What is antifreeze and what is it for?

The heating and cooling systems of the car engine work by the circulation of a special fluid in the system. It is similar in its properties to water. The liquid, with constant circulation, takes away excess heat from the engine and transports it to the radiator. Here, this heat is given to the atmosphere. This liquid is antifreeze. It appeared 50 years ago. Let's look at what a tosol is, why it is needed, what characteristics it has and how to replace it in a car.

Facts from history

Now you can often hear how motorists compare antifreeze and antifreeze. But to compare these substances is the same as trying to compare fish and crucian carp. Philistine believes that antifreeze is a coolant that has a higher quality. And often it is imported production. A tosol is a domestic product. In other words, colored water. People do not know what a tosol is, but in vain.

The time of its appearance coincides with the release of the first car from AvtoVAZ. Before that there was ordinary water in radiators. In severe frost , alcohol or ethylene glycol was added to the water. This protected the liquid from freezing.

This composition was crystalline and quite viscous, which eliminated the rupture of batteries. In old cars there were cast-iron motors. This liquid was also very safe in terms of corrosion. It was the most ideal solution. And called it antifreeze.

The first problems with this composition appeared when the first car from AvtoVAZ came off the assembly line. In its cooling system VAZ trucks used very different materials. For them, the existing coolant was not categorically suitable. Therefore, a completely new liquid without corrosive drawbacks was developed in state institutions - antifreeze. VAZ models worked well on it. At the heart of the coolant were salts of inorganic origin. They formed a film on metal surfaces to protect the metal from ethylene glycol.

Tosol and its name

The liquid got its name from the name of the department. The product was developed by TOC, or organic synthesis technologies. Soon the name passed to TOSOL and then became a brand and standard for cooling liquids. Properties were clearly regulated, as was the composition.

In the Soviet Union, two classes of these substances were produced. So, on sale was antifreeze A-40 and A-65, as well as antifreeze - M-40 and M-65.

The first liquid was obtained as a result of mixing the product of mark "A" with ordinary water. The figure meant a temperature threshold at which the composition would freeze. Antifreeze was of lower quality.

Tosol for "Zhiguli"

Then the given name became popular among motorists and subsequently became a household name. And as AvtoVAZ products became more and more successful and popular with the people, then the antifreeze was the best choice. It was then that a stereotype was born among motorists - this composition is suitable only for "Zhiguli".

Tosol and its composition

This substance, whose composition is much more complicated than water. The latter is also present in the liquid, but in addition to it there are other additives in the coolant. They provide all the properties that Tosol possesses. Let's look at what these properties are and why this product is more effective than distilled water.

The main element in the composition of the antifreeze is distilled water. It makes the substance less viscous. Now, knowing what the antifreeze is, we can say that the denser the coolant, the less it is diluted. Motorists themselves regulate the density of the composition. This helps to save liquid.

Another substance that is contained in the antifreeze is propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. These substances are derived from ordinary alcohol. Alcohol and propylene glycol have the same smell and similar composition. Substances on an alcohol basis are necessary so that in winter the liquid does not freeze and could retain its primary state. Propylene glycol is colorless, but its smell is sharp. It can easily be distinguished from any other substances.

It is because of the sharp smell that the manufacturers of cooling liquids added a special additive to the composition, partially compensating for the unpleasant odor. Aromatic additive often does not have its aroma and is used for compensation, improving the properties of the liquid.

Another important component is the dye. It is necessary for giving a liquid a certain color. The shade helps to easily distinguish the antifreeze from another coolant - antifreeze.

Unique properties

So, we know what is antifreeze. This is a domestic cooling fluid. Let's consider what properties it has. This liquid is poured into the motors to cool them. But there are other reasons. Any liquid can cope with cooling. However, it is precisely in the antifreeze that special additive substances are contained, which protect the radiator metal from corrosion. Often heat exchangers rust from the inside. An anti-corrosion additive creates a special film inside the radiator. Through it, moisture can not affect the metal and react with it. Due to these anti-corrosion properties, it is possible to prolong life several times the engine and the radiator.

For most other water-based fluids, it is difficult to maintain the desired state at sub-zero temperatures. But the antifreeze in the engine will not freeze. This liquid contains alcohol. Due to this, the substance will not freeze even at extreme temperatures. The antifreeze begins to boil only at 110 degrees, which is also a very important property.

Domestic production: composition and marking

Depending on the marking, the composition of the liquid, its density and technical characteristics are also different. Now in modern classification manufacturers use letters - A, M, K. Figures - 30, 40, 65. The letters denote the type of antifreeze - automobile, modernized, concentrate.

The figures indicate the freezing point. Also, the labeling may contain parts of the name of the manufacturer. Fluids, the freezing point of which is below 65 degrees, is not on the market right now. The level of crystallization is provided by the concentration of ethylene glycol. As for the additives, they are not less than 8. Their number can reach up to 15.

Selection rules

Modern manufacturers supply not only the traditional blue liquid to the market - there are a lot of other shades. It should be remembered that the color does not affect the technical characteristics. The main purpose of the shade is the differences between manufacturers and mixing conditions.

The temperature at which this coolant boils is in the range of 104 to 112 degrees. One way to get a quality liquid is to check the density level. Good performance - from 1,060 to 1,090 grams per cubic centimeter. Replacement of antifreeze is carried out on the same liquid that was filled in the car.

How to replace the coolant by yourself

To replace the coolant, do not go to the service center. You can perform the operation yourself. Even girls can cope with this. You need to know a few simple rules, and then there will be no difficulties. Let's look at how to change the antifreeze yourself. It is important to work on a cold engine - when the motor is hot, do not unscrew the expansion tank cap.

First of all, the car is put on a level platform. This is necessary in order to completely remove the spent liquid during the replacement process. In other cases, a complete discharge from the system is not possible. Inside, there must be something left. In order to carry out the discharge of the antifreeze, it is necessary to unscrew the upper and lower covers of the radiator. Also, put empty containers under the cover. Its volume should be at least seven liters for cars and at least ten for low-tonnage cargo (such as GAZelle).

Then, flush the cooling system and screw the outlet bottom plug. Further, finally, there will be a long-awaited replacement.

The liquid is poured into the opening of the expansion tank to the very top, and then sealed. After that, the car starts and watches the temperature sensor readings. Next, check the level and, if necessary, fill the liquid again. Here's how to fill the antifreeze - this instruction is relevant for any cars.