Antifreeze is not only important in cold temperatures

The essential task of an antifreeze is to reduce the freezing point of other substances. Thus, the functionality of these substances is maintained even at colder temperatures. Above all in the vehicle, two types of antifreeze are immensely important:

Radiator antifreeze: coolant added with antifreeze
Windscreen antifreeze: windscreen cleaner added with antifreeze

When buying a radiator antifreeze be sure to pay attention to the correct color and the specifications of your vehicle manufacturer. Learn in the lower section of the page, what the colors mean, how often antifreeze must be replaced and how to dispose of it properly. Likewise, we give you there a few more tips on what to look for in the windshield antifreeze.

What does the radiator antifreeze consist of and what effects does it have?
What do the colors of the radiator antifreeze mean?
How can you tell that there is too little antifreeze?
What should be considered when using windshield antifreeze?
Why is the right antifreeze so important?

What does the radiator antifreeze consist of and what effects does it have?

Generally, the effect of the antifreeze depends on the substance used and the concentration. Previously, simply normal alcohol was added to the water or coolant. Meanwhile, however, the radiator antifreeze has been improved. In it are predominantly two- to three-valent alcohols contained (glycol and glycerol). In addition to providing antifreeze protection, these have the additional properties of acting as rust inhibitors for the cooler, water pump and coolant lines. In addition, today's radiator antifreeze stabilizes electrical conductivity, protects the cooling system with its lubricating properties, and prevents overheating and mineral deposits.

These other properties are the reason why antifreeze is generally included in coolants. Thus, it is jointly responsible for the vehicle's roadworthiness all year round. However, over time, the amount of coolant decreases and the antifreeze concentration also decreases. It is then necessary to replace the coolant or top up the radiator antifreeze. Here it is particularly important to pay attention to the specifications of the vehicle manufacturer. The radiator antifreeze consists of different substances and can cause considerable damage to the vehicle if used incorrectly. A first indication of the different components are the different colors of the antifreeze.

What do the colors of the radiator antifreeze mean?

The colors from the antifreeze provide information about the components and are partly tailored to the respective vehicle manufacturers. The colors range from yellow to red, purple to blue and green. Basically, you can make the following statements about the colors:

Blue and green: are silicate-containing and also suitable for aluminum engines. These antifreeze also have a high corrosion protection.
Yellow: Also yellow radiator antifreeze is silicate-containing but especially aimed at cast iron engines
Orange, red and purple: are silicate-free antifreeze and partly contain silicon components

The most commonly used silicate in radiator antifreeze is sodium silicate, which prevents corrosion of aluminum. Silicate-containing antifreeze should be replaced after two years at the latest, while silicate-free agents have a replacement interval of 2-4 years. In addition, the different types of radiator antifreeze should not be mixed with each other, otherwise chemical reactions are triggered that can cause major damage to the engine.

How can you tell that there is too little antifreeze?

Basically, the coolant level 1x a month as well as the antifreeze concentration 2x a year to be tested. For this purpose, there is usually a white plastic container in the engine compartment on which the markings Min / Max can be seen. The coolant should be between the two markings. In addition, the temperature of the coolant can be measured with the help of a test spindle. This should be between minus 20 and minus 30 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is higher, the radiator antifreeze should be topped up as a concentrate until the correct temperature is reached.

Please make sure to perform the test only when the engine has cooled down, otherwise burns may occur. If the level is below the minimum, it must be topped up with the same coolant. If no suitable coolant at hand, can be filled bridging with distilled water. Promptly, however, the coolant must then be completely replaced once, so that the correct concentration of radiator antifreeze is again contained in the coolant. It is advisable to fill a cooler cleaner before draining the old coolant. Then run the engine with the heater on for up to 30 minutes. This will loosen dirt, debris and sludge and then drain it with the old coolant. Finally, flush the system again with water before filling with the new coolant. Using a radiator cleaner will, above all, extend the life of the water pump as well as the other components of the cooling system.

Since coolants are highly toxic liquids, care must be taken when replacing them to ensure that the coolant does not come into contact with the skin and that it does not get into the groundwater. If any of the liquid should nevertheless come into contact with the skin, it must be cleaned thoroughly with water immediately.

Coolants are hazardous waste. Therefore, they must not be poured down the sink, but must be delivered in a resealable container to an automotive workshop or a local collection point.

What should be considered when using windshield antifreeze?

Windscreen antifreeze is also based on alcohol, which prevents the wiper water and pipes from freezing. When choosing the windshield antifreeze, the decisive factor is the temperature up to which it is effective. As a guideline in Germany, the antifreeze should withstand at least -25 degrees Celsius. With us you have the choice between ready-mixed windshield cleaner incl. antifreeze and the windshield antifreeze as a concentrate.

Here, too, the effect depends on the mixing ratio. The maximum temperature can only be achieved if the concentrate is filled undiluted. If the average outside temperature is not so low, the concentrate can also be mixed with water.The following rule applies:

Minimum temperature	Mixing ratio
up to minus 15 degrees Celsius	2/3 antifreeze to 1/3 water
up to minus 8 degrees Celsius	1:1

It should be noted that cheap windshield antifreeze protects against freezing, but often leaves a greasy film on the windshield. Even the wiper blades cannot remove this completely. By the way, it is also worth paying attention to the correct mixing ratio.If the ratio is too high, more windshield antifreeze is used than is necessary, which is money wasted. If the ratio is too low, on the other hand, the lines and windshield washer nozzles will freeze, which can cause the wiper system to break down.

When changing from summer to winter, the remaining windshield wiper water should, if possible, be drained as far as possible before the windshield antifreeze is filled in. The more old windshield cleaner is contained, the less effective the antifreeze, because it is too diluted.

Why is the right antifreeze so important?

If the radiator antifreeze is too low or the wrong one is used, the cooling system can ice up or be damaged and thus lead to significant engine damage. For this reason, it is necessary to before changing or refilling in the operating instructions to read which radiator antifreeze is recommended for the vehicle. Likewise, it is important with the windshield antifreeze to pay attention to the right mixture as well as the right minus temperature. If the dose is too low or in areas that are too cold, the effect is lost and the windows will not be free or the wiper system can be damaged.

The ORIGINAL antifreeze at myparto are specially tailored to the respective vehicles and can thus develop their properties most effectively. Therefore, it is worthwhile to use the branded goods of the vehicle manufacturers. With us you will find on the one hand antifreeze as a concentrate and also as ready-mixed solutions. Thus, you will also find the right antifreeze for your vehicle with us. If you have any further questions about antifreeze, please do not hesitate to contact our Service Team.