Were you paying attention the last time you topped off your engine coolant? If yes, did you notice what color it was?
The different colors of the coolant can tell a lot about the formula of the coolant.
Anti-freeze coolants are mixed with a specific solution and have the same goal of preventing the engine from heating up due to extreme weather conditions. But if you are unaware of the different colors of anti-freeze, you might end up purchasing the wrong one for your engine.
Many car owners get curious to know about mixing different color coolants. But is it useful or harmful?
Orange V.S. Green Coolants
Green coolant is the most common type of anti-freeze for vehicles which doesn’t last long as compared to the orange coolant. Yet, green coolant works best in old cars with many steel and copper components in their cooling systems.
Green coolants contain inorganic additive technology (IAT), which is mixed with silicone, phosphate, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol. While orange coolants or Dexcool include organic Acid Technologies (OAT), which contain carboxylates to reduce corrosion and work best with metals.
Silicone on the metal helps to prevent wear, tear, and oxidation. At the same time, phosphate flushes out the grease and debris from the engine. Propylene glycol and ethylene glycol help stabilize the temperature during extreme weather conditions.
Dangers of Mixing These Coolants
Now that we know about the different coolants and their significance, let’s talk about what dangers they can lead to if you mix other colored coolants.
Corrosion:
As discussed above, green and orange coolants create different chemical compositions, and when they are combined, they form an acidic solution which can lead to corrosion. This corrosion leads to expensive repairs and engine failures.
Reduced Lifespan:
Different coolants have a recommended lifespan, and mixing them can reduce the overall lifespan of the coolant. This leads to more frequent coolant changes and raises maintenance costs and expenditures.
Clogging:
The different acids in both coolants can cause them to react, creating a gel-like substance that can clog your car’s radiator and cooling system components. Mixing them can cause the formation of sludge and other deposits that affects efficiency.
Inadequate Cooling:
Orange and green coolants have different boiling points and heat transfer capabilities. Mixing green and orange anti-freeze coolants doesn’t lead to efficient cooling in the engine. Both coolants are designed differently and are made for specific engine types. If they are mixed, they might not perform well and can create a dangerous, hazardous solution. It can lead to overheating and engine damage too.
Difficulty in Diagnosing Coolant Problems
Creating a unique mixture of green and orange coolant can make it difficult for mechanics to diagnose a car’s cooling problems. Since mixing them can create an unknown composition, pinpointing the cause of cooling system failure can be challenging. This will consume more time and lead to costly repairs.
If you are thinking of mixing an anti-freeze to save a couple of bucks – just don’t. Saving $30 to $50 might benefit you in the short run, but it can lead to hundreds and thousands of dollars in damages in the future. Still, if you want to go cheaper, try adding distilled water, as it is cheaper and contains automotive chemicals that prevent it from leading to corrosion.
Try to stick with the right coolant recommended by your car manufacturer or company because they know the engine’s mechanics better than you. American MFG CO is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for the best quality coolants to maintain your car’s performance. They produce the best Automotive & Industrial Chemicals Manufacturers you will ever ask for in the USA.
Be smart and make your decisions wisely so that you can live stress-free.
