The cooling system of all modern cars uses antifreeze, which has special lubricating, non-freezing and other important properties. The chemical compositions of different liquids are different, and the color and appearance of the containers may also vary. Japanese compounds that have excellent cleansing properties and do not freeze even at -50 degrees are well established on the market. Antifreeze Super Long Life Coolant is able to last until the car travels 75,000 kilometers, and this significantly saves the money of car owners.
Structure
Japanese antifreeze consists of a substance called ethylene glycol. Its content is approximately 65 percent of the total composition. The remaining 35 percent is occupied by water and special lubricating, anti-corrosion additives - inhibitors. There are also other formulations: 90% ethylene glycol, 5% additives, 5% water.
Ethylene glycol has a strong effect on steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, solder. Therefore, many chemical elements are always added to the liquid, which stabilize the composition of the final product and make it not only harmless to automobile systems, but also useful. For example, high-quality antifreeze lubricates the pump and even launders deposits in the thermostat nodes, so the system works for as long as possible.
How to choose antifreeze
Using fake compounds can seriously damage the cooling pipes and vehicle components. Therefore, when buying, you should pay attention to the originality of products and try not to use unfamiliar brands.
Japanese antifreeze comes in several classes:
Antifreeze G 11 is created by silicate technology. The composition forms a special film on all parts of the cooling system and thus prevents corrosion. This layer also protects parts from damage. Of the minuses, poor heat dissipation and destruction of the protective layer due to vibrations during operation can be noted. Such antifreeze should be changed at least once every two years.
Japanese antifreeze class G 12, G 12+ is based on organic acids. The main difference from G 11 is the lack of a protective layer on the surface of the working elements. Corrosion protection is achieved through a special additive package. The pluses include: high heat transfer, the absence of scale and other deposits in the system, extended to 4-5 years life. The work of antifreeze for 5 years can be achieved only with preliminary flushing of the system before pouring a new composition.
Japanese antifreeze class G 13 first appeared on the market in 2012. Its composition is fundamentally different from the antifreeze G 11 and G 12. Instead of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol is used, which is environmentally friendly. The composition of the additives is similar to G 12.
Is there any color difference
What is the color difference of antifreeze and what should be poured into the car? This question excites many motorists.
Initially, all formulations are painted white. Red, green, blue, yellow and pink shades are added using special dyes. This is done to indicate class and manufacturing technology. For example, most often antifreezes G 11 are blue or green. G 12 - red, orange, lilac, light green. G 13 - with a pink or purple tint. Manufacturers usually write the product class on the label, and the color depends on the series or even batch of the product. There are no clear rules for the coloring of antifreezes. For example, pink antifreeze can be poured into a Toyota or Nissan, even if initially there was a green composition inside the system. However, before pouring a new composition, it is better to use flushing from deposits and residues of old liquid.
Which Japanese antifreeze to choose
When buying a coolant, it is better to give preference to firms:
All of the above antifreezes are produced in Japan and meet all the requirements and standards. For example, Japanese TCL green antifreeze will easily last 3 years or 50,000 kilometers. And with a high-quality flushing system, the liquid can serve up to the passage of a car 75,000 kilometers, which is considered an excellent indicator. Sakura pink or red antifreeze is also capable of operating up to 50,000 kilometers.
Characteristics of antifreezes, which should be preferred:
- Freezing temperature: -40 or -50 degrees, depending on living conditions.
- Boiling point - at least 105 degrees.
The color of the composition and container capacity can be selected as desired. But if the manufacturer recommends pouring the red compound, then it is best to purchase it.
Fluid change intervals
It is best to change the antifreeze of class G 11 once every two years or after 20,000 - 25,000 kilometers. Visually determine the condition of the fluid by looking into the expansion tank. If the color has changed to brown or dark green with whitish shades, then the fluid must be urgently replaced.
Compositions of class G 12 and G 13 will require replacement after 50,000 - 75,000 kilometers or 3-5 years, depending on operating conditions. Fluid wear can also be detected by color or smell. For the second option, you need to remember how the new liquid smells.
If you need to add coolant, it is better to observe the color and brand of the product. The fact is that manufacturers use different chemical additives in the manufacture of antifreeze, therefore, when mixing, an undesirable precipitate may fall or the boiling point may drop.
Antifreeze can be diluted with distilled water, but it is important to remember that this procedure lowers the freezing point. For example, when diluted, the stated pour point may drop from -40 to -30 or even -20. And freezing the cooling system can cause serious consequences.
Reviews and Tips
Buyers are very pleased with the quality of the Japanese product, so it is difficult to meet angry reviews. But when buying a fake product, problems may arise with the occurrence of scale in the system or freezing of the pipes. Therefore, you should choose only the original antifreeze, which can be purchased from an authorized supplier or through a large online store.
Often, sellers do not know what is the difference in color of antifreeze, and can confuse buyers when choosing a liquid. Therefore, before going to the store, you should carefully study the car's operating instructions or find out the color of the desired antifreeze under the hood.