Car engine cooling is an important process. And for this purpose, a special liquid is used - antifreeze. However, in the modern market a huge amount of funds is presented, which complicates the choice. That is why we decided to make an antifreeze rating taking into account the opinions of users and the technical characteristics of the compositions themselves.
Good antifreeze - what is it?
Antifreeze is a tool based on a combination of monohydric alcohols, glycerin and a number of liquids. And as the active substance, ethylene or propylene glycol is used. All coolants are divided into carbosilicate, lobride, hybrid and traditional, and it does not matter what color they have - the properties and performance of the liquids do not depend on this indicator.
Comparison of antifreezes in our ranking was carried out on the basis of many criteria - from the freezing index and boiling point to the high stability of physical and chemical properties.
A bit about flowers
Antifreeze is not only water and ethylene glycol, it is also an additive that plays an important role. Note that the additives are very different, so there is antifreeze red, green, blue. The color scheme was not invented by chance - it allows you to track the manifestations of antifreeze to further improve its properties. So, antifreeze happens:
- blue, or antifreeze: it can withstand a maximum temperature of -40 degrees;
- red - up to -65 degrees.
These additives are considered first generation additives, or traditional. Their production is carried out from silicates, borates, nitrites, phosphates, that is, chemistry. When applied to the pipes and tubes, thin protective films are formed. Antifreeze blue and red is considered obsolete. Such a tool will last about two to three years, and at a temperature of 110 degrees already begins to boil. Once every three years it needs to be changed completely.
Special attention should be paid to green antifreeze, which is created on the basis of organic and inorganic substances. It is more reliable and minimizes the risk of corrosion. But such additives will also have to be changed every 2-3 years.
Can I interfere or not?
Many novice drivers are interested in the question of whether it is possible to mix antifreeze of different brands. As experts say, one cannot proceed from the same color of the compositions, since they can be completely different in technical parameters. If the question arises of mixing antifreezes of different brands, it is worth remembering that you need to monitor the balance of additives - it should not be violated. To check if you can mix different brands, buy any antifreeze and mix it with coolant that has been poured into your car.
If the compositions are suitable for each other, then their color and consistency will remain the same. If not, the product will become cloudy, and at the bottom of the tank a precipitate will literally form right away. In general, mixing different antifreezes is not worth it, as their performance will deteriorate. And now we offer an overview of the best antifreezes that are most in demand by customers. We begin the review with popular tools that can be used for new cars.
Liqui moly
Liqui Moly Langzeit GTL12 Plus is a high-quality antifreeze, ready to use for cooling any modern engine. It can be used on cars whose parts are aluminum: this guarantees protection against corrosion. The liquid is red and does not contain amines, nitrites, phosphates and silicates. Using the tool, you can guarantee timely cooling of the engine, which will be protected from overheating, freezing and cavitation. You do not need to mix the product with distilled water. Liqui Moly antifreeze can be used in the temperature range from –40 to +109 ° . According to the test results, this tool showed its best side in such indicators as the temperature of crystallization onset (it was -40 degrees) and the boiling point. According to experts, Liqui Moly Langzeit GTL12 antifreeze meets all the requirements of technical regulations.
CoolStream Optima
In second place in our rating, we put products of the CoolStream brand. It is believed that this coolant is economy class. For the price, maybe this is so, but in terms of quality and functionality, antifreeze is very good. It can be used for cars of any make. The presence of monoethylene glycol in the composition serves as protection against freezing of the liquid. Additives are added to antifreeze, the task of which is to protect against corrosion. It is recommended that this fluid be used up to 80,000 km in vehicles where frequent replacement of the coolant is required. According to tests, antifreeze easily copes with any tests and fully meets the requirements of technical standards. The crystallization temperature is - 42 degrees. According to reviews, antifreeze of this brand attracts attention with a wide range of operating temperatures, good anticorrosion properties, low price and compatibility with most antifreezes. Of the minuses, an excess of the foam stability index, which is formed during the operation of the engine cooling system, is noted.
Felix
Professional Felix antifreezes are created in accordance with the requirements of major world car manufacturers, and therefore we decided to include it in our antifreeze rating in third place. You can use the funds on cars and trucks for various purposes in any road conditions. A specially developed and patented additive package allows you to extend the life of the cooling system, increase engine power. In the production of liquids, monoethylene glycol of the highest grade is used. Anticorrosive, antifoam, lubricating additives are added to it.
Speaking about the Felix brand, we decided to describe two antifreezes:
- Felix Carbox G12. This Felix antifreeze is the only one among the new generation products that has passed all the necessary laboratory and bench tests. When using this coolant, it is possible to increase the mileage without replacement to 250,000 km. The composition provides highly effective protection against high temperatures, corrosion of all engine parts, radiator, rubber seals. The antifreeze does not contain silicates, phosphates, which can lead to the formation of scale and deposits in the engine cooling system.
- Felix Prolonger G11. This Felix antifreeze can be used in cars, trucks, regardless of climatic and road conditions. The liquid is one hundred percent protection of the engine, cooling system from corrosion, hypothermia and overheating. In this case, the risk of scale formation or deposits on the parts is completely eliminated. A well-thought-out set of additives is the guarantee that the service life of all vehicle systems and, above all, the engine will be increased.
Our Felix brand ranked our antifreeze rating for an impressive period between coolant changes, a wide temperature range and a gentle effect on the cooling system, which is especially important for older cars.
Sintec LUX G12
Carboxylate antifreeze is produced using the latest technology without the use of organic additives. Only corrosion inhibitors are used in this solution and nitrites, nitrates, amines, phosphates and borates are not mixed. We included this composition in the antifreeze rating due to the fact that it can be used on any modern engines that have a heavy load. In addition to protecting the cooling system, it prevents the formation of deposits in the engine mechanisms. Sintec brand antifreezes are delivered to automobile conveyors of leading manufacturers, the assembly of machines of which is carried out in Russia. According to tests, the coolant showed its best side: the crystallization temperature was -41 degrees. In relation to metals from the point of view of corrosion, it behaves neutrally.
Highway G11 +
Highway G11 + antifreeze is one of the latest generation products and can be used in cooling systems of internal combustion engines. The liquid ensures reliable operation of the cooling system in the temperature range from -40 to +50 degrees. The advantage of this coolant is that it is compatible with any other fluids based on ethylene glycol or organic corrosion inhibitors. The antifreeze contains no nitrites, amines, borates and silicates. It can be used to support the optimum thermal behavior of the engine. Antifreeze does not affect the plastic and rubber parts of the cooling system. Among the advantages of this tool can be noted work in a wide temperature range, compatibility with other antifreezes and an affordable price.
The best antifreeze concentrates
Antifreeze is sold in concentrated form, so it must be diluted before use. If you bought antifreeze concentrate, how to dilute it correctly? And this must be done, as otherwise ethylene glycol will freeze already at a temperature of 13 degrees. Water is used to dilute antifreeze, but the proportions must be selected in accordance with the instructions.
The concentrate is generally best diluted with distilled water, in which there are no salts of magnesium and calcium. If you use hard tap water, sediment may precipitate in the final mixture, and scale may form in the cooling system itself. And this, in turn, will lead to a deterioration in heat dissipation. If you use an antifreeze concentrate, how to dilute it, the instructions will tell you. In addition, keep in mind that there should be as much water as needed to maintain a balance between boiling and premature freezing. The degree of dilution is influenced by climatic conditions in which the car will be operated.
It is necessary to dilute antifreeze and water in a ratio of 1 to 1, that is, a liter of water is added per liter of liquid. This ratio is enough so that the refrigerant does not freeze at temperatures up to –25 degrees. If the liquid is used at lower temperatures, then antifreeze and water should be in a ratio of 7 to 3. But in any case, it is worth remembering that low temperatures can affect the crystallization of diluted refrigerant. In addition, after dilution, antifreeze loses its anti-corrosion properties, so the protection of engine parts will be minimal.
We decided to create a separate rating taking into account those antifreezes that are considered the most high-quality and meet existing standards.
Sintec Premium G12 +
The best, according to automakers, is considered this particular antifreeze. Technical characteristics of Sintec Premium G12 + are fully consistent with the declared, as shown by numerous studies. The production of this product is carried out by organic synthesis, which uses high-quality ethylene glycol and an imported additive package. They are responsible for the active resistance to corrosion and the formation of deposits on the cooling system, providing reliable protection for the entire engine and its mechanisms. Excellent lubricating properties extend the performance of the water pump. This antifreeze is recommended for use on cars and trucks of different brands.
Liqui Moly Langzeit Kuhlerfrostschutz GTL12 Plus
This antifreeze for the car was developed by a German company that creates original products of a new generation. Studies show that coolant has good temperature performance, resistance to electrochemical corrosion of metals and high temperature corrosion of aluminum alloys. The fluid of this brand has been tested more than once by different car manufacturers and has been approved for use on cars of the following brands: Audi, BMW, DaimlerCrysler, Ford, Porsche, Seat, Skoda. Note that Langzeit Kuhlerfrostschutz can be mixed with standard antifreeze series G11 and G12. The replacement interval is up to 5 years.
Castrol Radicool NF
This antifreeze (blue) is a concentrate in which there are no unnecessary additives. It is produced using hybrid technology and can be used on cars and trucks. When diluting, it is permissible to add 33-50% distilled water, which is sufficient for optimal corrosion protection. The freezing temperature will be a maximum of -36 degrees.
The development of Castrol Radicool NF was carried out in accordance with the requirements of modern car manufacturers, which pay more and more attention to coolants. In addition to corrosion protection, they should have a minimal impact on the environment, prevent the appearance of deposits. Castrol Radicool NF high-quality coolant, as a result, has received the approval of many automakers.
Niagara Red G12 +
Various brands offer automotive coolants. The difference in antifreezes lies not only in the difference in their color schemes. More important are the technical specifications on which the performance of liquids depends. For example, Niagara RED G12 + belongs to the new generation of antifreezes, as the basis of the production is the carboxylate technology Extended Life Coolant Technology. An important property of this fluid is the ability to form a point protective layer in those areas where corrosion can form. Thanks to this quality, the need for replacing antifreeze will appear about 5 years after filling the car’s cooling system.
It is also important that the Niagara RED G12 + has passed all the tests and tests, which gives it the opportunity to meet international standards. During the tests, it was proved that this antifreeze has the largest margin of frost resistance, which reached -46 degrees.
What to choose?
We have provided you with descriptions of the most popular antifreezes created by the best brands in the world. It may seem that they are all about the same in composition and technical characteristics. But still, we would like to emphasize that the market is full of products of very different quality. Therefore, if you are not strong in specifications, proceed when choosing a coolant from the following parameters:
- Choose vehicles that are approved by the manufacturer of your vehicle. If this is not found, choose a liquid of the same type that is recommended for the brand of your car, but it is imperative that it has access to other automotive brands.
- Carefully read the instructions that accompany any coolant. Better yet, go to the manufacturer’s official website, study the automotive documentation, read the information on the package itself.
Many will say that modern fluids are created in accordance with state standards, and therefore should be ideally suited for cars. In fact, they do not always meet the requirements of GOSTs. And the latter, we note, are a list of 10 laboratory indicators that are important for coolants. In addition, storage and transportation conditions for antifreezes are important. Therefore, compliance with GOST does not always indicate product quality. A more important criterion for the applicability of a particular brand of antifreeze is the approval of the manufacturer.
By the way, information on compliance with the manufacturer’s requirements must be specified. Since it issues an admission only after a thorough study of a specific antifreeze. If the coolant manufacturer is conscientious, then he will certainly indicate the list of tolerances that he has. Saving on coolants is definitely not worth it, as well as mixing the remnants of antifreeze with a new composition, albeit the same in color.