Types of antifreeze. Composition, characteristics, purpose

Antifreeze (from English "freeze") is a collective term for special fluids intended for cooling of units that are heated during operation - internal combustion engines, industrial plants, pumps, etc., when operating below zero. There are different types of antifreeze, and their characteristics are also different. A feature of these liquids is a low freezing point and a high boiling point. In automobile engines such liquids are used. It should be remembered that antifreeze is not eternal. It should be changed from time to time, especially in the off-season. Unfortunately, many car owners are neglecting such a procedure or are poured that will fall on the arm. Meanwhile, this is a very extensive topic in which it is necessary to understand and know the theoretical aspects of choosing a cooling liquid. Before you figure out what is the classification of antifreeze, you should study in more detail what it is and what is the cooling system.

Internal combustion engine cooling system

As it becomes clear from the name, as a result of the processes occurring inside the motor, its heating occurs. Consequently, it needs cooling. It is carried out by means of the circulation of the cooling liquid. It moves through special channels. So, what is antifreeze and how does it work?

The liquid, passing through the channels, heats up, and then enters the radiator, in which it cools. After that, the cycle repeats. Antifreeze circulates continuously under pressure, which provides a special pump.

Purpose of the coolant

A special liquid is used to remove heat from the engine. In addition to cooling, it also equalizes the temperature of the various sections of the engine. The channels through which the coolant circulates can eventually become clogged with deposits and rust. In such places, the engine will heat up more. Therefore, when the cooling system breaks down, the cylinder head is often warped.

The secondary function of SOD is the heating of the passenger compartment and throttle assembly. Thus, the stove is included in the cooling unit and is its integral part. Before the appearance of the famous antifreeze, ordinary water was poured into the cooling system. But she had several shortcomings. First, the liquid freezes at 0 degrees and at the same time expands, ripping the cast-iron block of cylinders. Therefore, in the USSR it was extremely necessary in the cold season every evening to drain water from the cooling system. Secondly, the liquid boils at 100 degrees. At that time, the motors did not heat up to that temperature under normal conditions. But in the highlands such boiling was not uncommon. The third disadvantage of water is the promotion of corrosion. Cooling channels and ducts inside the engine actively rusted, and their thermal conductivity deteriorated.

Composition of antifreezes

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

• Fundamentals.
• The additive complex.

The basis is a water-glycol composition (it does not matter what kind of antifreeze it is). The ability not to freeze at low temperature, fluidity, specific heat depends on it . The most common component of any coolant is ethylene glycol. However, its mixture with water also contributes to the corrosion of the elements of the cooling system. But how to be in this situation? For this, additives are added to the base composition. This is a complex of antifoaming, stabilizing and anticorrosive components. In addition, antifreeze fragrance fragrances and colorants are often added.

Types of products and their characteristics

Modern cooling fluids are conventionally divided into two types - silicate and carboxylate. All known antifreeze is just the first type as the cheapest and universal. Silicates are the main additive in inorganic cooling liquids. The minus of these substances lies in the fact that they settle on the walls of the channels in the block of cylinders and interfere with normal heat transfer. As a result - frequent motor overheating. There is another serious drawback - inorganic antifreeze must be changed at least 30 thousand kilometers. Otherwise, there will be obvious signs of corrosion of cooling channels, which will be difficult to cope with. Organic antifreeze has only organic acids in its composition. The peculiarity of these additives is that they cover only areas with apparent corrosion. Due to this, the thermal conductivity of the cooling channels practically does not deteriorate. Another advantage of organic antifreeze - a long period of work. The product can be operated up to 150 thousand kilometers or up to five years.

Classification of antifreezes

At present, there are only three types of antifreeze: G11, G12 and G13 (according to General Motors USA) - in accordance with the content of additives in them. Class G11 - initial, with a basic set of inorganic additives and low performance properties. These fluids are suitable for cars and trucks.

Antifreeze of this group has a green or blue shade more often. It is to this class that one can refer the common antifreeze in our country. Class G12 - the main type of antifreeze. The composition includes organic additives (carboxylate and ethylene glycol). This antifreeze is designed mainly for heavy trucks and modern high-speed motors. It is ideal for heavy duty applications where maximum cooling is required.

Has a red or pink color. Class G13 is composed of antifreezes, where propylene glycol is used as a base. Such antifreeze is colored by the manufacturer in yellow or orange color. Its characteristic feature is that, when it enters the external environment, it decomposes faster into constituents, in contrast to ethylene glycol. Thus, the product of the 13th group is more environmentally friendly.

Choosing the type of antifreeze

Antifreeze, as has already been said, becomes more qualitative with the rise of the class. Therefore, it is not worth saving on it: more expensive means better. Besides classes, there is another classification of antifreeze. These are ready-to-use liquids and concentrates. The first can be recommended for novice motorists, and experienced mechanics can experiment with concentrates. They must be diluted with distilled water to the correct proportions.

Choosing a brand of antifreeze

Due to the fact that cooling fluids are a necessary consumable element of any internal combustion engine, there are a great many manufacturers of this product. Among the most common are several companies. In our country it is: "Felix", "Alaska", "Sintek". These products are most balanced in terms of the "price-quality" ratio. Antifreezes "Felix" belong to the class G12, which greatly expands their applicability. The product "Alaska" is related to the antifreeze (class G11, with inorganic additives).

Depending on the options, "Alaska" is able to operate in a wide temperature range: from -65 to 50 degrees (Arctic and tropical composition). Of course, class G11 imposes certain restrictions on the longevity of the liquid and its properties. However, a democratic price is a very significant factor. The products of the company "Sintek" are produced mainly in the class G12. These antifreezes are excellent for all modern engines. Additives in this product - patented, self-developed, prevent deposits and corrosion on the internal surfaces of the cooling system.

Mixing of different brands

A few words should be said about mixing different brands of coolant. There are different types of antifreeze and their compatibility, unfortunately, tends to zero. As a result, there may be a conflict between different additives.

The result can be very different, up to the damage of the rubber pipes of the cooling system and the clogging of the channels in the engine block. It should be borne in mind that in systems designed to work with antifreeze, it is strictly forbidden to fill the water. Since it has a large heat capacity, the thermal characteristics of the cooling system will change. In addition, different types of antifreeze due to its composition and the presence of additives, have lubricating properties, and when using water, first of all, the water pump will deteriorate. Worse, if you fill the water with antifreeze after the water. Then he, interacting with the salts that separated from the water, begins to foam. Then it will be squeezed out through small gaps and looseness. This happens with any coolant (it does not matter which kinds of antifreeze are mixed).

Antifreeze as an indicator of the technical condition of the car

The state of the coolant in the engine can indirectly serve as an indicator of the car's well-being and partly indicate its technical condition. If the product is dark and cloudy, with traces of sediment at the bottom of the expansion tank, then the car is not only with a high mileage, but also with signs of poor care.

A caring and considerate host will not pull with the replacement of the cooling liquid until the last.

Features of the operation of cars with antifreeze in the cooling system

To prevent damage, regular cooling system maintenance is necessary. In the process of operating antifreeze, performing its main function, the transfer of heat from the engine to the radiator, eventually deteriorates. Regardless of which species were used. And the properties of antifreeze also change with time. In addition to monitoring the state of the liquid itself, one should not lose sight of the system itself. It must be absolutely airtight. Exhaust gases or air must not be sucked into it. The appearance of such in the cooling system entails a decrease in the thermal conductivity properties. The machine as a result quickly overheats, leads the cylinder head. The motor is almost not subject to recovery.

So, we found out the types of antifreeze and their compatibility with each other.