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Mixing several engine coolants is surely creating problems within the engine system. Most vehicles feature the antifreeze formulated specifically for the car, which is the safest coolant intended.
Also known as coolant, antifreeze is an additive which is used in cars to lowers the freezing point of a water-based liquid and increases its boiling point. An antifreeze mixture is used to attain boiling-point elevation (“anti-boil”) and achieve freezing-point depression for cold environments to allow a higher coolant temperature.
If your car needs fluids and filtration, you should try to get more into the system as possible so that you can keep everything running well even though you’re not using other solvents.
Can You Mix Antifreeze Types?
There can not be mixing of different engine coolants in any way, resulting in too much. If mixed, say, red and green antifreeze, this can form a dense jelly-like substance that can control any coolant flow leading to engine overheating.
Can You mix Red and Green Antifreeze?
When your automobile is unprotected with too little anti-freezing solution, you are facing potential internal damage. If you use it in your engine, you risk slowly damaging the water pump, head gasket, radiator tubes.
It can also clog the seals around the body parts in the vehicle, which causes the heat to overheat in the engine. The protection layer of the cooling system could become smaller and wear sooner. In turn, you should use the protective layer a lot. You want your vehicle to drive smoothly long-term, the right solution will be recommended.
What are the Different Types of AntiFreeze?
Here are some of the widely used Antifreeze:
Green Antifreeze
This green antifreeze will stick in your engine system for approximately three years. The formulation has been developed with Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT), one of the oldest technologies available for the manufacture of antifreeze.
It can be best used after repairing damaged automobiles. The green is good for old vehicles and lasts up to three years.
Red coolant
This antifreeze is a little different from the green. The red will last approximately two years or every 30,000 miles. This product has been designed with Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT).
These additives control rust and corrosion radiator hoses, cylinder gaskets, water pumps, and radiators. It will also prevent deposits of lime-scale, which can be harmful to your vehicle.
Pink Antifreeze
The pink antifreeze will keep your vehicle cool for about five years. It is much different from other types and developed with Organic Additive Technologies (OAT) and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT).
This technology can control rust and corrosion as well as lime-scale. However, this product is not intended for older automobiles.
Orange Antifreeze/coolant
As the name suggests, this antifreeze is orange in color. It has been developed with Organic Additive Technology (OAT) only. The main aim of the Orange antifreeze is to keep your vehicle cool for at least six years or every 60,000 miles.
Purple Antifreeze/coolant
The purple antifreeze is different from all other coolants. It has been developed with PSi-Organic Additive Technology (Phosphate and Silicate Organic Acid Technology) which also resists corrosion, cavitation, and rust formation.
However, the purple will work for eight years only or every 30,000 miles. That means you can use it during summertime for your car’s cooling system because the antifreeze can handle extreme weather conditions.
Yellow Antifreeze/coolant
The yellow antifreeze is very different from the previous types mentioned. The yellow antifreeze will keep your engine cool every 15,000 miles. This type of antifreeze is developed with Organic Additive Technology (OAT) which can resist corrosion and cavitation.
What are the main Differences Between Red and Green antifreeze?
Here are some considerable differences between the red and green antifreeze:
Composition
The biggest difference between red and green antifreeze is organic additive technology (OAT), while the other uses inorganic additive technology (IAT). Secondly, red has anti-corrosion properties which are not found in green.
Lifespan
The lifespan of red antifreeze is also higher than the of green antifreeze. Red antifreeze is known as Dexcool and is more efficient than Green Antifreeze.
Application
Green Antifreeze is primarily appropriate for the first-generation vehicle models. But Red Antifreeze is equipped with modern and advanced technology.
Class definition
Green Antifreeze belongs to the class of C11 and does not last more than two years. Red Antifreeze belongs to the G12 class and lasts up to 3 years.
Evolution
Green Antifreeze is an older version that was developed to prevent the engine from reaching shallow temperatures. The discovery of red antifreeze is attributed to the many innovations and modifications to the car system.
The considerable difference in the properties and other aspects makes it disastrous to mix red and green antifreeze.
Fixing the Problems caused when you mix the Wrong Coolant
The mixing of red and green antifreeze can cause serious problems. Problems due to the wrong coolant are not always repairable and require the replacement of parts.
There are mainly two problems that you may face if you use the wrong engine coolant to fill your cooling system. First, corrosion or rusting will take place, which can lead to pitting on metal surfaces. Second, cavitation can damage water pump impellers.
The corrosion will happen when you use the green antifreeze with an aluminum radiator. The aluminum does not have enough ability to resist rusting or cavitation, which will eventually cause holes in radiators and hoses. It might lead to a decrease in the efficiency of various cooling system components, including the heater core and water pump.
The cavitation will happen when you mix red or pink antifreeze with aluminum, brass, copper, iron, or steel parts. It will create a vacuum between metals and cause such components to seize up, which will lead to stopping the engine completely. If this happens, consult a mechanic who can get your motor working again.
If you have already added the wrong type of antifreeze into your car cooling system, it is better to drain and refill it as soon as possible. It will remove any problems caused due to the mixing of coolants and prevent further damage.
Both green and red antifreeze are available at stores across USA and Canada. However, it is important to note that they cannot be mixed and used as a long-term solution for cooling your car engine.
What is the Best Antifreeze?
The best coolant you can use is G12 or G13 red coolant. It will give you the longest life, protection from corrosion, rusting, and cavitation.
However, if you insist on using green antifreeze, it is better to fill your engine with 50% green and 50% distilled water. It will prevent corrosion and cavitation issues that you might face if you use the green coolant alone.
One important thing to remember is that this antifreeze should not be mixed with water softer than the coolant itself. For example, if you use pink antifreeze, then distilled or demineralized water should mix.
It will prevent the formation of hard salt deposits in your cooling system, which can block tubes and hoses, cause corrosion, etc. Moreover, you should always buy the pre-mixed coolant if you can afford it. It will save you a lot of time and money in the long term.
Today, GM uses Dexcool, red antifreeze, to protect your engine from corrosion and cavitation. Chrysler used Pentosin CHF 11S – Green Coolant mixed with distilled water. Ford uses the Motorcraft brand of red antifreeze to protect your engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Green, orange or purple antifreeze car?
The green antifreeze a versatile of all because it can be used on any vehicle. This antifreeze reduces corrosion, rust, and cavitation but appropriate for old vehicles. But the red antifreeze is better and equipped for modern day vehicles.
With the chilly months of winter on their way, residents of colder climates are preparing their cars for the season. Some may be adding a bit of purple, green or orange-colored antifreeze to ensure that their radiator systems don’t freeze up when the mercury dips into minus territory.
Can I use red coolant in my diesel engine?
Yes, you can certainly use red antifreeze with your gasoline or diesel engine.
Final Words
It would help if you always read the manufacturer’s guidelines for mixing or filling coolant in your car cooling system. Mixing red and green antifreeze might cause serious damage to your car engine, which cannot be repaired easily, if at all!
The best coolant to use in your car is always the one suggested by your trusted manufacturer.
My Name is Christopher Angels, and I am a postgraduate in mechanical engineering. Cars have always excited me as a child, and soon I decided to dive into the world of cars by pursuing mechanical engineering. I also worked as a Mechanic for over 3 years to understand Cars’ anatomy and how each part contributes to its working.
My Name is Christopher Angels, and I am a postgraduate in mechanical engineering. Cars have always excited me as a child, and soon I decided to dive into the world of cars by pursuing mechanical engineering. I also worked as a Mechanic for over 3 years to understand Cars' anatomy and how each part contributes to its working.
