Types of antifreeze. Composition, characteristics, purpose

Antifreeze (from the English “freeze”) – a collective term denoting a special liquid intended for cooling the heating in the units – internal combustion engines, industrial installations, pumps, etc. when working below zero. There are various types of antifreeze, and their characteristics are also different. A feature of these liquids is a low freezing point and high boiling point. In automotive engines is just used such fluids. Remember that antifreeze is not eternal. It should from time to time to change, especially in the offseason. Unfortunately, many car owners neglect this procedure or pour that comes to hand. Meanwhile, this is a very broad topic in which you need to understand and know theoretical aspects of the choice of coolant. Before to understand, what is the classification of antifreeze should be explored, what is it and what is the cooling system.

Cooling System of the internal combustion engine

As is clear from the name, as a result of processes occurring inside the motor, it is heated. Therefore, it needs cooling. It is by means of coolant circulation. It moves through special channels. So what is antifreeze and how does it work?

The Fluid passing through the channels is heated and then flows to the radiator where it is cooled. Then the cycle repeats. Antifreeze circulates constantly under pressure, which provides a special pump.

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The Purpose of coolant

For removing heat from the engine is used a special liquid. In addition to cooling, it also evens the temperature of various parts of the engine. The channels through which circulates the coolant, over time, can become clogged with deposits and rust. In such places, the engine will heat up stronger. Therefore, the damage of the cooling system often is warped the cylinder head.

The Secondary function of SOD is heating of the cabin and the throttle node. Thus, the stove is included in a cooling tower and is its integral part. Before the advent of the famous antifreeze in the cooling system was filled with ordinary water. But it had a few drawbacks. First, the liquid freezes at 0 degrees and expands, breaking the cast-iron cylinder block. Therefore, the Soviet Union was desperately needed in the cold season every night to drain the water from the cooling system. Second, the liquid boils at 100 degrees. At that time the motors were not heated to such a temperature under normal conditions. But in mountainous terrain that boiling was common. Third, the lack of water – to promote the occurrence of corrosion. Cooling channels and ducts inside the engine actively rusted and deteriorated their conductivity.

Structure of antifreeze

So, what is the antifreeze? Simplistically it consists of two components:

• Basics.
• Additives.

Based on aqueous glycol composition (and no matter what kind of antifreeze). From and it depends on the ability not to freeze at low temperature, fluidity, specific heat. The most common component of any coolant is ethylene glycol. However, its mixture with water also promotes corrosion of the cooling system. But what about in this situation? For this part of the fundamentals of additive is added. It is a complex antispanish, stabilizing and anti-corrosive components. In addition, antifreeze is often added flavoring fragrances and dyes.

Types of products and their characteristics

Modern coolants are divided into two types – silicate and carboxylate. All known antifreeze refers to the first type as the most cheap and versatile. Silicates are the main additive in inorganic cooling liquids. Disadvantage of these substances is that they are deposited on the walls of the channels in the cylinder block and hinder the heat transfer. The result – frequent overheating of the motor. There is one serious drawback – inorganic antifreezes should be changed not less than 30 thousand kilometers. Otherwise be clear signs of corrosion of the cooling channels, which will be difficult to handle. Organic coolants are composed of only organic acids. The feature of these additives is that they cover only the areas of manifested by corrosion. Due to this, the conductivity of the cooling channels hardly deteriorates. Another advantage of organic antifreeze – long term work. The product can be operated up to 150 thousand kilometers or five years.

Classification of antifreeze

At the moment the antifreeze, there are only three varieties: G11, G12 and G13 (according to the classification by General Motors USA) – in accordance with the content of additives. Class G11 – starting with a basic set of inorganic additives and low maintenance properties. These liquids are suitable for passenger cars and trucks.

Antifreeze this group is often green or blue tint. This class may include commonin our country the antifreeze. Class G12 – the main type of antifreeze. The composition includes organic additives (carboxylates and ethylene glycol). This antifreeze is intended primarily for heavy trucks and modern high-rpm engines. It is ideal for heavy-duty applications that require maximum cooling.

Has a red or pink color. Class G13 constitute the antifreeze, where the basis is the propylene glycol. This antifreeze is dyed by the manufacturer in yellow or orange. Its distinctive feature is that it is in contact with the external environment rapidly decomposes into components, in contrast to ethylene glycol. Thus, the product 13 group more environmentally friendly.

Select the type of antifreeze

Antifreeze, as already mentioned, becomes better with increasing grade. Therefore, it is not worth saving: more expensive – better. In addition to classes, there is another classification of anti-freeze. This ready-to-use liquids and concentrates. The first can be recommended to novice drivers and experienced mechanics can experiment with concentrates. They should be diluted with distilled water to the correct proportions.

Select a brand of antifreeze

Due To the fact that fluids – a consumable element of any internal combustion engine, and the importers of these goods in great variety. Among the most common a couple of companies. In this country: "Felix" of the “Alaska”, “sintek”. These products are the most balanced ratio "price-quality». Antifreeze "Felix" belong to the class of G12, which greatly enhances their applicability. Product “Alaska” related with antifreeze (grade G11, with inorganic additives).

Depending on the options “Alaska” able to work in a wide temperature range from -65 to 50 degrees (Arctic and tropical composition). Of course, the G11 class imposes certain restrictions on the longevity of the fluid and its properties. However, affordable price is an important factor. The company's products are “sintek” is produced mainly in the G12 class. Such adhesives are excellent for all modern engines. Additive in this product is a patented, self-development, prevent deposits and corrosion on the internal surfaces of the cooling system.

Mixing different brands

A Few words should be said about mixing different brands of coolant. There are various types of antifreeze and will work, unfortunately, tends to zero. The result can be a conflict between the different additives.

The Result can be very different, until the damaged rubber pipes of the cooling system and clogging of the channels in the engine block. It should be borne in mind that the system is designed to work with antifreeze, it is strictly forbidden to pour water. Since it has a higher heat capacity, will change the thermal characteristics of the cooling system. In addition, different types of antifreeze due to its composition and presence of additives have lubricating properties, and when using water in the first place, and turn the water pump. Worse, if after the water pour antifreeze again. Then he interacts with the salts which is separated from the water will begin to foam. It will then be squeezed out through small gaps and leaks. This happens with any coolant (no matter what types of antifreeze are mixed).

Antifreeze as an indicator of the technical condition of the car

The condition of the coolant in the engine may indirectly serve as an indicator of grooming machines and partly to indicate his condition. If the product is dark and muddy, with traces of sediment on the bottom of the surge tank, the car not only with high mileage, but with signs of poor care.

Caring and attentive owner is not going to pull with the coolant change to the last.

Features of operation of cars with antifreeze in the cooling system

To prevent the breakage regular preventive maintenance of the cooling system. In the process of operation antifreeze, fulfilling its primary function, heat transfer from the engine to the radiator deteriorates over time. No matter what used types. And properties of antifreeze also change with time. In addition to monitoring the condition of the fluid itself, we must not lose sight of the system itself. It must be absolutely airtight. It should not be sucked exhaust gases or air. The appearance of such in the cooling system entails a reduction in heat transfer properties. The machine as a result overheats quickly, is the cylinder head. Motor almost can not be restored.

So, we found the types of antifreezes and their compatibility among themselves.