Antifreeze based on ethylene glycol: brands, differences, composition

Today, the antifreeze market for car radiators is filled with ethylene glycol based products. This substance has a number of positive qualities during operation. From the correct choice of means for the cooling system depends on its longevity, as well as the work of the engine.

Antifreeze based on ethylene glycol has a low freezing point, which depends on the concentration of the substance. The liquid inside the cooling system starts to crystallize in the range from 0 to -70 ° C. When choosing a good antifreeze, the operating conditions of the machine must be taken into account. In the summer, it must 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 older cars. The most famous representative of this class of agents is antifreeze. Silicate antifreezes have a number of disadvantages, so they are not used for foreign cars.

Antifreeze free of silicate based on ethylene glycol is preferable for foreign new cars. Additives that are part of the product, during the work of the car settle only in areas where corrosion is formed. This became possible due to the inclusion of organic components in the composition of the product. In this case, the cooling of the engine is complete.

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

Antifreezes based on ethylene glycol have a certain composition. Their basic characteristics depend on this. In its pure form, ethylene glycol looks like an oily substance. Its freezing point is -13ºС, and boiling - + 197ºС. This substance is rather dense. Ethylene glycol is a strong food poison. This substance is toxic, especially after the development of its resource. Waste of antifreezes based on ethylene glycol, the composition of which was contaminated during the operation by heavy metals, requires proper disposal.

When mixed with water, the freezing point can be significantly reduced (down to -70 ° C with a ratio of water and ethylene glycol 1: 2). As additives, organic and inorganic components can be used. The first option is preferable. Corrosion inhibitors today come in four types: carboxylate, traditional, organic and hybrid. Because of the difference in the components that make up the antifreeze, you can not mix different brands of these products. Otherwise, they will conflict with each other, reducing the effectiveness of the substance.

Color of antifreeze

Initially, antifreeze based on ethylene glycol, the color of which can be seen in production, looks like a transparent substance. It has only a specific smell. Regardless of brand, antifreeze does not have color. Dyes are added to identify its quality. Among the 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 means. These are the cheapest consumables. They include ethylene glycol and silicate additives. The life of such antifreezes is about 30 thousand km.
• The G12 class includes the red and pink type of substances. They are characterized by a higher quality. They include ethylene glycol and organic additives. The service life of such facilities can reach 150-200 thousand km. However, their cost is much higher.
• There is also a third class - G13. In its composition, in addition to the components listed in the previous section, is propylene glycol. The coloration of such funds is most often characterized by orange and yellow shades.

Marking system

Each antifreeze based on ethylene glycol for aluminum radiators, as well as loaded cooling systems, has dyes in its composition. They do not affect the technical characteristics of the substance. The choice of this or that color depends on the whim of the manufacturer. There is no generally accepted standard for marking, as well as adding dyes.

The above markings, which drivers and auto mechanics most often take into account, were applied earlier when releasing VW coolant antifreezes of German production. These funds are very popular. However, even the Volkswagen concern has already changed its specifications. Today, this well-known manufacturer produces 3 main classes of antifreezes on an organic basis. Their marking has a prefix G12 ++, G12 +++ and G13. Therefore, before buying a product for a cooling system, it is more appropriate to pay attention to the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer, as well as the composition of the consumables themselves. There is no uniform 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 tolerances of car manufacturers. It should be noted that ethylene glycol is a toxic substance. When developing its resource, this indicator increases. There are rules how to dispose of antifreeze waste based on ethylene glycol. They attribute different negative properties. Therefore, when replacing the antifreeze, it is necessary to contact a special organization that will perform the recycling correctly.

It is also important to take into account the frothing of antifreezes. For domestic production, this figure is 30 cm³, and for imported products - 150 cm³. Wetability in antifreezes is 2 times greater than that of water. Therefore, they are capable of seeping into even very thin cracks. This explains their ability to flow out even in the presence of microcracks.

Browse popular brands

In our country, various brands of antifreeze based on ethylene glycol are used. The most popular are 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 ruler of means allows the driver to pick up a required tool for the engine of the car. The presented means effectively resist the formation of corrosion, and also provide good cooling properties of the radiator.

Popular products in our country today effectively protect the engine systems from the formation of deposits, especially in the water pump, engine compartment and supply channels.

Reviews about the antifreeze "Sintek" G12

When considering options, what kind of antifreeze on the basis of ethylene glycol to choose for your car, in the first place, you need to pay attention to such a tool as Sintek G12. The composition of this consumable includes a complex of organic additives. This tool is designed for aluminum engines, as well as other types of engines.

The crystallization temperature of antifreeze is -41ºС. AvtoVAZ applies the presented facility as the first filling in the cooling system. It has a wide range of operating temperatures. Relatively low price also makes the tool popular.

Reviews about the antifreeze "Felix"

The presented antifreeze is widely used both in passenger cars and in 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 on which 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, the temperature of its crystallization is slightly higher than the level allowed by the technical regulations.

Reviews about the antifreeze Totachi Long Life

The manufacturer of Totachi Long Life is a Japanese company. The product presented by her is intended for cooling systems of almost all gasoline or diesel engines. The composition of the product includes organic components. The operating temperatures at which the consumed material is allowed to operate correspond to the technical regulations of vehicle manufacturers. The advantage of antifreeze of Japanese production is a long service life. His replacement is held every 5 years. The presented antifreeze based on ethylene glycol extends the life of all elements of the cooling system.

Some users note that the inscriptions on the canister are written only in English and Japanese. This causes some discomfort.

Having considered the composition, the main characteristics of antifreeze based on ethylene glycol, you can choose the best option for your engine. Taking into account the feedback of users and experts about the most popular brands of consumables, it is not difficult to acquire a quality product.