtained through the use of organic, that is, carboxylic acids. They are used to combat corrosion. Such organic inhibitors do not form a single protective layer and do not act on the entire surface of a particular system, they are directed to one place, the so-called center of corrosion initiation and formation, and form a protective cover only 0.1 microns thick.
Carboxylate substances
Carboxylated fluids have the longest lifespan, bordering on 5 years. They better perform the function of combating corrosion. and cavitation, as a result of which they guarantee an optimal level of cooling of the vehicle engine.
- A special feature of hybrid antifreezes is that they include not only organic, but also inorganic inhibitors.
- According to European technology, it is silicate, according to American technology, it is nitrite, and according to Japanese technology (as well as Korean technology), it is phosphates.
- The term of use of such fluids ranges from 3-5 years.
Lobrids
Lobrid antifreezes have recently appeared on the market. It wasn't until 2008 that scientists invented new fluid, whose vocation was to cool engines and other metal parts. Their difference is that they contain, along with organic, a small amount of mineral inhibitors.
Traditional liquids
The last group of antifreezes is called traditional and is outdated at this stage of the development of society. The reason for this is short term the shelf life of the liquid, which usually does not exceed two years. The main components that act as corrosion inhibitors are inorganic elements such as:
silicate
phosphate
nitrite
nitrate
Disadvantages of traditional fluids
Another disadvantage of traditional antifreezes is that they cannot withstand high temperatures (higher than 105 C). In addition, over time, their use, inorganic components form a kind of cover on the inner surface of the engine and contribute to the deterioration of heat transfer inside. As a result, the overall cooling efficiency of the engine deteriorates.
Antifreeze belongs to the traditional group. Antifreeze is a coolant developed back in the days of the Soviet Union, used for the cooling process of engines of any car brands.
The main component that is used as antifreeze in antifreeze is ethylene glycol.
Color value in classification
Very often, out of ignorance, antifreeze users express the opinion that a particular color of antifreeze directly depends on its quality or parts. One of the most popular classifications is as follows:
- red - the highest quality, it lasts about 5 years,
- green - average for quality, lasts from 3 to 5 years,
- blue - the one that includes antifreeze, very "unpretentious" and low-grade - for 1-2 years.
In addition, there is also a yellow and purple liquid, which is not even taken into account when writing out the classification. They are credited with either high quality, or the lowest.
Mixing antifreeze of different colors
Motorists are sure that mixing liquids of different colors is strictly prohibited. They lose their properties, do not perform the intended functions and, in general, can lead to breakdown. Hence the opinion that liquids of the same color can be mixed, since they are the same. However, antifreeze of different shades cannot be used simultaneously due to their mutual rejection.
It is believed that mixing red and green color liquids are like breaking the engine with your own hands - it will not do any good, and will harm the car... That is why it is necessary to consider the question - what will happen if you mix antifreeze of different colors?
Break stereotypes
There is nothing like that, according to the color factor, the ability to combine liquids is determined. In fact, the similarity or difference has nothing to do with color or hue. This dependence exists only in relation to the composition and quality characteristics. Antifreezes are identical in components or distinctive, and it is the reaction of the components of different fluids to each other that decides whether they can be mixed or not.
Why, then, the different coloration of such coolants and what it is, it means to understand simply. In fact, it is simple marketing ploy manufacturer, which is trying to expand its product range and attract the attention of the consumer. Since the same color of products different manufacturers stands out less on the shelves than as a full range of colors with a list of all possible functions and purposes, special parts and areas of application.
Relationship of color and characteristics
In fact, any coolant is colorless, and in order to give it a shade of the desired color, you just need to add a few drops (i.e. from 2-5 grams) of dye to several tons. Such a volume cannot affect the quality and properties of the product, but it helps to diversify its products and endow it with the ability to stand out from the environment of other substitutes.
- Very often, the color becomes a kind of agreement between the manufacturer of the liquid and the buyer.
- For example, specifically for Ford, JSC Technoform produces orange-colored liquids.
- For Volvo, CoolStream Premium produces yellow antifreeze.
- A pink liquid is being created for the well-known automobile plant GM-Opel.
So, if you mix red and green antifreeze, nothing will change, but only if they have the same composition and properties. Color doesn't solve anything, it's just typical mistake consumers. Everything is decided by the composition and reaction of one product to another.
18 february 2017
What happens if you mix several types of antifreeze of different brands? Is it possible to mix them with each other at all? What is the threat? What is the difference between blue antifreeze and red? We will try to highlight these and other questions in this article so that the reader has an exhaustive answer and does not engage in "alchemy", while mocking his vehicle.
We must say right away that it is possible to mix antifreeze of different brands if certain conditions are strictly observed. In other cases, you are almost guaranteed to ditch the radiator within a couple of years. In most cases, it will not be possible to recover it. Therefore, think three times before exposing vehicle various tests.
What is antifreeze made of?
Let's start with an educational program on chemical composition. 80% of any coolant is a combination of distilled water and ethylene glycol. This formula is specific to the G11 and G12 standards. The remaining 20% (on average) are additives, which characterize this or that antifreeze.
Additives are key to formulation... They are added in order to eliminate the destructive properties of water and ethylene glycol on metal components of the vehicle cooling system, in particular the radiator walls and pipes. Roughly speaking, there are only 2 types of additives:
- protective - protect pipes and other elements, creating a thin film on the walls of the components. Used in TOSOL and G11 formulations;
- anti-corrosion - eliminate any type of rust in the process of work, or slow down such processes as much as possible. Such additives are typical for G12 and G12 +.
There are also hybrid additives, separated into a separate G13 composition. They combine chemical elements of the first and second categories in the correct proportions. That is why this category is considered universal and suitable for “topping up”, but not in all cases.
Color characteristics
Antifreeze in different colors was originally developed to work with a specific group of metals. At the moment, this is not a matter of principle, although earlier car manufacturers have tried to implement this gradation by offering recommended "dyes" for formulations. At the moment, the categories have the following color:
- G11 - green, blue and variations;
- G12 - yellow and red, poisonous orange;
- G13 - purple.
This is all theory. In practice, many manufacturers paint antifreeze as they please, as there is no strict standardization. So G11 has a "spread" from blue to purple, G12 can be green, and G13 is even yellow. As a result, confusion turns out and it is more and more difficult for the car owner to navigate the differences in the composition and their purpose.
What happens when you mix different colors?
Hand on stomach, nothing happens if you mix the formulations of different manufacturers, although there are certain conditions. Situations are different, including force majeure, so initially read the composition. If the green G11 is mixed with the green one, but of a different manufacturer with the maximum similar parameters, the engine will not be damaged. This also applies to other standards. Only coolant products of the same color and additives can be mixed with each other.
Now about the "traffic light". As mentioned above, the same G11 / 12/13 can have a wide palette of shades. Antifreeze of different colors with an identical formula will perfectly interact with each other... The main headache for motorists is the G13 in purple and yellow. Many are afraid that they are completely different, although this is fundamentally wrong. To begin with, this antifreeze is universal in nature and has a double portion of additives that get along with each other without any special consequences. You just get a new shade, nothing more.
Can different standards interfere?
Here the situation is more interesting. If antifreeze of different colors, but one group lends itself to interchangeability, then different products can cause unexpected reactions in the system, only aggravating the position of your radiator and other components of the cooling system.
Can antifreeze of different subgroups be mixed? You need to understand that G11 and G12 have completely different additives: the former are aimed at creating a film, the latter are at removing rust. It is almost impossible to control the mixing of active ingredients. Yes, the sediment may not fall out, but the film will significantly reduce the cooling efficiency. This is because green antifreezes reduce the diameter of pipes and other units. The temperature regime drops, as does the characteristics of the cooler. A kind of "blood clot" may even form, which is fraught with the failure of the radiator.
It all depends on the final volume of the diluent liquid. If you pour in up to half a liter, then there will be no consequences. But in the future, you need to fill in the "native" cooler.
Consequences of mixing yellow and green
We have already found out whether it is possible to add one brand of antifreeze and what is the threat, but is it possible to mix red (green) and yellow type antifreeze? But here the consequences will be dire.
Green (aka red and blue) is a refrigerant based on ethylene glycol and distilled water. The yellow (purple) liquid is composed of propylene glycol, and this is a significant difference. Can these antifreezes be mixed? Absolutely not.
Ethylene and propylene - different types alcohol, albeit monohydric. Another thing is that the first is toxic, and in the second case, this flaw was removed. Let's add 2 types of additives to G13. We get the following picture:
- we have no idea how alcohols react with each other and how dire the consequences are;
- additives in G13 are designed specifically for propylene glycol, so no one will say how they will behave in a "foreign" element;
- no one will give a confident answer about the compatibility of antifreezes.
Remember that the universal donor is not G13, but G12 ++. Above, it is written in detail which antifreezes can be mixed without consequences.
Read the composition of the product very carefully and never skimp on coolant. Repairing a car will still cost more, especially a major one. Not the smartest way to keep money in your wallet.
Outcomes
The confusion in the colors of antifreeze and antifreeze annoys any motorist. For those 2 years while the cooler is in operation and the driver does not bother about replacing it, cheerful manufacturers come up with new standards and variations of their products, which plays into the hands only of marketers, but not the consumer. You can't stock up on coolant for the future either due to the limited shelf life. Try to choose one manufacturer, find an intelligent seller who will explain in detail what is the difference between the compositions. And you yourself will learn to read the set of ingredients in order to significantly save on service in the future.
