Antifreeze is a liquid whose freezing temperature is much lower than the crystallization temperature of water. The use of this liquid helps prevent damage to mechanisms that may occur during crystallization of H2O. Antifreeze (red, yellow, green and others) consists of water and polyol. In addition, various additives, including anti-corrosion components, are added to the coolant . These additional connections help protect parts. The composition of liquids also contains dyes that give them one color or another. According to the comments of experts, the color of the liquid does not affect its performance. In accordance with the scope, antifreeze (red and its other species) may contain propylene glycol or ethylene glycol.
The latter is a viscous oily colorless liquid. It has a characteristic faint odor. Ethylene glycol is a strong poison, so care should be taken when working with it. Pure ethylene glycol freezes at a temperature of minus thirteen degrees. Its boiling point is +197 degrees. It should be said that concentrated ethylene glycol in an aqueous solution freezes at lower temperatures (if two parts of ethylene glycol and one part of water are used). The boiling point of antifreeze on average is about one hundred and twenty degrees, and the minimum freezing temperature may be seventy degrees below zero. As a rule, antifreeze (red, yellow and others) contains about 50-60% ethylene glycol. In this case, its minimum freezing temperature is thirty degrees below zero.
In the manufacture of antifreezes, propylene glycol is also often used. This material is more environmentally friendly. At the same time, the operational characteristics are practically independent of the basis. However, propylene glycol is safer and less toxic.
The word “antifreeze” can be literally translated as “against frost” or “non-freezing”. This term is used to refer to all brands of coolants.
Antifreeze or antifreeze - which is better?
It should be noted for starters that the first concept is used to designate domestic-made coolants. The term "antifreeze" contains the name of the department in which it was developed (Department of Organic Synthesis Technology (TOC)). The ending "-ol" indicates the material belongs to alcohols. Antifreeze refers to traditional coolants, which are recently used less and less.
As already noted, the operational properties of the material do not depend on which particular antifreeze is red, blue, yellow or any other color. Initially, all liquids are produced in the same color. The dye adds antifreeze only a certain "personality". There is an opinion that it is allowed to mix coolants of the same color with each other. It should be noted that in many ways it is a delusion. On a package with antifreeze, the manufacturer always gives instructions indicating the possibilities of mixing this type with others.
At one time, a specific state standard was developed for domestic coolants. It should be noted, however, that absolute compliance with GOST does not guarantee their high quality characteristics. For example, Russian-made tosols are not always applicable to modern engine designs. At the same time, European antifreezes that do not comply with the Russian standard demonstrate high quality indicators.