Hello! Probably, each of us at least once in our life had to deal with an unpleasant situation when a radiator leaked or coolant began to leave. The first step is to ensure that it is refilled into the system, however, there may not be a coolant of the same type at hand. Therefore, it will be quite logical to question whether it is possible to mix antifreeze, and will it not be harmful to the car?

As almost everyone knows, antifreeze or antifreeze is intended to prevent the engine from overheating. Unlike water previously used for these purposes, such a liquid is capable of not freezing even at the lowest temperatures. There are various types of coolants from domestic and foreign manufacturers. They can have different colors and differ from each other in chemical composition. That is why many drivers are concerned about the question: if antifreezes are different not only in the color of the liquid, but also in their components, is it possible to mix these varieties with each other.

There is an opinion that antifreeze and antifreeze are synonyms, that is, the words are the same in meaning. This is not true! Antifreeze is the designation for a low-freezing coolant produced in the Soviet Union. It turns out that antifreeze is just a type (brand) of antifreeze.

Each type of antifreeze is based on ethylene glycol with a specific set of additives. It will depend on them what properties antifreeze will have. Additives with lubricating qualities can be added to one of them, while the other has anti-corrosion protection. In addition, various brands of antifreeze differ in their freezing point and boiling point.

Some car enthusiasts believe that mixing the coolant is allowed if the coolant is from the same manufacturer. However, even within the same manufacturer, antifreeze can be completely different in its composition. Not to mention when we use liquids different color... In fact, the car will not immediately respond to this, but changes may come in the not too distant future.

Classification of antifreeze by color

As mentioned above, the whole point is not in the color, but in the different composition and individual components. Red antifreeze will have its own unique properties and composition. If one coolant uses compounds of inorganic origin, then the other can use organic or synthetics. It is not hard to imagine that the new mixture in the cooling system vehicle will have a set of characteristics that no one can predict.

Until recently, it was very convenient to classify different types of antifreeze by color. That is, green or blue antifreeze was referred to as so-called "silicate" coolants, while the red colored coolant was acidic in origin. However, to date, such a gradation will not be fair in all cases. Another antifreeze, yellow, also has a characteristic color due to the presence of a dye in the composition. It is the coloring components that make life easier for a driver who has previously used a particular type of coolant and therefore would prefer to choose it again.

Different grades of coolant

But what about when the coolant is the same color, but differs in different standards? For example, G11, 12 or others. Basically, they are roughly similar to each other. Almost all coolants are ethylene glycol and distilled water. By itself, such a mixture stands out for its destructive effect and is even capable of destroying the metal. In order to protect yourself and your car from such risks, additional additives are used.

Coolant under the G12 brand is usually painted in one of the varieties of red, it can even be pinkish or burgundy. In those parts of the cooling system, where the foci of corrosion have already begun to manifest themselves, it is capable of providing them with a protective effect. It can be used for up to 5 years, it is widely used in cars of imported brands assembled by domestic production.

Model G13 is usually yellowish or orange in color. It is a complete propylene glycol based antifreeze. It is considered a fairly environmentally friendly coolant, and therefore costs a little more than its counterparts. It is allowed for use in forced and turbocharged power units sports cars and motorcycles. However, due to the high price, it is rarely used in production cars in our country.

There is a separate classification of Japanese antifreeze grades. In them, each color indicates its freezing point. For example, yellow will freeze at minus 20, green will withstand frosts up to -25, and red up to minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Finally, let's dwell on one more point. Even if you once poured pink or another color of antifreeze, but it lost its original color, it means that the liquid has developed its properties. In this case, a replacement is definitely required, and as far as possible with Korea. Operating the car for a long time with used coolant can be harmful to it. Therefore, always pay attention to the color change.

The simplest and first thing that every car owner can do is refer to the instructions for use and read what the manufacturer recommends to him this car... It is also useful to know what kind of antifreeze the previous owner used to fill if the car changed hands. You do not need to mix antifreeze with water - since in this case there is generally a great risk of harm to the engine. Safe and reasonable operation is what will extend the life of any vehicle. Read the blog in subsequent publications to constantly learn something new and useful for yourself. Bye for today!

Provides mixing of various coolants (coolant). In particular, various grades, colors and specifications. However, it is necessary to add or mix different coolants in full accordance with the antifreeze compatibility table. If we neglect the information given there, then at best the obtained coolant will not meet the standards, and will not cope with the tasks assigned to it (to protect the engine cooling system from overheating), and at worst will lead to surface corrosion of individual parts of the system, a decrease in resource engine oil by 10 ... 20%, increase in fuel consumption up to 5%, risk of pump replacement and other unpleasant consequences.

Varieties of antifreeze and their features

To understand whether it is possible to mix antifreeze, you need to better understand the physical and chemical processes that accompany the mixing of these liquids. All antifreezes are divided into ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. In turn, ethylene glycol antifreezes are also divided into subspecies.

On the territory of the post-Soviet countries, the most common specification that distinguishes between antifreezes is a document issued by Volkswagen and has the TL 774 code. In accordance with it, antifreezes used in cars of this brand are divided into five types - C, F, G, H and J. The same encoding is commercially designated as G11, G12, G12 +, G12 ++, G13. This is how most often motorists choose antifreeze for their car in our country.

There are also other specifications released by various car manufacturers. For example, General Motors GM 1899-M and GM 6038-M, Ford WSS-M97B44-D, Komatsu KES 07.892, Hyundai-KIA MS591-08, Renault 41-01-001 / -S Type D, Mercedes-Benz 325.3 and others ...

AT different countries their own standards and rules apply. If for Russian Federation This is a well-known GOST, then for the USA - ASTM D 3306, ASTM D 4340: ASTM D 4985 (ethylene glycol-based antifreezes) and SAE J1034 (propylene glycol-based), which are often considered international. For England - BS6580: 1992 (almost similar to the aforementioned G11 from VW), for Japan - JISK 2234, for France - AFNORNFR 15-601, for Germany - FWHEFTR 443, for Italy - CUNA, for Australia - ONORM.

So, ethylene glycol antifreezes are divided into several more subspecies. In particular:

• Traditional (with inorganic corrosion inhibitors). According to the Volkswagen specification, they are designated as G11. Their international designation is IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology). Used on machines with older types of engines (mainly those whose parts are made largely of copper or brass). Their service life is 2 ... 3 years (less often longer). These types of antifreeze are usually green or blue. Although, in fact, the color does not directly affect the properties of antifreeze. Accordingly, you can only partially focus on the shade, but not accept it as the ultimate truth.
• Carboxylate (with organic inhibitors). The Volkswagen specification designates VW TL 774-D (G12, G12 +). As a rule, they are marked with a bright red dye, less often with lilac-violet (specification VW TL 774-F / G12 +, used by this company since 2003). International designation - OAT (Organic Acid Technology). The service life of such coolants is 3 ... 5 years. A feature of carboxylate antifreezes is the fact that they are used in new cars, which were originally designed only for this type of coolant. If you plan to switch to carboxylate antifreeze with an older one (G11), then it is imperative to perform the procedure for flushing the cooling system first with water, and then with a new antifreeze concentrate. Also replace all seals and hoses in the system.
• Hybrid... Their name is due to the fact that the composition of such antifreezes includes both salts of carboxylic acids and inorganic salts - usually silicates, nitrites or phosphates. As for the color, there are a variety of options available, from yellow or orange to blue and green. International designation - HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or Hybrid. Despite the fact that hybrids are considered worse than carboxylates, many manufacturers use just such antifreezes (for example, BMW and Chrysler). In particular, the specification of the BMW N600 69.0 is largely the same as the G11. Also for bMW cars the GS 94000 specification applies. For Opel - Opel-GM 6277M.
• Lobrids (international designation - Lobrid - Low hybrid or SOAT - Silicon enhanced Organic Acid Technology). They contain organic corrosion inhibitors in combination with silicon compounds. Are the most modern and have the best operational characteristics... In addition, the life of such antifreezes is up to 10 years (which often means the entire life of the machine). Conforms to VW TL 774-G / G12 ++ specification. As for the color, they are usually red, purple or lilac.

However, the most modern and advanced today are propylene glycol-based antifreezes. This alcohol is safer for the environment and humans. It is usually yellow or orange in color (although there may be other variations).

Years of validity of various standards by year

Antifreeze compatibility with each other

Having dealt with the existing specifications and their features, you can move on to the question of which antifreezes can be mixed, and why some of the listed types should not be interfered at all. The most basic rule to remember is top-up is allowed (mixing) antifreeze belonging to not only to one class, but also issued by one manufacturer (trade mark). It is due to the fact that despite the similarity of chemical elements, different enterprises use different technologies, processes and additives in their work. Therefore, when mixing them, chemical reactions, the result of which will be the neutralization of the protective properties of the resulting coolant.

Top up antifreeze	Antifreeze in the cooling system
	G11	G12	G12 +	G12 ++	G13
G11
G12
G12 +
G12 ++
G13

In the case when there is no suitable analogue for replacement at hand, it is recommended to dilute the existing antifreeze with water, preferably distilled water (in a volume of no more than 200 ml). This will reduce the temperature and protective characteristics of the coolant, but will not lead to harmful chemical reactions inside the cooling system.

note that some classes of antifreeze are in principle incompatible together! For example, coolants of the classes G11 and G12 must not be mixed. At the same time, a mixture of classes G11 and G12 +, as well as G12 ++ and G13 is allowed. It should be added here that adding antifreeze of various classes is allowed only for the operation of the mixture for a short time. That is, in cases where there is no liquid suitable for replacement. A universal tip is the ability to top up with G12 + antifreeze or distilled water. But as soon as possible, flush the cooling system and fill with coolant recommended by the manufacturer.

Also, many are interested in compatibility "... Let us immediately answer this question - it is NOT possible to mix this domestic coolant with modern new coolants. This is due to the chemical composition of "Tosol". Without going into details, it should be said that this fluid was once developed for radiators made of copper and brass... This is exactly what the automakers in the USSR did. However, in modern foreign cars, radiators are made of aluminum. Accordingly, special antifreezes are being developed for them. And the composition of "Tosol" is harmful to them.

Do not forget that it is not recommended to drive for a long time on any mixture, even one that will not harm the cooling system of the car engine. This is due to the fact that the mixture does not perform protective functionswhich are assigned to antifreeze. Therefore, over time, the system and its individual elements can become covered with rust, or gradually deplete their resource. Therefore, at the earliest opportunity, it is necessary to replace the coolant using appropriate means.

Continuing the topic of flushing the cooling system, it is worthwhile to briefly dwell on the use of concentrate. For example, some automotive manufacturers recommend multi-stage cleaning with concentrated antifreeze. For example, after flushing the system with cleaning agents, MAN recommends cleaning with a 60% solution of concentrate in the first step and 10% in the second. After that, fill the cooling system with already working 50% coolant.

However, you will find accurate information about the use of one or another antifreeze only in the instructions or directly on its packaging.

However, it would be more technically wise to use and mix those antifreezes that comply with manufacturer's tolerances your car (and not those that were adopted by Volkswagen, and have become practically the standard with us). The difficulty here lies, firstly, in finding these requirements directly. And secondly, not all packages of antifreeze indicate that it supports a certain specification, although this may be the case. But if possible, follow the rules and requirements set by the manufacturer of your car.

Antifreeze color compatibility

Before answering the question of whether it is possible to mix antifreeze of different colors, you need to return to the definitions of what classes there are antifreezes. Recall that clear rules regarding what color should this or that liquid be, no... Moreover, individual manufacturers have their own differentiation in this regard. However, historically, most G11 antifreezes are green (blue), G12, G12 + and G12 ++ are red (pink), and G13 is yellow (orange).

therefore further actions should consist of two stages. First, you need to make sure that the color of the antifreeze matches the class described above. Otherwise, you need to be guided by the information provided in the previous section. If the colors match, then you need to reason in the same way. That is, you cannot mix green (G11) with red (G12). As for the rest of the combinations, you can safely mix (green with yellow and red with yellow, that is, G11 with G13 and G12 with G13, respectively). However, there is a nuance here, since antifreezes of the G12 + and G12 ++ classes also have a red (pink) color, but they can be mixed with G11 with G13.

We should also mention "Tosol". In the classic version, it comes in two colors - blue ("Antifreeze OZH-40") and red ("Antifreeze OZh-65"). Naturally, in this case, you cannot mix liquids, despite the fact that the color is suitable.

Mixing antifreeze by color is technically illiterate. Before the procedure, it is necessary to find out exactly to which class both liquids intended for mixing belong. This will save you the trouble.

And try to mix antifreezes, not only belonging to the same class, but also released under the same brand name. This will additionally ensure that there are no hazardous chemical reactions. Also, before directly adding one or another antifreeze to the engine cooling system of your car, you can perform a test and check these two fluids for compatibility.

How to check the compatibility of antifreeze

It is not difficult to check the compatibility of various types of antifreeze, even at home or garage conditions... True, the method described below will not give a 100% guarantee, but visually it is still possible to assess how much one coolant can work in one mixture with another.

In particular, the test method is to take a sample of the liquid that is currently in the car's cooling system and mix it with the one that is to be added. You can take a sample with a syringe or use the antifreeze drain hole.

After you have a container with the tested liquid in your hands, add to it approximately the same amount of antifreeze that you plan to add to the system, and wait a few minutes (about 5 ... 10 minutes). If a violent chemical reaction did not occur during the mixing process, foam did not appear on the surface of the mixture, and no sediment formed at the bottom, then most likely antifreezes do not conflict with each other. Otherwise (if at least one of the listed conditions manifests itself), it is worth abandoning the idea of \u200b\u200busing the mentioned antifreeze as a top-up liquid. For the reliability of the compatibility test, you can heat the mixture to 80-90 degrees.

Finally, we will give a few generalizing facts regarding topping up, which will be useful for any car enthusiast to know.

1. If the car uses copper or brass radiator with cast-iron engine blocks, then the simplest G11 class antifreeze must be poured into its cooling system (usually green or blue, but this must be specified on the packaging). An excellent example of such machines are domestic vases classic models.
2. In the case when the radiator and other elements of the car engine cooling system are from aluminum and its alloys (and most modern machines, especially foreign cars, they are), then as a "coolant" it is necessary to use more advanced antifreezes belonging to the classes G12 or G12 +. They are usually pink or orange in color. For the newest cars, especially the sports and executive class, you can use lobrid antifreezes of the G12 ++ or G13 types (this information should be specified in the technical documentation or in the manual).
3. If you do not know what kind of coolant is currently poured into the system, and its level has dropped very much, then you can add there or up to 200 ml of distilled water or G12 + antifreeze... Fluids of this type are compatible with all of the coolants listed above.
4. By and large, for operation for a short time, you can mix any antifreeze, except for the domestic "Tosol", with any coolant, and you can also not mix antifreezes of the G11 and G12 types. Their compositions differ, therefore, the chemical reactions that occur during mixing can not only neutralize the protective effects of the mentioned coolants, but also destroy rubber seals and / or hoses in the system. And remember that you cannot drive for a long time with a mixture of different antifreezes! Flush the cooling system as soon as possible and fill with the antifreeze recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
5. The ideal option for adding (mixing) antifreeze is using a product from the same canister (bottles). That is, you buy a container with a large capacity, and you fill in only part of it into the system (as much as the system needs). And either store the rest of the liquid in the garage or carry it with you in the trunk. This way, you can never go wrong with the choice of antifreeze to top up. However, when the canister runs out, it is recommended to flush the engine cooling system before using new antifreeze.

Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to keep the engine cooling system in working order for a long time. In addition, remember that if the antifreeze does not fulfill its functions, then this is fraught with an increase in fuel consumption, a decrease in the resource of engine oil, the risk of corrosion on the internal surfaces of the cooling system parts, up to destruction.

Very frequent question both to my channel (Youtube) and to the blog it is the compatibility of coolants. Namely - what happens if you mix antifreezes? And then there were variations - from one manufacturer, but in different colors. Same colors, but different manufacturers... Various standards such as G11, G12, G13, etc. In general, I am constantly answering these questions, and they are constantly asking me. Therefore, today I want to write this article, in which I will answer everything at once, as usual there will be a video at the end. The information is helpful, so read on ...

I would like to note right away, we will talk about mixing, because despite the different names, these two liquids are also very similar.

What is the same in the compositions?

Well, what at the very beginning I want to repeat once again - guys, all antifreezes, especially in the G11 and G12 standards, are very similar in their base. What I mean is that 80% of the composition of both red and green and blue antifreeze is the same. Usually it is ethylene glycol +. The remaining 20% \u200b\u200b(and possibly less), these are already additives that characterize this or that behavior, I also have an article about this,.

That is, it turns out if you mix, various antifreezes, of different colors and categories, then they will be 80% similar.

What's different?

The difference, as I said from above, is the additives. That is, various additives are added to the same liquid and the desired composition is obtained. It is worth noting that the additives in the compositions are needed precisely in order to remove the negative destructive effect of ethylene glycol and water, because this combination is extremely active and can destroy any metal surface, and even more so a tube or radiator wall. And additives restrain this ardor, removing the negative impact.

To roughly characterize, now only two types of additives are distinguished:

• These are protective ... They protect the tubes and pipes inside, forming a film on their surface that does not allow metal parts to collapse. They are mainly used in G11 and our TOSOLA.
• It is anti-corrosion ... There is no film formation here, but it turns out that all the work takes place when rust begins to appear. These additives block the lesion by simply sealing it. Applied in G12 and G12 +.

To be fair, now there is also a third type - hybrid additives (G13 antifreezes), this is when two protective and anti-corrosion effects are combined at once, that is, they are simply mixed in the right proportion.

About color

The color of antifreeze is more of a distinctive component. As a rule, now, it does not bear any semantic meaning. Although many manufacturers, including Volkswagen, tried to introduce color differences in antifreeze, they even had their own recommended colors.

So G11 was almost always green.

G12 - red (well, or bright orange)

G13 - purple

Although many manufacturers now do not follow the path of Volkswagen and paint antifreezes in the colors they want, this is all because there is no strict standardization. So G11 can be both blue and reddish. G12 is green. ...

The colors were introduced so that the driver could easily and easily distinguish between antifreezes, but the confusion between manufacturers now more and more confuses the common man in the street.

What happens if you mix green, red, yellow (purple) antifreezes from different manufacturers?

YES actually nothing will happen, you can pour and not even be afraid, if they maintain their standard, then ABSOLUTELY NOTHING SCARY WILL HAPPEN. Such questions arise when, say, our own branded antifreeze is over, there is nowhere to buy it (for example, you are on a trip), and red from another manufacturer are sold.

So G11 green (from one manufacturer) can be mixed with G11 green from another manufacturer. The main thing is to have similar standards.

As you might have guessed, the G12 can be mixed with another manufacturer's G12.

You can do the same with G13, that is, pouring yellow into yellow or purple into purple.

What happens if you mix different colors

Remember what I said above - there may be one characteristic, but the colors may differ. For example, I've personally seen the G11 in both blue and green. THEY CAN BE MIXED, NOTHING SCARY WILL HAPPEN.

Here I would also like to note that our Russian TOSOL is nothing more than G11 antifreeze and can be mixed with green or blue from another manufacturer.

Everything is the same, you can turn it with G12. If their colors are different, then this does not mean anything! The characteristics are the same, which means mixing is possible.

G13 is now very much fooling the brain of my readers. The thing is that there are only two primary colors - yellow and purple. And many are simply afraid to mix them up. Guys, if there is an inscription of the standard, then there is simply nothing to be afraid of, do not be afraid to mix. Color is just a dye.

Is it possible to mix different characteristics, for exampleG11 andG12

Here you already need to think, although again, nothing terrible, most likely, will not happen. BUT you need to understand that there is a subgroup of G11 and G12, but there is a completely different option, this is G13.

If we take the first subgroup, then mixing will lead to the fact that there will be additives in the final liquid, both protective and anti-corrosion. You won't be able to control the mixing properly, though. The precipitate will most likely not fall, BUT you need to understand that the addition of other additives not designed for your car, in particular radiators, can worsen cooling. WHY? YES, because green antifreezes envelop the tubes with a film inside, which interferes with the cooling of the engine and other units. That is, if you suddenly added antifreeze to red, say green or blue, then be prepared for the fact that temperature regime may fall. All this will also happen and vice versa, if you add blue or green (G11) to red (G12), then the characteristics of the liquid also drop.

Can yellow and green (red) antifreezes be mixed

There is already a slightly different situation, namely the yellow and purple compounds of G13, these are completely different substances. What I mean.

In red and blue (green) versions - the main mass fraction is distilled water + ethylene glycol.

And in the yellow and purple versions - the main mass fraction is propylene glycol + distilled water.

That is, even the base is different here! Ethylene glycol (toxic) was replaced by propylene glycol (safe), these are two monohydric alcohols, they were changed only in order to remove the toxic component.

Also in the G13, there are two types of additives - immediately anti-corrosion + protective.

What happens when you add to yellow antifreeze red or green?

Actually, nothing good:

• WE just do not know how ethylene glycol and propylene glycol will react with each other, even though they are similar, BUT IT'S NOT THE SAME.
• The additives that are in the yellow (purple) version are designed for propylene glycol, it is not known how they will behave with ethylene glycol!
• Also, we do not know, but additives are compatible in general!

Hence the moral - to mixG11 andG12 (G12 +) withG13, I wouldn't! There is a high probability that a precipitate may fall out, because, after all, they are not the same thing.

But G13 is purple and yellow, you CAN mix it without being afraid!

Fake antifreeze

Actually, it seems to me that the topic is fully disclosed! BUT what I want to say in the end - have you ever wondered why some formulations, say branded or serious companies, are expensive, but there are formulations that are very cheap?

The same G13 antifreeze, made under the patronage volkswagen (usually purple), it can cost 300 rubles per liter

And the yellow one, say the same G13, produced in some unknown place and not clear by whom, can cost the same money only for a 5 liter canister.

It's all about "fake", because a high-quality liquid will not be cheap, it will also meet all the characteristics and safety requirements, such as.

The question of which antifreeze can be mixed with each other, and whether it is possible to mix its different colors, is relevant. Thanks to industry, the days when water was poured into cars can be called the last century. But, since the percentage of those who happened to grow up in the "scoop" is still very high, then progress has not overtaken everyone.

For example, I will give a story told by my acquaintances. One day at the end of autumn, he went to visit his grandfather in the village. What was his surprise when in the evening an angry grandfather "flew" into the house, and the granddaughter began to scold him for negligence.

As it turned out, the grandfather simply poured onto the ground all the antifreeze that was poured into his grandson's car. He was fully convinced that it was water, and he was saving the car from freezing. Therefore, any car owner needs to know what antifreeze is, what it is intended for and how to do it correctly.

What antifreeze can be mixed with each other, and can different colors be mixed? To understand this, we will study what modern manufacturers offer us.

Why refrigerate? Since, while driving, not only the car itself moves, but also most of the parts inside it, naturally they heat up. This can lead to wear and even destruction of many spare parts (eg bearings). To avoid this, there is a cooling system. Pour into it special liquids (antifreezes) that have low temperatures viscosity.

What are they?

Antifreezes are divided into 2 groups:

• With a salt base (blue, green);
• With acidic (red).

So that consumers do not confuse them, antifreezes are painted in different colors. It is worth considering that dyes do not add any properties, and do not change its composition. They only help determine what you need to buy.

Color system

Let's consider a classic version of antifreeze coloring. Although, it is worth considering that this rule is not always respected by manufacturers. And there can be a lot of shade options too:

• TL (traditional) - blue. It is this antifreeze that is closest in composition to Tosol;
• G11 - green, blue or blue-green;
• G12, G12 +, G12 ++ - red and all its shades (up to lilac);
• G13 - yellow, purple, pink (although, in practice, it is he who is painted in all the colors of the rainbow).

It is worth remembering that there is no single standard. Any manufacturer can paint their products in any color, regardless of its type.

Should I mix? Salt antifreezes are more toxic. It is not recommended to mix them with others. Wrong mixed antifreeze, turn into a completely unpredictable substance. It can foam, corrode oil seals, or cause deposits and corrosion. The most popular in Russia are. Using their example, we will consider what and with what can be mixed so as not to harm the car.

G11 (mineral)

This antifreeze contains silicate components. As practice shows, it can be painted in almost any color (orange, yellow, etc.). When it gets into the system, it covers its walls with a protective film. Among the disadvantages can be noted a reduced service life (no more than 2 years). And also, over time, the same protective layer crumbles.

Then it is carried by the system, and already openly harms it, turning into an abrasive. Hence the short shelf life. In addition, this film becomes the cause of impaired heat transfer in the system.

G12 (organic)

It is a carboxylate antifreeze. It is colored bright red. Famous for its local action. If there is corrosion in the system, then such antifreeze will prevent it from spreading further. This effect is achieved due to special additives. The term of his “work” lasts at least 5 years. And then, then it is replaced, only due to a decrease in the activity of additives. True, if you diluted the concentrate with your own hands or added water, then the resource is reduced to 3 years.

Its disadvantage is that it does not prevent the appearance of corrosion, but only keeps the existing one. The appearance of “plus” types in this line is, in fact, a step backward. But this helped to correct this disadvantage. So, G12 + and G12 ++ (hybrid) work to prevent this “disease”. But on the other hand, there is an obvious plus, this antifreeze will not become an abrasive, since no films appear.

G13 (hybrid)... Basically, it's just a modified G12 ++... The only difference was the replacement of poisonous ethylene glycol with safe propylene glycol. But because of this, the price for them has increased dramatically, so they are not popular. Our people are not yet ready to overpay for environmental safety

Mixing

All antifreezes can be mixed with their counterparts, regardless of their color. For example, some manufacturers may produce pink instead of red antifreeze. You should rely on the type of antifreeze. Grades from different manufacturers, but of the same type, are allowed to be mixed, although this is not recommended. True, this only applies quality antifreeze... Fakes among them are also not uncommon, so do not lose your vigilance. The difference in additives can play a cruel joke on you.

At best, they will stop working, and at worst, they will openly harm. G11 can be mixed with all antifreezes except G12. But G12 only with its counterparts or G12 +. Mixing G12 with all other types of antifreeze is prohibited.

G13 can be mixed with G12 + and G12 ++. Remember, under no circumstances do antifreeze and Antifreeze mix. This is prohibited due to too much difference in their compositions. In addition, Tosol is too aggressive for the majority of “foreigners”. Remember that the color of the coolant does not indicate its composition. Focus only on the composition and type.

Mixing with water... In the summertime, it is permissible to make up for the lack of antifreeze with distilled water. True, it is highly undesirable to use ordinary water for this. This can result in rust, scale and contamination of hoses and system connections. Do you need it? But this is only in the summer. It is not recommended to add any water in winter. There is more than enough of it in the coolant (about 65%). Be sure to keep in mind that the addition of water will shorten the “life” of the coolant by a year.

Conclusion... Remember, the compatibility of imported coolants is much higher than that of domestic ones. But this is not a reason to mindlessly interfere with them. Always study the composition. Negligent manufacturers can label them incorrectly. For the sake of consumer demand. Knowing which antifreeze can be mixed with each other, and whether its different colors can be mixed, will help you avoid problems and repair the cooling system.

Every experienced motorist knows what antifreeze is. For beginners who are new to everything, you can answer that antifreeze is a special engine coolant that can not only cool the engine, but also not freeze even at very low temperatures. Plus, all antifreezes are divided into several colors, where each color defines its own "personal" chemical composition. For example, the base of red antifreeze is acid, blue and green are silicates, or in other words, salts.

Hence the question arises - these fluids do the same job, but is it possible to mix different antifreezes, differing from each other in color, and hence in chemical composition?

Why at the beginning of the article was noted such property of antifreeze as resistance to freezing? The thing is that in the recent past, ordinary water was used to cool the engine, but, as you know, water had a number of significant drawbacks when used specifically for cooling. First, it boils at high temperatures. Secondly, it froze at sub-zero temperatures. And thirdly, it served as the cause of the appearance of corrosion, or in a simple way, rust. Antifreeze does not freeze, does not boil, and corrosion does not appear from it.

Each individual antifreeze has a single base - this is ethylene glycol (propylene glycol), and a certain composition of additives. The main difference between antifreezes is not even its color, but characteristics determined by color. That is, one antifreeze has anti-corrosion protection, the other has lubricating properties, the third is distinguishable by the freezing and boiling temperatures, and also has a difference in properties and degree of aggressiveness to car parts. But it's not just the color that determines the content.

The belief of all drivers who believe that different antifreezes, but from the same manufacturer, can be mixed is a sheer delusion. But that's not all. Adding red antifreeze from one company, to the same red, but from another manufacturer, one cannot be absolutely sure that they are similar in both characteristics and composition. Because in one line, an antifreeze manufacturer still adheres to the same composition, which cannot be said about a coolant made by another company, even if it is the same color. At the same time, it can have completely different properties than the one that is filled in the tank.

All the troubles from such "topping up" may appear far from immediately, but after some time, and having already substantially introduced their destructive properties into the system. Although by itself, if filled in correctly, antifreeze does not pose any threat to car parts.

Color is nothing, additive is everything

But the color itself does not matter as much as the additives in one or another antifreeze composition have. Each manufacturer uses its own additives, so the set of additives can vary significantly both in the amount of substances used in the manufacture and in the general composition itself. So, for example, inorganic compounds are used in one coolant, and in the other - chemical compounds of a new generation. Therefore, mixing antifreezes of different nature and composition can significantly worsen all the positive properties of the mixture. All this adversely affects all the details of the motor, which subsequently can completely disable it.

Mix - do not mix, that is the question

At the end of the article, you need to make a small digression, which cannot be considered a rule in any way, but it is worth knowing about it.

The age of new technologies and innovative solutions brings us qualitatively new products every day. So the new generation coolant, made using the latest technologies, has completely new properties, one of which is noted for possible compatibility with other antifreezes. Moreover, this information, for the most part, is displayed on the product label. But still, even taking into account this information, and using only high-quality latest developments in the field of all kinds of lubricants and coolants in your car, you should not risk it and use antifreeze with completely different properties for topping up. Even if it's the same color.

What is the best thing to do in a situation of painful choice - which antifreeze to top up and whether they can be mixed in principle. The simplest thing to do to get started is to simply look into the manual that comes with each car and carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations. If the manual is lost, or the car is second-hand, and what the previous owner poured into it remains a mystery, then there is only one and the most correct solution. This is a complete change of the coolant in the system. In addition, the quality and service life of antifreeze can be determined by its color. If he radically changed his original color, then there is no need to hesitate - just change.

Video

The following video details antifreeze and how to use it: