How to choose antifreeze for a car

The best manufacturers of antifreeze

Given the special chemical formula, the manufacture of high-quality antifreeze is the lot of well-known concerns that produce all kinds of technical fluids for a car:

1. Hepu
2. Mannol
3. Total
4. Liqui Moly
5. Castrol
6. Shell

In addition to the information provided by the manufacturer, the car owner should take into account user reviews that describe the physical properties of a particular coolant. You can get acquainted with them on the Internet, on thematic forums or in social networks.

Types of antifreeze. Which one do you prefer?

Antifreeze is a special chemical composition designed for operation at temperatures down to -50 degrees while maintaining its physical state and chemical formula. The high-temperature viscosity of this fluid is also at a significant level: a properly selected antifreeze is able to ensure proper operation of the engine and prevent it from overheating even with intensive use of the car. It goes on sale in a concentrated form, but for operation it requires dilution with distilled water in a ratio of 1: 1.

G11

Inorganic antifreeze based on ethylene glycol. Colored blue or green. Operating temperature range – from -50 to +50. Contains silicates.

Advantages

• Good heat dissipation;
• Inexpensive;
• Does not crystallize;

Flaws

• Causes deposits in the cooling circuit during long-term operation;
• Can cause corrosion of metal parts;

G12

A more advanced version of the antifreeze described above, featuring higher performance. In particular, it better removes temperature from the central piston group and prevents the engine from overheating. The composition contains carbosilicates, which are corrosion inhibitors. Widely used in harsh climates and harsh environments.

Advantages

• High temperature resistance;
• Do not evaporate;
• Prevent corrosion;
• Helps prevent engine overheating

Flaws

• Cannot be mixed with other classes;
• Expensive;

G13

Antifreeze that meets modern environmental standards. An organic liquid that does not contain silicates. Painted yellow or orange. Based on propylene glycol. Operating range – from -50 to +50.

Advantages

• Does not boil or crystallize;
• Interferes with corrosion of a surface and formation of oxides;
• Allows mixing;
• High environmental friendliness;

Flaws

• More expensive than all other types;
• Require strict adherence to the mixing ratio for maximum functionality;

Vehicle coolant selection options

In addition to the composition and basic principles of functioning, attention should be paid to:

1. Container. High-quality antifreeze is packed in a dense translucent container, on which the necessary protective elements are applied. Transparent containers allow you to assess the purity of the liquid and the presence of impurities and suspensions;
2. The type and characteristics of the additives that make up the antifreeze. High-quality liquids in their composition contain corrosion and oxidation inhibitors, as well as special compounds that prevent premature aging of rubber elements;
3. Foaming. High-quality antifreeze foams after intensive shaking, but the foam comes off within a short time;
4. The smell of high-quality antifreeze is neutral, sweetish. Impurities of gasoline, diesel fuel, engine oil must be completely absent;
5. Cooking formula. If the antifreeze is concentrated, it will require dilution with water in proportions up to 1:1. If the coolant is ready for use, it must be poured immediately into the expansion tank, without additional preparation;
6. Car manufacturer’s recommendations. They should not be neglected; it is best to fill in the antifreeze, the composition of which was originally provided by the manufacturer.