Antifreeze: red, green, blue - what is the difference and which one is better to fill?

Antifreeze is a coolant used in cars. The percentage composition of antifreeze class G11, G12, G12+ is as follows: ethylene glycol 90%!, additives 5-7%!, water 3-5%. Please note - the difference in additives is 5-7%!=.

Composition of antifreeze G11

Antifreeze labeled G11 contains silicates and inorganic additives. This coolant was used for cars of older brands (before 1996) under the name “Tosol”. The boiling point of G11 is 105 degrees. The service life of this brand of coolant is 2-3 years or up to 80 thousand. km run. The liquid is designed for cars with a large cooling system. It creates a protective film throughout the cooling system, which protects parts from corrosion, but at the same time this film reduces the process of thermal conductivity, which is a significant disadvantage.

Therefore, for modern cars that have a small cooling system volume, this type of antifreeze is not suitable, which is explained by its insufficient cooling capabilities.

Attention! Ethylene glycol is a strong poison, the lethal dose for humans is only 200 - 300 grams.

Characteristics of G12

If you have used G11 antifreeze before, then a logical question arises: what is the difference between G 11 and G 12 antifreezes and what is the significant difference?

G12

The composition of G 12 antifreeze is based on carboxylate organic compounds. The difference between G 12 antifreeze and G 11 is that G 12 antifreeze uses a different chemical composition of additives. The boiling point of this type is 115-120 degrees, and the service life is up to 5 years or up to 250 thousand kilometers. Antifreeze G12 is used for high-speed vehicles, therefore it has high thermal conductivity. The ability of G 12 antifreeze to act only on pockets of corrosion in the system, and not to cover the entire system with a protective film, significantly increases its efficiency and fully answers the question: “What is the difference between G11 antifreeze and G12?”

Interesting! Translated from English, “Antifreeze” means “non-freezing”.

G12+

Using G12 class antifreeze, you involuntarily ask the question: “Which antifreeze is better than G12 or G12+?” The answer is obvious - of course G12+. Antifreezes G12 and G12+ do not differ from each other in chemical composition, but there is still a difference between them. We can say that G12+ is an improved modification of G12. True, the boiling temperature characteristic and service life remained approximately the same. This type of antifreeze is used on modern cars.

Antifreeze G13

The newest coolant (created in 2012) G13 differs from previous types of liquids in the chemical composition of the base. If ethylene glycol is used as the basis for antifreeze G11, G12, G12+, then propylene glycol is used in antifreeze G13.

This liquid is less toxic, decomposes faster, and therefore causes less harm to the environment, but it also costs more. Cars that use the G13 are equipped with a forced engine, that is, an engine that operates in extreme conditions. These include sports cars, motorcycles, etc. The main advantage of G13 coolant is its unlimited service life, provided that it is filled in by the car manufacturer.

Interesting fact! The color of the coolant does not indicate its marking and is selected by each manufacturer in random order.

Which coolant to choose

Before choosing a coolant for their car, drivers are often concerned with the question: “Can G11 and G12 be mixed?” Despite the identical base of antifreeze classes G11, G12, G12+, manufacturers use different additives in their production, so mixing different classes is not recommended. This can lead to a process of fluid clotting. But in critical situations, mixing is possible for liquids G12 and G12+, as well as G11 and G12+, G12+ and G13, G11 and G13. Moreover, the liquid recorded first should be the main one.

Important! Under no circumstances should coolants of class G11 and G12 be mixed; G12 and G13.

Compatibility of antifreeze classes G11 and G12 is not provided. The curdling process will cause a flocculent precipitate to form. Therefore, if you decide to replace the antifreeze in your car, you need to flush the system with water in several stages.

If during operation of the vehicle the antifreeze has changed its color significantly, this means that it needs to be replaced, since it has already lost its properties. The replacement process is necessary even if the service life of the fluid has not yet expired. Although the color of the coolant does not indicate its class, there are standard colors:

Blue

–
antifreeze ;
Green

–
antifreeze class G11 ;
Red

–
antifreeze class G12, G12+ ;
Yellow

–
antifreeze class G13.

For a modern car

For modern vehicles manufactured since 2001, it is recommended to use class G12+ antifreeze, and for vehicles manufactured between 1996 and 2001, class G12 is recommended.

For the “old-timer machine”

For older cars manufactured before 1996, experts recommend using G11 class antifreeze. It is clear that G13 class coolant is suitable for all types of cars. But keep in mind that by increasing the properties of antifreeze from class to class, manufacturers have also increased their cost. Therefore, you need to choose antifreeze based on the class of your car, its year of manufacture, the feasibility of using this particular antifreeze and, most importantly, the manufacturer’s recommendations.

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The very design of any combustion engine involves extreme heating of its parts during operation, which, in the absence of a cooling system, should inevitably cause their melting and destruction. Modern cooling systems are either air or liquid. On cars, as a rule, liquid ones are used - they allow the engine to work around the clock, maintaining a constant (approximately) operating temperature. Once upon a time, water was used as coolant (coolant). But this significantly complicated the operation of the car at subzero ambient temperatures. This is explained by the fact that water, freezing already at 0°C, begins to expand. More precisely, the ice expands, which can lead to quite large troubles, which, for example, include “defrosting” of the cylinder block, that is, the appearance of cracks in its body. Therefore, if the car was expected to sit idle for quite a long time in the cold, it was necessary to drain the water from the cooling system - for this purpose, special drain valves were installed in the engine and radiator.

Antifreeze G11 and G12. What is the difference?

The vast majority of coolants for civilian vehicles are made on the basis of dihydric alcohols, ethylene or propylene glycols, and distilled water. Water and alcohol make up more than 90% of the total volume of antifreeze. Moreover, the proportions of these two components can vary depending on the required freezing temperature of the coolant. The rest of the antifreeze is occupied by additives.

Antifreeze G11, like its almost complete domestic analogue Antifreeze, also consists of ethylene glycol and water. These antifreezes use inorganic compounds, various phosphates, borates, silicates and other components as additives. Inorganic compounds act proactively: within a few hours after pouring into the system, they create a protective film on the walls of the entire cooling circuit. The film neutralizes the aggressive effects of alcohol and water. However, due to the additional layer between the cooling jacket and the coolant, the efficiency of heat removal is reduced. Also, the service life of G11 class antifreezes with inorganic additives is short and averages 3 years for a quality product.

Antifreeze G12 is also created from a mixture of water and ethylene glycol. However, the additives in it are organic. Namely, the main component protecting against the aggression of ethylene glycol in G12 antifreeze is carboxylic acid. Organic carboxylate additives do not form a homogeneous film, so the heat removal intensity does not decrease. Carboxylate compounds have a targeted effect, exclusively on the source of corrosion after their appearance. This somewhat reduces the protective properties, but does not affect the thermodynamic properties of the liquid. Moreover, such antifreezes last about 5 years.

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Antifreezes G12+ and G12++ contain organic and inorganic additives. At the same time, there are few inorganic additives that create a thermal insulation layer in these coolants. Therefore, G12+ and G12++ antifreezes practically do not interfere with heat removal and at the same time have two degrees of protection.

Features of the G12 brand

Coolants of this group are produced on a carboxylate basis. This formula has a fundamentally different principle for protecting power unit components. Modern engines have virtually no copper or brass components that could be destroyed by the glycol base. But steel and aluminum are actively used in the design of power units. These metals form a corrosive film even with slight contact with water. G12 antifreeze additives effectively prevent the formation of an oxide film on the surface of metal surfaces. Thus, the composition extends the engine life. Coolant in this category is often called Long Life, since its service life is significantly longer than that of G11.

Antifreeze G11, G12 and G13 - what is the difference?

Most often, car owners are interested in two questions about the types and colors of antifreeze:

1. What is the difference between G11, G12 and G13 antifreeze?
2. Which antifreeze is better to fill: red, green or blue?

Firstly, antifreezes are initially colorless liquids. And paint is added to them only so that they can be separated from other liquids, including alcoholic ones.

Secondly, there are no clear standards for colors. Therefore, it is impossible to say with certainty that this or that antifreeze belongs to this or that technology. Any manufacturer can paint any of their antifreeze in any color.

We can only talk about the generally accepted practice of most serious manufacturers. She is like this:

• G11 antifreezes are blue, or green, or blue-green.
• All G12 antifreezes (both with and without pluses) are red with all shades: from orange to lilac.
• G13 coolants are purple or pink, but in theory they can be any color.

As for which antifreeze is better to fill - red, green or blue, we can give simple advice:

1. If the car radiator is made of copper or brass, then it would be better to use red antifreeze (carboxylate);
2. If the cooling radiator is made of aluminum and its alloys, fill it with green or blue (silicate).

Red antifreeze is no better or worse than green, it’s just that these coolants need to be used based on the materials used in the components of the car’s cooling system. In turn, lobride antifreezes G12++ and G13 are suitable for all cars without any problems.

Scope of application and compatibility

The scope of application of this G11 antifreeze is the cooling systems of domestic and foreign passenger vehicles, trucks and other vehicles with medium and severe operating conditions. Can be used in stationary engines.

The following car manufacturers recommend and use this Sintec coolant:

• Volkswagen group: TL 774-C;
• UzDAEWOO;
• FUSO KAMAZ Trucks.

Antifreeze Sintec Euro G11 can be mixed with any other silicate antifreezes.

Let's start with the shade

What does the difference in shades mean between the antifreeze version G11 and the newer G12? The generally accepted classification of cooling mixtures in the automotive world was created at one time by Volkswagen in Europe. At that time, it was proposed to produce cooling mixtures of the so-called inorganic properties with advanced characteristics (G11) - blue and green antifreezes with numerous additives. Also organic antifreeze. origin (designated as G12) - usually produced in pink and red colors.

Important: this established shade system is used quite often, but still is not an established standard. In other words, there is practically nothing obliging companies to engage in such release of products to the market and somehow adhere to the technology.

Often manufacturing companies try to paint engine mixtures in a proprietary or specific shade. That is why, when choosing a new antifreeze for your engine, you should not pay attention to the shade, but simply consider the accepted product labeling.

The basis of each composition for cooling a motor of any type is a chemical base called ethylene glycol, or the base may be called propylene glycol. These substances can have a huge coefficient of so-called temperature increase, as well as a weak freezing point of the mixture. Among other things, the mixture for cooling the engine usually includes plain water and several additives for better service of the mixture for the benefit of the engine.

It is worth considering that manufacturing companies add additives to many types of G11 that can suppress the corrosion process during operation of the mixture. It also contains fluorescent additives and anti-foam additives with anti-cavitation additives.

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Blue antifreeze

Blue antifreeze belongs to class G11 coolants. This is a very common type with a traditional composition. Most often, the first association with blue or turquoise coolant is TOSOL, which used to be poured into Soviet and now into domestic cars. But in terms of its characteristics, blue coolant is much better and of higher quality, since it has a more balanced composition.

Green antifreeze

This antifreeze has higher technological characteristics than TOSOL, and its composition differs little from blue and yellow liquids. The main thing is to pay attention to the tolerances and technical characteristics on the label.

Is it possible to mix different standards?

Here the situation is more interesting. If antifreeze of different colors, but of the same group, can be interchanged, then different products can cause unexpected reactions in the system, only aggravating the situation of your radiator and other components of the cooling system.

Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different subgroups? You need to understand that G11 and G12 have completely different additives: the former are aimed at creating a film, the latter at eliminating rust. It is almost impossible to control the mixing of active components. Yes, sediment may not fall, but the film will significantly reduce the cooling efficiency. This is because green antifreezes reduce the diameter of pipes and other components. The temperature drops, as do the cooler characteristics. A kind of “thrombus” may even form, which can cause the radiator to fail.

It all depends on the final volume of the diluent liquid. If you pour up to half a liter, then there will be no consequences. But in the future you need to fill in the “native” cooler.

Composition of G12 fluid

• Ethylene glycol 90%, necessary for frost protection.
• The dye is usually red, but there are exceptions.
• Distilled water 5%.
• A set of additives 5%, serves to protect non-ferrous engine metals from ethylene glycol. This liquid has carboxylate additives consisting of organic acids. They are inhibitors that make it possible to neutralize the negative effects of ethylene glycol. Antifreezes with different sets of additives function differently. Their main difference is the way they deal with rust.

In addition to these additives, the package includes additives with other characteristics. For example, the liquid must have anti-foaming properties, lubricating compounds that prevent the occurrence of scale.

Composition of antifreeze G11

​This solution consists of additives of inorganic compounds. This class of antifreeze was used previously, and is currently used for cars manufactured before 1996. In fact, this is ordinary antifreeze.

This solution is capable of boiling at a temperature of 105 degrees, and the service life of these liquids is no more than 3 years, if you count the mileage, then 80 thousand km. These solutions were designed for machines with significant system capacity. Antifreeze creates a protective film in the cooling system that prevents parts from rusting. But because of this microfilm, heat conductivity is significantly reduced. This is a big drawback, often leading to overheating of the motors. For newer cars with small cooling system volumes, such fluids are not suitable. This is explained by the poorer thermal conductivity that G11 antifreeze is characterized by.

Its properties are much worse than other modern solutions. Typically, G11 antifreezes contain blue or green dye. This antifreeze is well suited for older cars with a volumetric cooling system. You should know that G11 antifreeze is not allowed for use on aluminum radiators. Such additives are not able to provide reliable protection of the cylinder block at elevated temperatures.

Product Description

Sintec Euro G11 antifreeze belongs to the silicate category. Thanks to modernized production technology and the addition of a package of modern additives that have increased resistance to oxidation when in contact with metal surfaces, it has improved cooling properties and an extended service life. Silicate coolants are characterized by an interval from 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, in the case of Sintec Euro antifreeze, the manufacturer managed to extend this period twice: up to 120 thousand km for passenger vehicles and up to 200 thousand km for trucks and buses.

Sintek Euro guarantees optimal thermal operation of the engine, prevents corrosion and the accumulation of deposits in the system. Also, this product has excellent lubricating properties and increases the service life of the water pump. Does not harm hoses, gaskets and seals of the cooling system.

Euro Sintec has a low crystallization temperature - up to minus 40 degrees Celsius. (As the test results showed, in reality the temperature turned out to be even lower than stated - minus 48 degrees). And it boils no earlier than at 120 degrees with a plus sign. Thanks to this property, it can be used without hindrance all year round, until deep frosts. Prevents hardening, overheating, boiling and the formation of air pockets.

Differences between antifreezes

Until recently, motorists used only TOSOL, a non-freezing coolant, as a coolant, so there were no problems with its choice. Now antifreezes of different colors and brands have appeared, which causes difficulties when choosing a coolant. In addition, the liquids have different markings - mainly G11 and G12 antifreezes. What is their difference?

Let’s make a reservation right away that the color of antifreeze does not in any way reflect its properties and technical characteristics. The color of the coolant is often “ordered” by the car manufacturer and is determined by the presence of a particular dye added to the liquid. Therefore, when buying a liter container “for topping up”, it is important to pay attention not to the color of the liquid, but to the brand of antifreeze - it should be indicated on the label.

Antifreeze G11

G11 antifreeze (green or red) is made on the basis of ethylene glycol mixed in a certain ratio with water. Ethylene glycol is an alcohol that is oily to the touch and is a toxic substance. In its pure form it is transparent. Additives in G11 antifreeze determine its anti-corrosion properties and are of organic origin - for example, silicates. Being good corrosion inhibitors, they tend to form a film on the internal surfaces of parts of the cooling system, which impairs heat dissipation, thereby reducing the efficiency of the cooling system. In addition, the additive package of organic origin decomposes and cannot withstand temperatures above 105°C, due to which the anti-corrosion properties of the coolant are reduced. In addition, dirt appears in the system, impairing fluid circulation and can cause failure of system elements, such as the expansion tank valve and coolant pump. In addition, deposits that form on temperature sensors cause their incorrect operation. The service life of G11 antifreeze (which includes TOSOL) is no more than two years, after which it is advisable to rinse the system with at least distilled water before adding fresh coolant. Despite the fact that this brand of coolant is outdated and is not poured into new cars on the assembly line, it is in demand in Russia - firstly due to the low price of G11 antifreeze (TOSOLA), and secondly, antifreeze concentrate is popular in the northern regions G11, which has a crystallization temperature of about -60°C.

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Antifreeze brand G12

We can say that coolants of this brand form a whole family, or group, of antifreezes, which have a number of changes relating to both their composition and technical and operational characteristics. Let's try to briefly review them, and also describe coolants that can be classified as new generation antifreezes, as well as their hybrid (there are such) options.

Carboxylate antifreeze G12

Carboxylate antifreezes of this brand contain other corrosion inhibitors - based on organic (carboxylic) acids. Let's make a small digression - not everyone understands the meaning of the word "inhibitor", which means a chemical substance (or complex of substances) that localizes the source of corrosion - either by covering it with a protective film, or by entering into a chemical reaction with the corrosive substance, transforming, so to speak, negative the consequences of corrosion into chemical compounds that are incapable of negative transformations for parts. The word “inhibitor” itself (from the Latin “inhibere” - “to hold back”) means in this case a chemical substance (or a group of them) with the ability to localize the source of corrosion and prevent it from spreading, that is, to maximally neutralize its effect on the parts of the cooling system. So, the use of other inhibitors (and the additive package as a whole) determines the technical characteristics of G12 antifreeze - red or another color. Its differences from G11 antifreeze are mainly in better protection against corrosion sources - the new type of inhibitors has greater chemical activity, as a result of which:

• all channels of the cooling system without exception are not covered with a heat-insulating layer - inhibitors only affect areas of corrosion;
• The service life of G12 antifreeze is about 5 years versus the maximum of 2 years for G antifreeze.

Hybrid antifreezes G12+ and G12++

Antifreezes of these brands combine the use of both organic and mineral additives.

Antifreeze G13

If you change the coolant, be sure to rinse the system several times with distilled water or a special compound.

This antifreeze has a fundamental difference from all of the above brands in that it is based on non-toxic propylene glycol. Its technical characteristics are the same as those of hybrid antifreezes. In conclusion, we will answer a question that worries many car enthusiasts - G11 and G12 antifreezes So, it is extremely undesirable to do this, even if it is necessary to replenish the coolant level by adding it in small quantities. The additives used in the production of these antifreezes may react chemically. As a result, the protective film formed by G11 additives can peel off from parts and form flakes that can clog the cooling system channels, which can cause engine overheating and failure of some of its components. If you want to completely change the coolant, be sure to flush the system several times - you can use distilled water or a special compound. Before draining the flushing composition, be sure to “drive” the engine for about 15-20 minutes at idle speed - for better cleaning of the channels and pipes of the cooling system. When buying coolant “for topping up”, do not be guided by its color, but be sure to find out the brand of antifreeze. However, G11 is considered obsolete and is not installed in new cars at the factory. Be sure to follow the recommendations for the use of technical fluids and the timing of their replacement according to the service book.

Advantages and disadvantages

Sintec Euro in retail
The upgraded Sintec coolant has many advantages compared to previous generations of fluids. Here are the positive qualities she has:

• affordable price for everyone;
• longer service life than traditional mineral fluids;
• effective protection against all types of corrosion;
• creating a durable protective film on the surface of system parts;
• low crystallization temperature;
• high boiling point;
• minimal foaming;
• preventing the formation of air jams;
• high level of protection against cavitation.

If we talk about the disadvantages of this antifreeze, they are noticeable in comparison with carboxylate and lobride fluids. This has a limited service life (albeit significantly longer than previous generations), as well as lower protective and anti-corrosion properties.

Is it possible to mix antifreeze G11 and G12?

You can mix G11 and G12 antifreezes in three cases.

1. You can easily fill in G12++ class coolant instead of the recommended G11 antifreeze, and also mix these two coolants in any proportions. G12++ antifreeze is universal, and if it changes the operating mode of the cooling system, it is only slightly. At the same time, the protective properties of coolant of this class are high, and the enriched additive package will reliably protect any system from corrosion.
2. Instead of G11 antifreeze, you can fill in G12+ for the same reason described in the first paragraph. However, in this case, there may be a slight decrease in the service life of individual elements of the engine cooling system.
3. You can safely add to each other in small quantities, up to 10%!, antifreeze brands G11 and G12 (including all their modifications). The fact is that the additives of these coolants do not collapse during interaction and do not precipitate, but only under the condition that the liquids are initially of high quality and manufactured in accordance with standards.

It is allowed, but not recommended, to fill in G12 class coolant instead of G11 antifreeze. The absence of inorganic additives can reduce the protection of rubber and metal components and reduce the service life of individual system elements.

You cannot fill in G11 class coolant together with the required G12 antifreeze. This will negatively affect the intensity of heat removal and can even lead to boiling of the motor.

All antifreezes contain a glycol base: ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, plus a package of improving additives.

Ethylene glycol is a dihydric alcohol. Pure ethylene glycol is an oily liquid with a sweetish taste, with a boiling point of about +200 °C and a freezing point of -12.3 °C. Ethylene glycol is a strong poison. The lethal dose for humans is only 200-300 grams (by the way, it is neutralized with ethyl alcohol).

The composition of antifreeze concentrate is approximately as follows:

• 90%! – ethylene glycol;
• 5-7%! – additives;
• 3-5%! – water.

Please note that approximately 90% of all antifreeze concentrates consist of ethylene glycol and 3-5% distilled water. That is, about 95 percent, all antifreezes are the same. It's all about the additives: it depends on these 5-7% whether your engine will run smoothly, or you will be a favorite customer of the service station.

Let's figure out what the difference is, but it won't be easy. No other liquid used in a car has such confusion as that used in the classification of antifreeze. Today there is no single standard that all antifreezes meet.

Each country produces coolants according to its own national standards, which are often very outdated. Below are the most common versions:

• GOST 28084-89 (Russia)
• BS 6580: 1992 (UK)
• SAE J 1034 (USA)
• ASTM D 3306 (USA)
• ONORM V5123 (Austria)
• AFNOR NF R15-601 (France)
• CUNA NC956 16 (Italy)
• JIS K2234 (Japan)
• G-11 (Sweden)

What to do, you ask? How to make sense of all this sea of ​​coolants?

The antifreeze manufacturers themselves found a solution. They took as a basis the classification that the Volkswagen concern developed for itself. Volkswagen divides all antifreezes into three classes:

1. G11
2. G12
3. G13

Let's look at everything in order.

Antifreeze G11

Antifreezes created using traditional technology are produced under the G11 class. (it is also called silicate). Inorganic substances and their various combinations are used as corrosion-protective additives in such antifreezes:

• Silicates;
• Phosphates;
• Borates;
• Nitrites;
• Amines;
• Nitrates.

The silicate additives contained in G11 antifreeze cover the entire internal surface of the cooling system with a protective layer, approximately the same as scale on the walls of a kettle. This layer protects the system from destruction. And this is good.

But it significantly reduces the heat transfer process. And that's bad. In addition, due to temperature changes and vibration, this layer begins to collapse and crumble down over time. And that's bad too. It is for this reason that you must remember to change such antifreeze at least once every two years. But that's not all either. The pieces of the protective layer that fall down are captured by the flow of coolant and begin to work like an abrasive, destroying everything in its path.

What conclusion do we draw? Do not use G11 antifreeze? No, use it! But don’t forget to change it every two years.

Antifreezes made using traditional technology (silicate) are indicated on the cans with the following inscriptions:

• G11
• Traditional coolants
• Conventional coolants
• IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology)

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True, sometimes there are silicate coolants without any class designation on the packaging.

Antifreeze G12, G12+ and G12++

G12 class antifreeze is the next stage in the development of coolants. Manufacturers decided to eliminate the shortcomings of silicate technology by mastering the technology of organic acids.

Carboxylic acids are used as anti-corrosion additives in G12 antifreeze. Hence the second name for these antifreezes – carboxylate. Their distinctive feature is that carboxylate additives do not form a protective layer over the entire surface of the cooling system, but begin to work only in places where corrosion occurs, with the formation of protective layers no more than one micron thick.

All the disadvantages of silicate technology have become advantages here:

1. Very high heat transfer.
2. There is nothing to crumble and collapse in the cooling system, so there is simply nothing for the abrasive to appear from.
3. The service life of antifreeze is increased to 3-5 years. Moreover, five years - if you washed, dried the system and filled it with ready-made antifreeze produced at the factory, and three years - if you violated something from this list and diluted the concentrate yourself.

But G12 antifreezes also have disadvantages - carboxylate additives begin to work only when corrosion processes have begun. That is, they began to “treat” only when the “disease” had already manifested itself, and did nothing to prevent it.

Carboxylate antifreezes are designated as follows:

• G12
• Carboxylate coolants
• OAT (Organic Acid Technology)

To eliminate the main drawback, coolant manufacturers took a half step back and combined silicate technology with carboxylate technology. As a result, the antifreeze class G12+ (hybrid technology) appeared.

Hybrid antifreezes contain, in addition to organic (carboxylate) additives, also inorganic ones. Europeans, for example, use silicates, Americans use nitrites, and the Japanese prefer phosphates.

G12+ antifreezes are designated by the following terms:

• Hybrid coolants
• HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

Since 2008, G12++ class antifreezes have appeared. This is a new type of coolant that combines an organic base with a small amount of mineral additives.

Antifreezes G12, G12+, G12++ are varieties of organic acid technology. After half a step back (towards silicate additives), technologists slowly began to move forward, playing with combinations of mineral components. This technology is called lobrid and is designated like this:

• Lobrid coolants
• SOAT coolants

Well, the crown of modern coolants is class G13.

Antifreeze G13

G13 class antifreezes appeared in 2012. They are fundamentally different from all the previous ones, because instead of a toxic ethylene glycol base, they have a harmless and environmentally friendly propylene glycol base.

Strictly speaking, this is where the differences end. From a technological point of view, G13 antifreeze is equivalent to ethylene glycol-based antifreeze G12++, and currently does not have any advantages (except for environmental friendliness).

Summary

So, now it is obvious that you should not mix G11 and G12 antifreeze. We already know what the difference between them is. As you can see, the main differences are in the additives. In the first case, organics and inorganics are used, in the second - only the latter components. Also, group 12 has an increased service life. But it is worth noting one more group - the 13th. She appeared quite recently. This composition is radically different from all previous ones and assumes the presence of only environmentally friendly substances. The color of this antifreeze is purple. It is rarely found in Russia, unlike the European market. Its cost is several times higher than the price of regular red antifreeze from group 12. In terms of properties, it is practically not inferior to it, so it makes sense to use G12 coolant.

Is it possible to mix antifreezes of these series or add one antifreeze to another?

There are many rumors and legends about the possible mixing of engine cooling mixtures, which I would like to debunk once and for all. These legends can lead to engine malfunctions if you misunderstand them or follow the advice of inexperienced motorists.

For some reason, some have decided and believe that it is possible to add one antifreeze to another and mix products from one company, without taking into account the shade of the mixture. Others mistakenly think that red should only be poured into the same antifreeze, and green can only be added to green.

As it was written before, you shouldn’t rely on just the shade. The color of the cooling mixture alone cannot be considered a complete guarantee that the mixture meets safety standards.

But still, it’s definitely worth adding the same product to the car that it already has. The ideal solution would be if it is exactly the same coolant in its composition, and it was recommended by the manufacturer.

However, when mixing different types of antifreeze, certain difficulties may appear over time - this is provoked cavitation and so-called corrosion of the metal surface, it can also be blocking of motor channels and other breakdowns that can significantly reduce the engine's operating life.

• Mix antifreeze with approximately equal base (antifreeze with ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol can be mixed with each other).
• At the same time, antifreezes obtained from the silicate-free group should not be added anywhere.
• Find the most suitable product for your engine and use only this antifreeze.

What to do if there is no choice?

Sometimes motorists are faced with a situation where there is simply no access to suitable coolant. Obviously, it is better to try to find a less than suitable alternative than to overheat the engine. Nothing critical will happen by adding a small amount of another type of liquid. But it is still better to remember the following recommendations:

• try to mix antifreezes with the same base (for example, you can add ethylene glycol to ethylene glycol);
• silicate-free coolant cannot be mixed with any other compounds;
• If the wrong antifreeze was used, it is better to flush the cooling system. For the procedure, you need to use special liquids, widely available in auto chemical stores.

Color characteristics

Antifreeze of different colors was originally developed to work with a specific group of metals. At the moment this is not important, although previously car manufacturers tried to introduce this gradation by offering recommended “dyes” for the compositions. Currently the categories are as follows:

• G11 – green, blue and variations;
• G12 – yellow and red, poisonous orange;
• G13 – purple.

This is all theory. In practice, many manufacturers color antifreeze as they please, since there is no strict standardization. So G11 has a “spread” from blue to crimson, G12 can be green, and G13 can be completely yellow. The result is confusion and it becomes increasingly difficult for the car owner to navigate the differences in composition and their purpose.

Types of antifreeze by color

Modern coolants come in different colors. This was done to make it easier to determine the brand of coolant.

1. The Russian-made Tosol composition with a freezing point of 40°C is marked in blue. It is red in color, which means the freezing threshold is -60 degrees.
2. G11 stamps are colored blue, green and sometimes blue-green.
3. G12 coolants and their variants marked + in red.
4. Stamps ++, +++ are purple.
5. G13 is similar to Coolant ++, therefore it is also purple.

Important! Unscrupulous manufacturers may deliberately change the color of a liquid produced in an artisanal way. It is better to purchase coolant from proven brands.

Mixing liquid G12

Is it possible to mix different classes of antifreeze that have different colors? This question interests many young car owners who bought used cars filled with an unknown brand of liquid.

If you only need to add liquid, then you should know what specific antifreeze is in the system, otherwise there is a chance that you will end up having to repair the cooling system and the entire engine. It is advisable to completely drain the old antifreeze and replace it with fresh one.

As discussed earlier, the color of the liquid does not affect its characteristics, and different manufacturers may add different dyes to it. However, there are certain rules. Popular antifreezes come in a wide range of different colors. Many standards sometimes recommend the use of liquids of certain shades of color, but this is the last criterion that must be taken into account.

However, the lowest class antifreeze, silicate G11, is often marked green. Therefore, G12 antifreeze of different colors with carboxylate additives can be mixed. Two organic-based antifreezes of different colors, or two liquids with an inorganic base of different colors can also be mixed. You need to know that different coolant manufacturers may have different packages of additives and chemicals, the reaction of which is impossible to know in advance.

Such negative compatibility of G12 fluid poses a high risk that a reaction may occur between the additives included in the composition, accompanied by sediment or a decrease in the technical parameters of the antifreeze.

Therefore, if you want to maintain the working condition of the motor, it is better to fill in a liquid of the same type and class, or completely replace it with a fresh solution. If you need to add just a little liquid, you can add distilled water. When switching from one brand of antifreeze to another, you can flush the system.

G13

Packaging 1.5 liters of antifreeze G13
Purple antifreeze VAG G13 is the most modern and advanced development of the concern. This is the so-called Lobrid Coolant. Like the hybrid one, it uses a combination of organic and silicate components, but in a more optimal form. This liquid has very high protective properties.

Recommended for replacement every 3-5 years. Can be mixed with predecessors with one and two pluses.

Product code: G013A8JM1.

Tips for drivers

1. When adding fresh antifreeze, pay attention to the smell. Manufacturers usually add various fragrances, and if this is not your first time buying antifreeze from your favorite brand, then you know very well what it smells like. If the smell seems different, you may have bought a fake: not all fragrances are sold freely; there are branded ones that are not available to counterfeit manufacturers.
2. It is best to change antifreeze according to the regulations, even if the liquid still looks normal. The degree of degradation of additives cannot be determined by eye, and once the oxidation process begins, it will not be possible to reverse it.
3. Periodically look into the expansion tank. Normal antifreeze after a certain period of use becomes opaque, but not thick and without foreign impurities. Traces of foam, oil, rust on the neck of the tank indicate that the cooling system is not in order. Such antifreeze needs to be urgently changed, and the entire system must be flushed and checked.
4. If you purchased a used car, do not be lazy to replace the antifreeze by flushing the system. Even if the liquid still looks quite decent. Flushing can reveal secrets that even the former owner did not know about. For example, solid sediment in the system, rust and other traces of the car’s difficult life.
5. Periodically check the fluid level in the expansion tank. If you have to periodically add antifreeze, look for a leak: somewhere it seeps into the smallest crack. The fluidity of antifreeze is much higher than water, so it is very good at “escaping” from a closed system. The most severe case is antifreeze leaking into the engine cylinders.