Heating and cooling systems of a car engine work by circulating a special fluid in the system. Its properties are similar to water. Liquid with constant circulation takes excess heat from the engine and transports it to the radiator. Here, this heat is given to the atmosphere. This liquid is antifreeze. She appeared 50 years ago. Let's look at what is antifreeze, why it is needed, what characteristics it has and how to replace it in a car.
Facts from the story
Now you can often hear how motorists compare antifreeze and antifreeze. But to compare these substances is the same as trying to compare fish and crucian carp. The layman believes that antifreeze is a coolant with a higher quality. And often these are imported products. And antifreeze is a domestic product. In other words, colored water. People do not know what is antifreeze, but in vain.
Its appearance coincides with the release of the first car from AvtoVAZ. Before that, there was plain water in the radiators. In severe frost , alcohol, or ethylene glycol, was added to the water. This protected the liquid from freezing.
This composition was crystalline and sufficiently viscous, which excluded battery breaks. Old cars had cast-iron motors. This fluid was and is very safe in terms of corrosion. It was the most perfect solution. And they called it antifreeze.
The first problems with this composition appeared when the first car from AvtoVAZ rolled off the assembly line. In its cooling system, VAZ employees used completely different materials. For them, the existing coolant was categorically not suitable. Therefore, state institutes have developed a completely new liquid without corrosive imperfections - antifreeze. VAZ models worked perfectly on it. That coolant was based on salts of inorganic origin. They formed a film on metal surfaces to protect the metal from ethylene glycol.
Antifreeze and its name
The liquid got its name from the name of the department. The product was developed by CBT, or organic synthesis technology. Soon the name passed to TOSol and then became the brand and standard for coolants. The properties were clearly regulated, as was the composition.
Two classes of these substances were produced in the Soviet Union. So, antifreeze A-40 and A-65 were on sale, as well as antifreeze - M-40 and M-65.
The first liquid was obtained by mixing a brand “A” product with ordinary water. The number indicated the temperature threshold at which the composition would freeze. Antifreeze was of lower quality.
Antifreeze for the "Lada"
Then this name became popular among motorists and subsequently became a household name. And as AvtoVAZ products became more and more successful and were in demand among the people, antifreeze was the best choice. It was then that a stereotype was born among motorists - this composition is only suitable for Lada.
Antifreeze and its composition
This substance, the composition of which is much more complicated than water. The latter is also present in the liquid, but there are other additives in the coolant besides it. They provide antifreeze with all the properties that it possesses. Let's look at what these properties are and why this product is more effective than distilled water.
The main element in the composition of the antifreeze is distilled water. It makes the substance less viscous. Now, knowing what is antifreeze, we can say that the denser the coolant, the less diluted it is. Car owners themselves adjust the density of the composition. This helps to save fluid.
Another substance that is contained in antifreeze is propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. These substances are derivatives of ordinary alcohol. Alcohol and propylene glycol have the same smell and composition. Alcohol-based substances are necessary so that in winter the liquid does not freeze and can maintain its initial state. Propylene glycol is colorless, but its smell is sharp. It can be easily distinguished from any other substances.
Due to the pungent odor, manufacturers of coolants added a special additive to the composition, partially compensating for the unpleasant odor. The aromatic additive often does not have its own aroma and is used to compensate, improving the properties of the liquid.
Another important component is dye. It is necessary to give the liquid a certain color. Hue helps to easily distinguish antifreeze from another coolant - antifreeze.
Unique properties
So, we know what antifreeze is. This is a domestic-made coolant. Let's look at what properties it has. This fluid is poured into the motors to cool them. But there are other reasons. Any liquid can handle cooling. However, it is antifreeze that contains special additive substances that protect the metal of the radiator from corrosion. Often heat exchangers rust from the inside. The anti-corrosion additive creates a special film inside the radiator. Through it, moisture cannot affect the metal and react with it. Due to these anti-corrosion properties, it is possible to extend the life of the engine and radiator several times.
For most other water-based fluids, it is difficult to maintain the desired state at sub-zero temperatures. But the antifreeze in the engine will not freeze. This liquid contains alcohol. Due to this, the substance will not freeze even at extreme temperatures. Antifreeze boils only at 110 degrees, which is also an important property.
Domestic products: composition and labeling
Depending on the marking, the composition of the liquid, its density and technical characteristics also differ. Now in the modern classification, manufacturers use the letters - A, M, K. The numbers - 30, 40, 65. The letters indicate the type of antifreeze - automobile, modernized, concentrate.
The numbers indicate the freezing temperature. Also, the marking may contain parts of the name of the manufacturer. There are no liquids with a freezing temperature below 65 degrees on the market. The crystallization level is provided precisely by the concentration of ethylene glycol. As for additives, there are at least 8. Their number can reach up to 15.
Selection rules
Modern manufacturers supply the market with not only the traditional blue liquid - there are many other shades. It should be remembered that color does not affect technical specifications. The main purpose of the shade is the difference between manufacturers and miscibility conditions.
The temperature at which this coolant boils is in the range from 104 to 112 degrees. One way to get quality fluid is to check the density level. Good performance - from 1,060 to 1,090 grams per cubic centimeter. Antifreeze is replaced with the same fluid that was poured into the car.
How to replace coolant yourself
To replace the coolant, you do not need to go to the service center. You can perform the operation yourself. Even girls can handle this. You need to know a few simple rules, and then no difficulties will arise. Let's look at how to change antifreeze yourself. It is important to work on a cold engine - when the engine is hot, the cap of the expansion tank should not be unscrewed.
The first thing the car is put on a flat platform. This is necessary so that during the replacement process it is possible to completely remove the spent fluid. In other embodiments, a complete drain from the system is not possible. Something will definitely remain inside. In order to drain the antifreeze, you need to unscrew the upper and lower radiator caps. You should also place an empty container under the lid. Its volume should be at least seven liters for cars and at least ten for small-tonnage trucks (such as the GAZelle).
Then flush the cooling system and tighten the lower outlet plug. Next, finally, there will be a long-awaited replacement.
The liquid is poured into the opening of the expansion tank to the very top, and then sealed. After that, the car is started and monitored by the temperature sensor. Next, check the level and, if necessary, pour liquid again. Here's how to pour antifreeze - this instruction is relevant for any car.