Self-replacing antifreeze

Antifreeze is a liquid that does not freeze at low temperatures and is used for cooling systems of internal combustion engines. It contains antifreeze from a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin, ethylene glycol and other chemical compounds with water, as well as dyes and anticorrosive additives.

According to the type of anticorrosive substances, cooling liquids are divided into carboxylate and silicate. The carboxylate antifreeze contains special corrosion inhibitors, which are developed on the basis of organic acids. Corrosion inhibitors are adsorbed only at the point of origin, where protective layers form. Silicate antifreeze during the operation of the cooling system covers all of its internal surfaces with a thin layer of scale, which in some way worsens the heat transfer and ultimately reduces the cooling of the engine.

For the uninterrupted operation of the car, it is extremely important to replace the antifreeze in a timely manner. Between its replacements, the duration of the engine's operation depends on certain factors, in particular the presence of special anti-corrosion additives in the antifreeze. While these substances are available in the required quantity, the replacement of the antifreeze is not required. At their reduced concentration or absence, the engine cooling system is not protected from electrolytic corrosion.

If necessary, replace the antifreeze In the car is made independently. It must be taken into account that it is toxic and the following safety measures are required: well-ventilated rooms are chosen, antifreeze does not merge near water supply points (water intake stations, wells, columns) and into open reservoirs, the work is performed on a cold engine.

The car is put forward down the hill or overpass, so that most of the liquid flows out. Under the radiator there is a capacious container for draining the liquid. Then the radiator cap opens and the drain plug on the cylinder block wall, which is next to the oil filter , is unscrewed . The spent old antifreeze flows out of the radiator and the expansion tank. After the spent antifreeze has dissolved, the sleeves and pipes of the cooling system are inspected for the presence of ruptures and cracks, they are replaced when defects are detected.

After that, the cooling system is rinsed from rust and various deposits. For this, a drain plug is screwed onto the cylinder block. Distilled water or a special washing liquid through the radiator neck is poured into the cooling system. After the radiator plug is twisted, the car is started, the heater is switched on to the maximum mode and the engine is left to idle until fully warmed up. After the engine is turned off and fully cooled, the drain plug and the radiator cap are turned off and the washing liquid is drained into a suitable container. This procedure is performed several times, depending on the color and quality of the washing liquid after washing.

After that, a new antifreeze is poured in accordance with the recommendations for a specific car model. In this case, the machine is put upwards on a hill or overpass to avoid an airlock in the cooling system. Fill antifreeze is not completely, the engine is started with the radiator cover open, and the heater is switched on to the maximum mode. Thus, the air bubbles that remain in the engine cooling system are pushed out. The antifreeze is then added to the required level, the radiator cover is twisted. But this is not the end of the replacement of the antifreeze . After several trips to the car, it is necessary to check the level of the antifreeze in the cooling system and top it up if necessary to the required level in the expansion barrel.