Rating of antifreeze agents: characteristics, brands, manufacturers

Cooling the car engine is an important technological process. And for this purpose a special liquid is used - antifreeze. However, in the modern market there is a huge amount of funds, which complicates the choice. That's why we decided to make a rating of antifreezes taking into account the opinions of users and the technical characteristics of the compositions themselves.

Good antifreeze - what is it?

Antifreeze - a tool based on a combination of monohydric alcohols, glycerin and a number of liquids. And as an active substance, ethylene or propylene glycol is used. All cooling liquids are divided into carbosilicate, lobed, hybrid and traditional, and no matter what their color - from this indicator, the properties and performance of liquids do not depend.

Comparison of antifreeze in our rating was performed on the basis of a variety of criteria - from the freezing point and the boiling point to the high stability of physical and chemical properties.

A little bit about colors

Antifreeze is not only water and ethylene glycol, it is also additives that play an important role. Note that additives are very different, so there is antifreeze red, green, blue. The color solution was invented not accidentally - it allows you to trace the manifestations of antifreeze for further improvement of 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 additives of the first generation, or traditional. Their production is carried out from silicates, borates, nitrites, phosphates, that is chemistry. When they are used on nozzles and tubes thin protective films are formed. Antifreeze blue and red is considered morally obsolete. Such a tool will last about two to three years, and at a temperature of 110 degrees it begins to boil. Once in 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.

Is it possible to interfere or not?

Many novice drivers are interested in the question whether it is possible to mix antifreeze of different brands. As experts note, one can not proceed from the same color of the compositions, since they can be completely different in technical parameters. If there is a question about 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 whether it is possible to mix compounds of different brands, buy any antifreeze and mix it with the cooling liquid filled into your car.

If the compounds are suitable for each other, the color and consistency of them will remain the same. If not, the agent will become cloudy, and a precipitate will form immediately at the bottom of the container. In general, it is not necessary to mix different antifreezes, as their performance properties will deteriorate. And now we offer a review of the best antifreeze, which are the most popular buyers. 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 for use for cooling any modern engines. It can be used on cars, parts of which are aluminum: this guarantees protection against corrosion. The liquid is red and does not contain amines, nitrites, phosphates and silicates. With the help of the tool, it is possible to guarantee timely cooling of the engine, which will be protected from overheating, freezing and cavitation. Mix the product with distilled water is not necessary. Liqui Moly antifreeze can be used in the temperature range from -40 to +109 ° C. This means, according to the results of the test, showed itself on the best side for such indicators as the temperature of the beginning of crystallization (it was -40 degrees) and the boiling point. According to experts, Liqui Moly Langzeit GTL12 antifreeze meets all requirements of technical regulations.

CoolStream Optima

On the second place of our rating we have put products of the brand CoolStream. It is believed that this coolant is economical. At a price, maybe this is so, but the quality and functionality of antifreeze is very good. It can be used for cars of any make. The presence of monoethylene glycol in the composition serves as a protection against freezing of liquid. Additives are added to the antifreeze, the task of which is to protect against corrosion. It is recommended to use this liquid up to 80 000 km of run in those cars where frequent replacement of a cooling liquid is required . By tests, antifreeze easily copes with any tests and fully meets the requirements of technical regulations. The crystallization temperature is -42 degrees. According to reviews, this brand antifreeze attracts attention with a wide range of operating temperatures, good anti-corrosion properties, low price and compatibility with most antifreezes. From the minuses there is an excess of the stability index of the foam, which is formed during the operation of the engine cooling system.

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 rating of antifreezes in third place. You can use the funds for cars and trucks of different purposes in any road conditions. A specially developed and patented additive package allows to extend the life of the cooling system, increase the engine power. In the production of liquid, mono-ethylene glycol of the highest quality is used. To it anticorrosive, antifoam, lubricating additives are added.

Speaking about the brand Felix, we decided to describe two antifreeze:

1. Felix Carbox G12. This Felix antifreeze is the only one among the means of the new generation that has passed all necessary laboratory and bench tests. With this coolant, you can increase the mileage without changing it to 250,000 km. The composition provides a highly effective protection against high temperatures, corrosion of all engine parts, radiator, rubber seals. As a part of antifreeze there are no silicates, phosphates, which can lead to the formation of scale and deposits in the cooling system of the engine.
2. Felix Prolonger G11. This antifreeze Felix can be used in passenger cars, trucks, regardless of climatic and road conditions. The liquid serves as a 100% protection of the engine, cooling system against corrosion, overcooling and overheating. At the same time, the risk of the formation of scale or deposits on the parts is completely excluded. A well-considered set of additives - a pledge that will extend the life of all systems of the car and primarily the engine.

In our rating of antifreezes, the Felix grades have fallen for the impressive time between coolant replacements, a wide range of temperatures and a sparing effect on the cooling system, which is especially important for older cars.

Sintec LUX G12

Carboxylate antifreeze is produced using the latest technologies without the use of organic additives. In this solution only corrosion inhibitors are used and nitrites, nitrates, amines, phosphates and borates are not mixed. This composition, we included in the rating of antifreeze due to the fact that it can be used on any modern engines, which account for a large load. In addition to protecting the cooling system, it prevents the formation of deposits in the engine mechanisms. Antifreezes brand Sintec are supplied to the automobile conveyors of the leading manufacturers, the assembly of which is carried out in Russia. On tests the coolant showed itself from the best side: the crystallization temperature was -41 degrees. With respect to metals, from the point of view of the corrosive effect, it behaves neutrally.

Highway G11 +

Antifreeze Highway G11 + refers to the means of the latest generation and can be used in cooling systems of internal combustion engines. The liquid provides 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 liquids based on ethylene glycol or organic corrosion inhibitors. In the composition of antifreeze there are no nitrites, amines, borates and silicates. It can be used to support the optimum thermal performance 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 range of temperatures, compatibility with other antifreeze and affordable price.

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 for the dilution of antifreeze, but the proportions must be selected in accordance with the instructions.

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 can precipitate in the final mixture, and scale can form in the cooling system itself. And this, in turn, will lead to a deterioration of the heat sink. If you use antifreeze concentrate, how to dilute it, the instruction will prompt. In addition, consider that the water should be as long as necessary to maintain a balance between boiling and premature freezing. The degree of breeding is affected by the climatic conditions in which the car will be operated.

Dilute the antifreeze and water in a ratio of 1 to 1, that is, a liter of water is added a liter of water. This ratio is sufficient for the refrigerant to not cool down at a temperature of -25 degrees. If the liquid is to be used at lower temperatures, the antifreeze and water should be in a ratio of 7 to 3. But in any case, it should be remembered that low temperatures can affect the crystallization of the diluted refrigerant. In addition, after dilution, the antifreeze loses its anticorrosive properties, therefore the protection of engine parts will be minimal.

We decided to make a separate rating taking into account those antifreezes that are considered to be of the highest quality and meet the existing standards.

Sintec Premium G12 +

The best, according to automakers, is considered to be this antifreeze. The technical characteristics of the Sintec Premium G12 + fully comply with the claimed, which shows numerous studies. The production of this product is carried out by organic synthesis, which uses high-quality ethylene glycol and an import additive package. They are responsible for active resistance to corrosion and deposit formation on the cooling system, providing reliable protection of 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 is designed by a German company that creates original products of the new generation. Studies show that the coolant differs in good temperature characteristics, the opposition of electrochemical corrosion of metals and high-temperature corrosion of aluminum alloys. The liquid of this brand has been tested by different automakers more than once and is currently 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 by hybrid technology and can be used on cars and trucks. When diluted, it is permissible to add 33-50% of distilled water, which is sufficient for optimal corrosion protection. The freezing point will be a maximum of -36 degrees.

The development of the Castrol Radicool NF was carried out in accordance with the requirements of modern car manufacturers, which are paying increasing attention to cooling fluids. In addition to protection against corrosion, they must have minimal impact on the environment, prevent the appearance of deposits. Quality coolant Castrol Radicool NF, as a result, was approved by many automakers.

Niagara Red G12 +

Different brands offer coolants for cars. The difference in antifreeze lies not only in the difference of their color solutions. More important technical characteristics, on which the effectiveness of the operation of liquids depends. For example, Niagara RED G12 + belongs to a new generation of antifreezes, since the production is based on the carboxylate technology Extended Life Coolant Technology. An important property of this liquid is the ability to form a point protective layer in those areas where corrosion can form. Due to this quality, the need to replace the antifreeze will appear somewhere about 5 years after filling the car's cooling system.

It is also important that Niagara RED G12 + passed all tests and testing, which gives it the opportunity to meet international standards. During the tests, it was proved that this antifreeze has the largest reserve of frost resistance, which reached -46 degrees.

What to choose?

We have given you 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 all the same, we would like to emphasize that the market is full of products of very different quality. Therefore, if you are not strong in the specifications, proceed with choosing the coolant from the following parameters:

1. Choose the means that have the tolerance of the manufacturer of your vehicle. If this is not found, choose the liquid of the same type that is recommended for the brand of your car, but it is mandatory that it has the access of other automotive brands.
2. Carefully study the instructions that accompany any coolant. Better still, go to the official website of the manufacturer, study the car documentation, read the information on the package itself.

Many will say that modern fluids are created in accordance with GOSTs, and therefore should ideally be suitable for cars. In fact, they do not always meet the requirements of GOSTs. And the last, we note, are a list of 10 laboratory indicators, which are important for cooling liquids. In addition, the conditions of storage and transportation of antifreezes are important. Therefore, compliance with GOST does not always indicate the quality of products. A more important criterion for the applicability of a particular brand of antifreeze is the approval-approval of the manufacturer.

By the way, information on compliance with the requirements of the manufacturer should be specified. Since it gives out admission only after a thorough study of a specific antifreeze. If the manufacturer of cooling liquids is conscientious, he will certainly indicate the list of tolerances that he has. Saving on cooling fluids is not exactly worth it, just like mixing antifreeze residues with a new composition, albeit the same in color.