To understand the issue that we will discuss in this article, you need to know what the differences between antifreezes of different colors are - we talked about this in.

As you know, antifreeze comes in different colors. For example, your antifreeze is over, but the same composition is not on sale. Can coolants of different colors be mixed? Or you can put the question like this: what can be mixed with what, and what cannot be mixed with what?

The answer is as follows: you can mix liquids from different manufacturers, but of the same standard. For example, mix G12 with G12, G11 with G11, and G13 with G13. Of course, you need to be sure that the purchased antifreeze is not a fake. If you buy antifreeze in a specialized store, then there will be no such doubts.

Thus, antifreezes of the same standard, but from different manufacturers, can be mixed.

And if you mix antifreeze of different colors?

What happens when you mix green and blue antifreeze? Or mix other different coolant colors?

Antifreezes of the same standard come in different colors. For example, antifreeze can be blue or red. G11 antifreeze comes in both green and blue. Please, you can mix red antifreeze with blue, and blue G11 with green G11.

G13 comes in purple and yellow. Yellow and purple antifreeze can be safely mixed with each other, as they belong to the same standard.

Thus, if antifreezes are of the same standard, but of different colors, then they can be mixed.

And if you mix antifreezes of different standards?

Can I mix antifreeze G11 and G12 - green and red? Here you already need to think, starting from the knowledge that we have about different antifreeze standards.

In general, it all depends on the amount of “non-native” antifreeze added: if a very small amount is added - within half a liter, then it will not be noticeable at all. Therefore, we are discussing the mixing of solid volumes of liquid.

If G11 (green) antifreeze is initially filled in, and G12 (red) is added to it, then nothing will happen, since both compositions: 1) the base is the same - it is ethylene glycol, 2) carboxylic acid in additives, only in G12 it is much more . The only thing you need to understand is that corrosion protection will become worse if, in the composition of radiators and other elements of the cooling system of your car, aluminum alloys predominate, since G12 does not protect them well.

Now the situation is reversed. If G12 antifreeze is initially filled in, and G11 is added to it, then again there will be no fatal consequences. The disadvantages of mixing will be manifested in the fact that the heat dissipation in the cooling system will deteriorate, since G11 forms a protective anti-corrosion film on the inner walls of the nozzles. Over time, it is possible for a small amount of sediment to form from the film.

Of course, mixing G11 and G12 antifreezes is not fatal, but it is not desirable either. Coolants from different manufacturers have verified compositions, with a certain set of additives that correspond to a particular car. A set of "foreign" antifreeze additives may not be suitable for your car's cooling system.

Is it possible to mix antifreezes: yellow with green, yellow with red, purple with green, purple with red?

Yellow and purple antifreezes are G13 standard. As you know, red and green antifreezes are based on ethylene glycol, and yellow and purple are based on propylene glycol. Although ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are similar in structure, as they are monohydric alcohols, they are still different liquids.

Thus, G11 and G12 have one base, and G13 has another. By virtue of this circumstance alone, it is better not to mix yellow or purple antifreezes with red or green antifreezes, since the consequences of the interaction (or opposition) of alcohols in their composition are not predictable.

Another argument in favor of the inadmissibility of mixing G11 (G12) with G13 is additives. For ethylene glycol - in green and red antifreezes - an appropriate set of additives has been selected, and it is not a fact that it is compatible with propylene glycol - in the composition of yellow and purple antifreezes.

Thus, you cannot mix antifreezes: yellow with green, yellow with red, purple with green and purple with red.

CONCLUSION

There are different situations in the life of a driver, sometimes the antifreeze of the desired brand may not be on sale nearby. We hope this article helped you figure out the question: what kind of antifreeze - what can be mixed with, and with what - not.

Video: Is it possible to mix antifreeze - different colors and manufacturers? the same or different colors?

If the video is not showing, refresh the page or

Quite often, in motorist conversations, motorists ask questions about antifreezes: is it possible to mix them, what color of antifreeze to choose, what is its difference from antifreeze, what is affected by the color of antifreeze and others. Antifreeze is a low-freezing water-based solution (oily liquid) consisting of ethylene glycol alcohol. Its purpose is to protect aluminum metals from corrosion with the help of silicates included in the composition. We will try to answer the most interesting questions of this topic.
Today in stores there are a huge number of varieties of antifreeze. They come in almost every rainbow color: yellow, red, purple, blue, and more. Not all antifreezes have the same effect on a car. According to their composition, antifreezes with anti-corrosion prefixes are divided into several types:

1) Hybrid antifreeze
Has a green color, consists of inhibitors (silicates and phosphates). It is a combination of carboxylic acids. Intended for internal use. The shelf life of this antifreeze expires after three years.

2) Carboxylate antifreeze
Painted red and based on carboxylic acids containing corrosion inhibitors. It will serve a five-year term. It creates a protective layer on the cooling system and is absorbed only in places that have suffered corrosion. Carboxylate antifreeze more effectively protects against cavitation, optimally cooling the engine.

3) Lobrid antifreeze
It consists of mineral inhibitors, which are combined with organic matter, and organic acids. They create a very thin protective film on the cooling system. They are used up only when corrosion occurs. Lobrid antifreeze has a rich purple color. Has no expiration date.

4) Traditional antifreeze
Consists of inhibitors, including mixtures of nitrites, borates, phosphates and nitrates. This type of antifreeze is obsolete. Will last no more than two years. Cannot withstand too high temperatures (above 110°C). These include antifreeze.

Is it possible to mix antifreezes of different colors?

As a rule, antifreezes are not recommended to be mixed with each other, especially with antifreeze, as there is a risk of corrosion. However, carboxylate antifreeze (red) can be mixed with antifreeze of any color.

Properties of antifreezes:

Any antifreeze freezes at a temperature much lower than the freezing point of water. It is achieved with the help of ethylene glycol, which is part of it. Freezing, this substance turns into a thick slurry that protects engine parts. He has the ability to boil.

High-quality antifreeze foams only slightly. Otherwise, a large formation of foam contributes to a decrease in the amount of heat transfer. It must also have an inert property in order not to be aggressive towards the rubber hoses.
There are other types of antifreezes: salt, glycol, alcohol, glycerin, etc. All these types are created on the same basis - propylene glycol and ethylene glycol with additives.
Some car owners replace them with antifreeze. Yes, of course you can do that. Only unlike antifreeze, antifreeze has some advantages.

Why is antifreeze better than antifreeze?

• Cools the engine with increased efficiency 0.5 mm protective layer
• More exploited carboxylate liquid with cooling effect
• Excellent protection of aluminum from high temperatures
• Extends water pump life
• Protects engine liners from cavitation
• Has stable coolant properties
• Reacts more safely with plastic and elastomer
• Does not leave blockages in the radiator
• Provides good high temperature stability

What color antifreeze to choose?

Antifreeze for your iron horse should be chosen only according to the requirements that the manufacturers of the brand of the car make, as well as according to the recommended replacement period. Since each car has a different antifreeze expiration date, it is recommended to look at the exact data in the car passport. If the passport is lost, then you can check by phone with an authorized dealer.
If you don’t know what brands of liquids were poured into the car, you should replace everything in it with a new one: glass fluid, oil, and antifreeze without fail.

It is allowed to dilute antifreeze only with distilled water. The proportions are indicated in the instructions for use (usually 1:1). Ordinary water contains a lot of impurities and salts, which can adversely affect the properties of antifreeze and, therefore, worsen engine cooling. Distilled water can be purchased at any pharmacy or automotive store.

I thought that we had already closed the questions - about antifreezes, discussed the main colors -. We also talked a little about the purple version (read the link below). But now there are questions about the so-called yellow antifreeze. What kind of a miracle is this beast, what characteristics does it have and with which of the subspecies can it be mixed? The information is light, but I find it useful ...

First, I want to touch on the color of antifreeze. When these liquids were created, they differed in their freezing point, so in order to distinguish them they began to be painted in different colors. If we take the USSR, then we had only two colors - blue (TOSOL), the freezing point is about - 40 degrees and red (also TOSOL), only red has a freezing point of about - 65 degrees. Coloring emphasized their different temperature threshold, no more! The additive compositions were identical.

About color and antifreeze

In foreign antifreezes, everything was a little different, they have evolved greatly since the 90s of the last century and continue to develop to this day. At the moment there are several categories:

• "G11" - usually green (similar in composition to our antifreeze)
• "G12", "G12+" - usually red (slightly superior to the previous generation due to other additives)
• "G13" - usually purple (the most perfect at the moment, a more advanced formula, other alcohols are used)

Initially, the color really had a difference, both in composition and in characteristics, but now it has all become exaggerated - all because there is no general declaration. Therefore, many manufacturers make completely different colors. For example, I met "G11" - red, although this somehow goes against the grain! To be honest, you can repaint any type in a different shade, make it even brown if necessary.

However, serious manufacturers still try to adhere to these rules and color their liquids in the desired, tacitly accepted color.

What is yellow antifreeze?

It's nothing but purple coolant. If it is classified, then it is "G13". That's all. It was first developed under the patronage of VOLKSWAGEN - is now the most advanced fluid at the moment. Only now "Foltz" painted purple, and third-party manufacturers began to paint it yellow.

Why this happened is not clear, there are a couple of rumors on the Internet, but they are all unverified:

• It is said that VOLKSWAGEN banned the use of purple by third-party manufacturers to avoid fakes. So they switched to yellow.
• It's just that third-party manufacturers want to "stand out" and do not accept the imposition of rules, which is why the yellow color appeared.

You can guess for a long time, but the truth is somewhere in the middle, as I think.

About the characteristics of yellow antifreeze

• Propylene glycol is a harmless dihydric alcohol that has replaced the poisonous ethylene glycol.
• Distilled water
• Additives, hybrid.

As for additives - if you exaggerate then in the G11 compositions, they have excellent enveloping properties, that is, they form a protective film on the walls of the engine and pipes.

In the compositions of "G12" - excellent anti-corrosion properties, but there is no enveloping film.

But "G13" combines both at once, that is, a kind of hybrid formula - moderately protects (enveloping the walls) and fights corrosion.

Can it be mixed with red or green?

YES of course you can! But why? Yes, and it will work - do not understand what!

However, if you mix yellowish and purple shades, I think nothing bad will happen (see that both are “G13”)

But to mix with the rest:

Firstly , red (G12) or green (G11) does not contain propylene glycol, but ethylene glycol! It seems like two similar alcohols, but I personally don’t know what the mixture will cause!

Secondly , additives in G11 are more “chemical”, as a result, the mixture will give a composition more similar to G11.

Thirdly , G12 additives are more “organic”, as a result, the mixture will give a composition more similar to G12

To summarize - without loss of performance, you can mix G13 - purple and yellow. The rest of the mixing will degrade performance, I think it will - don't get it! Up to precipitation - who knows how propylene glycol and ethylene glycol will react in one bottle!

Now a short video.

Here is such an article turned out, I think I spoke in detail about the yellowish tint, use it wisely. Sincerely yours AUTOBLOGGER.

Initially, the coloring of antifreeze was done for visual attraction. The buyer reacts better to something bright in color than to a translucent, slightly hazy liquid with a sweet smell.

This article will be devoted to the following question: is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors?

Each manufacturer used dyes in antifreeze to their liking, which color they liked more, he used. Only later, after the technology for the production of antifreezes (coolants) stepped far forward, and the coolants began to differ dramatically from each other, did the color become a specific characteristic for each product separately, but again, not everywhere, but within the line of one manufacturer.

For example, our domestic antifreeze was originally produced in green and blue. Why it is not clear, but it can be seen in the era of the USSR, there were surpluses of these dyes at the base.

Later, when ethylene glycols were subject to better synthesis, antifreezes began to be equipped with various additives. They were mainly aimed at lowering the freezing threshold, since -13 is considered a critical number for pure ethylene and the liquid begins to thicken, becomes viscous and slightly rubbery, after which it freezes safely without providing the engine with proper cooling.

Even later, it was decided to select protective anti-corrosion additives for the entire line of ethylene glycol antifreezes. After that, the synthetic components of the additive packages were successfully attached to the base and the antifreeze, more commonly referred to as antifreeze in the common people, received another purpose - to protect the car's cooling system from corrosion and high-temperature deposits. It was after this that antifreezes - antifreezes began to be painted in other colors, except for blue and green - red, yellow, orange.

Further, the chemical industry went on to develop and a new generation of antifreezes were produced, which also needed to be painted in some color. The world community agreed among themselves and decided to paint sparing propylene glycol coolants in red and orange shades, and leave the good old antifreezes in blue and green, sometimes allowing yellow dyes for special antifreeze formulas.

Is it allowed to mix antifreeze of different colors?

Having considered a little history, creation and development of antifreezes, we can say with confidence that it is possible to mix antifreezes of different colors with each other, only carefully. To do this, you need to know the features so that when creating a cocktail, you do not harm your four-wheeled friend.

What to check before mixing antifreeze?

1. Manufacturer. It is better to use one antifreeze manufacturer - this will guarantee that the additives for different antifreezes will be the same.

2. The basis of antifreeze. It is necessary to determine which main component lies in the composition of the coolant - propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Polypropylene antifreezes are usually labeled G-12, G-12+ and G-13, ethylene glycol antifreezes G-11.

But again, it all depends on the manufacturer, since many 12 and 12+ antifreezes can also have ethylene glycol in their component. This is the basic information that should be of interest to any motorist who is going to buy antifreeze for his car. Brands with the same base from the same release can be mixed without problems, regardless of color, since the additives from the manufacturer will be the same.

3. Additives. For modern antifreezes of classes G-13 and G-12, G-12 +, which are gentle due to the improved propylene glycol base, additive packages are designed as a liquid formula, despite the fact that the viscosity of such antifreezes is higher, as well as the point boiling.

In other words, red and orange propylene antifreezes are less harmful and do not form a protective layer, unlike all ethylene antifreezes. The protective layer is quite dense and remains even after all the antifreeze is drained, but the system is not washed before pumping new antifreeze.

Is it possible to mix heterogeneous and additive compounds with each other without using flushing - In no case. The heterogeneity and multidirectionality of these compounds will not give anything but foam in the expansion tank, flakes, greasy sediment and discoloration.

In other words, what is shown for modern antifreezes used on high-speed machines with thin hoses of the cooling system, ordinary antifreeze will simply gobble up. That is why it is not recommended to mix not so much multi-colored antifreezes with each other as different bases. But, there are exceptions to any rule, and when mixing this exception must be taken into account.

Some examples

For example, red G-12+ antifreeze is poured into the system, an emergency breakdown of the system on the highway led to topping up with standard green or blue antifreeze. Can it be done? It is possible, and without problems, the liquids will not be fully compatible, but they will not bring much harm to the system. The only thing that upon arrival at the place, the system should be washed with distilled water and poured into it with the cooling liquid that the manufacturer provided.

Consider the situation on the contrary, it was filled in the G-11 system, is it possible to add G-12, G-12+ or G-13 to it. Without consequences, you can G-13 and G-12 +, but G-12 on propylene glycol should never be mixed with ethyl, again, regardless of the color that the manufacturer painted his antifreezes. And yet, different manufacturers again use different additive packages, they can also differ in base - natural base and synthetic base. at what synthetic is just for antifreezes, so additives can also affect mixing and harm the car if the mixture is not prepared correctly.

In custody

Many motorists prefer to buy concentrates, and then again the question arises of mixing multi-colored antifreezes. Liter bottles are rarely used to the end, the leftovers do not allow to live in peace, and the decision is often made to arrange a general residual batch. It is possible, BUT AGAIN, YOU SHOULD LOOK NOT AT THE COLOR, BUT AT THE COMPONENTS. All the same, you will dilute antifreezes and antifreezes with distilled or technical water, which has undergone special purification, but the component incompatibility of the source products will, instead of saving, cost serious money to fix the system.

Is it worth the risk, everyone decides for himself, but it's still easier to buy fresh high-quality antifreeze. There are many offers on the market, and if you like red or blue coolants, then it will not be difficult to find the source according to your parameters.

Every vehicle has a cooling system. It serves to remove the heat generated during engine operation to the outside. In winter, the operation of the cooling system contributes to the heating of the passenger compartment. Today we will consider, and also learn the differences between liquids by shades.

Characteristic

First of all, we note that any, whether it is foreign or Russian-made, is colorless. This factor does not affect the quality in any way. “But why are they multi-colored then?” - you ask. Which antifreeze to choose - red, green, blue? What is the difference? Manufacturers classify their products in this way. Any liquid is distinguished by the presence of components that prevent it from freezing at low temperatures. This figure can range from minus 15 to minus 40 degrees Celsius. We'll take a look at the differences below.

What is the difference

Manufacturers label antifreeze in different colors - red, green, blue. What is the difference?

Red has a high crystallization threshold. It does not freeze at temperatures up to minus 40 degrees. At the same time, it has a high service life - up to five years. The next one is green. These antifreezes freeze at minus 25 degrees Celsius. Their service life is three years. And the last category is blue (aka "antifreeze"). Serves the least - 1-2 years. But the freezing temperature threshold is one of the highest and is minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Groups

Thus, manufacturers refer each color to a certain class. There are several of them:

Each group has its own shade. Below we will look at antifreeze by color and find out the features of each category.

Green

This antifreeze belongs to the first group. In its composition, it has chemical and organic additives. The base, like everyone else, is ethylene glycol. Also, green antifreeze contains silicates and a small percentage of carboxylic acid. This mixture, as it were, “envelops” all the insides of the cooling system with a film and actively fights corrosion pockets.

Among the advantages of using such antifreeze, it is worth noting the high anti-corrosion properties. Thanks to the film, the system serves for a long time and does not rust in different operating modes. Among the shortcomings is the low service life, which is three years. It is also necessary to note the low heat dissipation, which is prevented by the same film. At the end of its life, antifreeze begins to form deposits in the cooling system. If it is not replaced in time, it can clog small channels in the engine.

Red

This modification (G12) is more advanced.

Here in the composition - organic additives and This mixture does not form films inside the channels, which improves heat transfer. It also localizes rust due to the action of carboxylic acid. Over time, red antifreeze does not precipitate. On sale is much more common than green. Of the shortcomings, it should be noted that they do not protect aluminum radiators from oxidation. But if you have copper or brass, red antifreeze is the best choice.

Violet

Few of us have seen them live, but such means also exist. They appeared relatively recently - in 2012. They belong to the 13th group. Purple is a lobrid antifreeze that does not contain ethylene glycol. It is believed to be highly poisonous. But how does it provide heat dissipation if the main composition is without ethylene glycol? Instead, manufacturers use more environmentally friendly, propylene glycol. It is less toxic and environmentally friendly. As for other components, violet antifreeze contains silicates and carboxylic acid, already known to us as an anti-corrosion agent in the previous groups.

Blue

This is the antifreeze we all know, which appeared in the distant 70s of the last century. It contains 20 percent distilled water. Everything else is ethylene glycol. In view of this proportion, antifreeze has a temperature threshold of up to minus 30 degrees Celsius. By the way, all other "color" analogues include only 5 percent of distilled water.

Therefore, antifreeze often boils. Already at 110 degrees it becomes ineffective. And given that some engines of foreign cars have an operating temperature of about "hundreds", then using this tool in them is simply dangerous. This is by all means Therefore, antifreeze is suitable only for domestic cars, no more. And it has a lifespan of up to two years. Over the years, its heat dissipation properties decrease. The same red antifreeze “nourishes” five years without any problems. But in terms of cost, it is 50-80 percent more expensive.

Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors?

So, imagine the situation: when you wake up, you go to the garage and check the coolant level. You open the lid, and it is at a minimum. What to do? Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors? It is absolutely impossible to do this.

And even if the color of antifreeze is the same. The properties of each manufacturer may vary significantly. Why can't you mix antifreeze of different colors? Such an action can disrupt the composition and change the proportion of additives. Because of this, the liquid will foam. In this case, the heat sink will be minimal, and if you do not notice the problem in time (which happens in 90 percent of cases), you can easily overheat the engine. No need to experiment and wonder "what kind of antifreeze can be mixed." The answer is the same - it is impossible, even if the colors are the same.

We dilute correctly

What to do if the level in the tank drops to a minimum? Buying a canister of new antifreeze is expensive, taking it in a small eggplant “for topping up” is deadly for the engine. But since all antifreezes contain distilled water, we will dilute it with it. The proportion should not exceed half. That is, 50 percent ethylene glycol - 50 percent distilled water. This is ideal if you need to add a small amount of liquid to the tank. As a rule, it disappears from it over time. What happens if you mix antifreeze with water? Its presence does not change the composition and properties of the coolant. The balance of additives is not disturbed, the temperature threshold does not increase. However, if you fill in more than a liter of water, on the eve of winter, you need to make a full one. In large proportions, such a mixture quickly freezes. This must be taken into account. If you added no more than 300 milliliters of distilled water to the tank, you can do without in the winter.

Other dangers

Now we know the answer to the question "is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors." To do this, use only distilled water. About any liquids "from the tap" should not be out of the question. It will not only worsen the properties of antifreeze, but also at the first boil (which will happen after 20 minutes of operation of such an engine) will develop scale.

It is very difficult to remove it. The process is accompanied by regular flushing and dismantling of the radiator. In the worst cases, scale clogs small channels. Never use tap water. Only distilled.

Conclusion

So, we found out whether it is possible to mix antifreeze of different colors and what are the differences between such liquids. When purchasing a new coolant, remember that any coloration is the choice of the manufacturer. Sometimes the composition of liquids of the same color can differ significantly. Look carefully at the group to which the product belongs. Also consider the brand of your car. If this is a foreign car, you should not pour antifreeze into it, no matter how expensive it is. And to maintain the coolant level, keep a canister of distilled water handy.