Colour
The colour of the coolant.
Coloring makes it easier to keep track of the condition of the liquid: the loss or change in colour, usually, indicates the need to refill the cooling system. The specific colour used by the manufacturer is primarily related to the standards that antifreeze complies with (see below). Usually, G11 fluids use shades of green, G12 — red, G13 — blue. However, this rule is not mandatory, there are other principles for choosing colours (for example, Japanese manufacturers "paint" their products according to temperature). In addition, the colour of the dye does not affect the properties of the liquid and the composition of the additives. Therefore, when choosing, you should focus not on colour, but on the official characteristics claimed by the manufacturer.
Now on the market there are liquids painted in the following colours:
red,
blue,
green,
yellow,
orange,
purple,
pink,
pink-purple,
green-blue.
Class
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G11. A simple class for budget brands of antifreeze. As a base, such coolants use a mixture of water and ethylene glycol with the inclusion of a small package of anti-corrosion additives of organic or inorganic origin. In modern engines, G11 antifreeze is rarely used; it is mainly used on board domestic cars with a cast-iron cylinder block. The price for the budget cost of G11 is the short service life of this class of coolant.
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G12. A group of carboxylate antifreezes that involve the use of a water-ethylene glycol base and organic additives. Their key feature is the direct impact on the corrosion centers — a protective film is formed only in places subject to corrosion. This significantly improved heat exchange and ensured a long service life of G12 brand cooling liquids (more than 5 years).
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G12+. Further improvement of class G12 with the inclusion of substances based on organic acids in the formula to prevent corrosion. That is, G12+ coolants not only form a protective film in the areas where corrosion occurs, but also carry out preventive measures to avoid its occurrence.
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G12++. The most advanced type of coolant of the G12 group. The hybrid composition of antifreezes of this class includes not only organic compounds, but also silicate additives. This combination combines the advantages of organic
...and inorganic additives in one bottle, providing effective protection of engine walls from corrosion. Since 2012, antifreezes of the more advanced G13 group have replaced coolants of this category.
— G13. The most advanced class of modern cooling liquids. Ethylene glycol in their composition is replaced by propylene glycol, which is much less toxic and decomposes faster after use. In addition, the properties of such antifreezes allow them to be used in powerful forced engines, including sports ones. However, such compositions are not cheap.Manufacturers approvals
Manufacturer approvals for the coolant.
Cars from different manufacturers may have different specific features that cannot be taken into account in generally accepted standards. Therefore, major automakers are developing their own standards by which coolant can be certified. These standards are called tolerances, they are usually indicated in the official documentation for the machine.
It is best to use brands of coolant that correspond to this tolerance — they are best suited for this car model.
