![]() ![]() In addition to the added cost of SCA’s, the eventual increase in total dissolved solids in circulation can result in pump vane and seal wear. ![]() ![]() To maintain cavitation protection, fully-formulated coolants require the periodic addition of SCA’s throughout the life of the coolant. High pressures around the sleeve liners over time can result in pitting and eventual perforation. But this added layer is an impediment to heat exchange and can also shorten the life of the water pump due to scale buildup.įully-formulated – Very similar to conventional low-silicate coolants, fully-formulated coolants come with the addition of a pre-charge of supplemental coolant additives (SCA’s), which are designed to protect cylinder liners in heavy duty engines from a phenomenon called cavitation. They inhibit corrosion by laying down a chemical layer over metallic surfaces inside the cooling system. Conventional coolants are inexpensive and have an average service life of about 50,000 miles and are most often used in light duty automotive engines where silicates are required. Here’s an overview:Ĭonventional Low-silicate – Often called “green antifreeze,” this fluorescent green, glycol-based product is also known as an IAT (inorganic additive technology) and contains silicates as part of its inhibitor package. These colors are merely the result of a dye that is added to aid in identification and has no effect on quality or performance.įinally, a chemical inhibitor, or additive package, is added to help prevent corrosion in the radiator, water pump and other internal cooling system components.Īs previously mentioned, there are several coolant technologies in the market today and they differ from one another based upon factors such as service application, service life and maintenance requirements. While the color of a coolant - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, etc., may denote a particular coolant type, there is no industry standard that manufacturers are required to follow when marketing their products. Mixing the two glycols in the water can result in erroneous freeze point readings on a refractometer or hydrometer. Ethylene glycol is perhaps the most common because it has better heat exchange properties than propylene glycol, which is less toxic. Glycol (ethylene or propylene glycol) is added to water to withstand freezing temperatures and to raise the boiling point so that the engine stays cool during operation. Because vehicles in many parts of the world can experience ambient temperatures well below ‘freezing’ during winter, and engine operating temperatures can reach well above water’s boiling point while in use, heat exchange and freeze protection are critical. Water is inexpensive and the most effective heat exchange medium, but has a relatively narrow temperature range from freeze point to boiling point. Cars and trucks with internal combustion engines burning gasoline, diesel and natural gas fuels use coolants. Liquid circulating around the engine absorbs heat created by combustion, then carries it away from the engine where it cools as it passes through a radiator. Automotive coolants are generally made of three key components: water, glycol and an additive or chemical inhibitor package. While a coolant can be made of a liquid, or other substance depending upon the application, let’s focus on those used in engines by the automotive industry, since they’re probably the most common – or at least the ones people are most familiar with. With this perception of complexity comes a laundry list of questions: “What’s the difference between a red coolant and a green coolant? What will happen if I mix the two? Is ethylene glycol the same as propylene glycol?” In this article we’ll try to answer these and other questions by breaking things down into bite-size chunks that are easy to understand. But in a market of ever-increasing technologies, OEM requirements, and even colors, the products can seem quite complex. They provide freeze and boil protection and they prevent corrosion. Specialty Industrial Oils: Marine Oil and MoreĪ coolant, or “antifreeze”, as referred to by the vast majority of consumers, serves a couple of relatively simple purposes in automotive and industrial applications.Motor Oil and Synthetic Motor Oil for Cars. ![]()
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