Antifreeze G11 and G12: what's the difference? Technical characteristics of antifreeze G11 and G12

Antifreeze is called a cooling liquid, which is used in cooling systems of a car. By the percentage composition of G11 and G12 liquids, the content of ethylene glycol is 90%, the additives - from 5 to 7%, and water - from 3 to 5%. Many do not know what antifreeze G11 and G12 is, what is the difference between them, and also whether they can be mixed. Today we will try to answer all these questions.

On the composition of liquid G11

Antifreezes labeled G11 are a solution of silicates with inorganic additives. Cooling liquids of this class were used earlier and are now used for cars that were produced before 1996. This is an ordinary antifreeze. The boiling point of this solution is 105 degrees, and the shelf life of these coolants is 2-3 years or 80,000 kilometers. These compositions were designed for those models of cars in which the volume of the cooling system is quite large. Tosol forms in the whole system a special protective film, which helps to keep the parts from corrosion processes. But because of this film, the conductivity of heat is greatly impaired. This is a serious drawback, which can lead to overheating. For modern cars, where the volume of the cooling system is much smaller, G11 fluids will not work. This can easily be explained by the poor thermal conductivity, which differs in antifreeze G11. Its characteristics are significantly lower than other modern mixtures. Often the compositions of G11 can be painted green or blue. Such a fluid is ideal for old cars with a large-capacity cooling system. It must be remembered that for aluminum radiators G11 is disastrous. Additives are not able to reliably protect the metal at high temperatures.

Features of liquids class G12

Many used for their cars antifreeze G11, or simply antifreeze. These people are wondering about the togmas, and is there a difference between antifreeze and antifreeze G12. Cooling liquids of this class differ in composition based on carboxylate organic substances and compounds. The main difference between the antifreeze G11 and G12 is the use of different additives. G12 has a higher boiling point. It is 115-120 degrees.

As for the terms of operation, the manufacturers declare that the product is able not to lose its properties for 5 years. Therefore, many people use antifreeze G12. Its technical characteristics are much higher. Also, the difference between the G12 is that it is designed for cars where the engine is designed for high revs. Liquids of this class have a high thermal conductivity. These mixtures affect only specific foci of corrosion, but do not cover the entire system with protective films. This greatly increases the efficiency. But if the car is old, it can be filled with antifreeze G11 and G12. What is the difference between them? As we have already said, the whole thing is additives.

Composition of antifreeze G12

This concentrate contains 90% of diatomic ethylene glycol, due to which the liquid does not freeze. Also, the concentrate contains about 5% of distilled water. In addition, dyes are used. Color allows you to identify the coolant class, but there may be exceptions. At least 5% in the composition are additives.

Ethylene glycol itself is aggressive towards non-ferrous metals. Therefore, the composition must include phosphate and carboxylate additives. They are based on organic acids that neutralize all negative effects. Antifreezes with additives can work in different ways, and their main difference is the ways to combat corrosion.

Technical characteristics of composition G12

It is a homogeneous and transparent liquid. There are no mechanical impurities in it, and its color is red or pink. These liquids freeze at a temperature of about -50 degrees, boil at +118. If we answer the question about what antifreeze G11 and G12 are, what is the difference, we can say that these products differ in temperature threshold.

As for the characteristics, they depend on the concentration of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol in the solution. Often alcohol is not more than 50-60%. This allows to obtain optimum performance characteristics.

Compatibility of two types of coolant

The compatibility of antifreeze G11 and G12 excites the minds of new car enthusiasts. They start with used cars and do not know what was pasted into the expansion tank by the previous owner. If you only need to add a little bit of coolant, then you need to know exactly what is poured into the system at the moment. Otherwise, there is a serious risk to significantly harm SOD, and not only to it, but to the entire engine. Experienced car owners recommend in case of doubt to drain all the old liquid and fill a new one.

Compatibility and color

The color of the liquid does not affect the properties and characteristics. Manufacturers can paint their products in different colors, but there are certain standards. The most popular compositions are painted in green, blue, red, pink, and also orange. Some standards even regulate liquids of certain shades. But here the color of the coolant is the latest criterion, which must be taken into account.

Very often green means anti-freeze G11. "Lukoil" and other manufacturers produce just such products. It is believed that green is the lowest grade of G11 or a silicate product.

Compatibility by class

G11 can not be mixed with products of class G12. In this case, the latter immediately loses all its unique properties. Also, they will be irretrievably lost if you slightly top up the G11. The crust, formed by antifreeze, seriously interferes with the work of the more perfect G12. Overpay for the modern cooling liquid in this case is completely unprofitable. But here with G13, G12 and G12 + antifreeze is quite compatible. It should be remembered for all novice motorists. As for G12, it mixes well with liquids of class G12 +. However, there are G11 compounds of various manufacturers, with which one should be careful. There were cases when additives and components of one class reacted violently to each other, because of what inside the contours of the ODS car was a real jelly.

About the choice of antifreeze

When choosing the right coolant for your car you need to focus not on the color and class of the product. Read what is written on the expansion tank or in the instructions to the car (which the manufacturer recommends). If the radiator was made of non-ferrous metals - brass or copper, then organic mixtures are highly undesirable. The system can rust. There are two types of OC - concentrated or diluted by the manufacturer. It would seem that there is not much difference between the two. Many recommend buying concentrate and then independently dilute it with distilled water. If it is a real antifreeze G12, the reviews recommend mixing it in the proportion of 1 to 1. Do not buy the initially concentrated coolant. In the factory, better water is used. It is purified at the level of molecules. A diluted market composition does not inspire anybody to trust. In cars with radiators from non-ferrous metals and a block of cylinders made of cast iron, it is best to fill in a blue or green tosol. For aluminum radiators and modern power units, G12 and G12 + - red or orange - are best suited.

Summary

So, now it is obvious that it is not necessary to mix antifreeze G11 and G12. What is the difference between them, we already know. As you can see, the main differences in additives. In the first case, organic and inorganic is used, in the second case only the last components are used. Also the 12th group has an extended service life. But it is worth noting another group - the 13th. It appeared only recently. This composition is fundamentally different from all the previous ones and assumes the availability of only environmentally friendly substances. The color of this antifreeze is purple. In Russia, it is rare, unlike the European market. Its cost is several times higher than the price for the usual red antifreeze from the 12th group. By properties, he almost does not concede, so it makes sense to use the coolant namely G12.