What color is antifreeze?
Content
Composition and basic properties
The composition of antifreeze includes water and dihydric alcohol. In addition to these substances, companies add various additives. Without the use of additives, a pure mixture of alcohol and water in a few months will destroy the motor inside, corrode the radiator, and to prevent this from happening, manufacturers use:
- corrosion inhibitors.
- anti-cavitation elements.
- Antifoam agents.
- Dyes.
Each additive has separate properties, for example, inhibitors make a protective film on the motor nodes, which prevents alcohol from destroying the metal, dyes are used to identify possible leaks, and other substances reduce the destructive effect of boiling coolant.
According to GOST, 3 types of antifreeze are distinguished:
- OZH-K - concentrate.
- OS-40.
- OS-65.
Each species has a different freezing point. The main difference between Soviet antifreeze and foreign antifreeze is in the quantity and quality of additives that increase the life of the engine and radiator. Foreign samples contain about 40 additives, while in the domestic liquid there are about 10 types. In addition, foreign species use three times as many quality parameters during production.
For a standard liquid, the freezing point is -40 degrees. In European countries, it is customary to use concentrates, so they are diluted with distilled water in different proportions, based on weather conditions and other characteristics. Fluid replacement is recommended every 30-50 thousand km. depending on the quality. Over the years, alkalinity decreases, foaming and corrosion of metals begin.
Is there red antifreeze?
The modern automotive fluid market offers a large number of coolants. A few decades ago, only antifreeze was used, since there were no other options, and for a Soviet car this is the best solution. After a while, a unified classification of liquids was introduced with the marking TL 774.
Not everyone knows if antifreeze is red, this type of coolant is exclusively blue, but in Italy and many other countries it was red. In Soviet times, color was used to be able to determine the output, as well as the need to replace and flush the entire cooling system. The service life of antifreeze is up to 2-3 years, and the maximum temperature threshold is not higher than 108 degrees, which is very small for modern transport.
Can antifreeze of different colors be mixed?
It is forbidden to mix antifreezes of different colors, since even with the same class and different manufacturers, negative consequences may appear. During the appearance of a connection between different additives, the properties and period of operation of antifreeze are reduced.
Mixing is allowed only in critical situations when you need to get to the service station, and the coolant is below normal for some reason. All mixtures have different additives, so the choice depends on the car model and the specific motor. When choosing, you should be guided by the recommendations of the car manufacturer.
