Какой водой разбавлять антифриз: Можно ли разбавлять антифриз водой

Дистиллированная вода в антифриз — можно ли доливать и как правильно это делать?

Можно ли доливать дистиллят?

Разбавлять охлаждающую жидкость дистиллятом можно. Очищенная вода является одним из компонентов незамерзающего раствора. Она занимает порядка 50% от общего состава смеси.

Внимание! Долив дистиллированного раствора не ухудшит качество и не отразится негативно на работе системы. Но только если дистиллят залить в определенной пропорции.

Обязательно ли разбавлять охлаждающий состав?

В ряде случаев добавление очищенной воды в незамерзающий раствор необходимо.

Это целесообразно, когда состав стал слишком концентрированным. Такое отмечается в летний период при жаркой погоде.

Влага усиленно испаряется. Раствор становится насыщенным. Его можно разбавить определенным количеством дистиллированного состава.

Можно также разбавить состав очищенной водой, если ранее в него она не добавлялась. Новому раствору дистиллят не повредит.

Нельзя заливать в охлаждающую жидкость много очищенной воды зимой. Это чревато нарушением консистенции смеси, из-за которого она может быстро замерзнуть даже при небольшом минусе на улице.

В итоге от замерзания раствора может разорваться радиатор. Также замерзший антифриз часто приводит к разрыву трубок.

Зачем нужно смешивать?

Автолюбители проводят данное мероприятие в следующих целях:

• снижение концентрации антифризного раствора в летний период;
• восполнение необходимого объема смеси в системе;
• экономия на покупке незамерзайки.

Справка! В последнем случае автолюбители, регулярно разбавляя смесь дистиллятом, стараются дольше использовать ее и реже тратиться на покупку новой.

Как проверить качество?

Проверить качество дистиллированного состава можно двумя способами:

1. Кипячение. Нужно налить немного дистиллированной воды в тару из нержавеющей стали и поставить ее на огонь. Надо дождаться, пока она полностью выкипит.

   Если на дне тары будет осадок или следы, то такой дистиллят некачественный. Его нельзя смешивать с антифризом.

2. Проверка раствора на способность проводить ток. Нужно взять патрон вместе с лампочкой и подсоединить их к вилке для розетки одним проводом. Второй провод необходимо разорвать, и к его двум концам прикрутить пару проволочных кусков. Они будут выступать электродами. Эти электроды нужно окунуть в стакан с дистиллированной водой на достаточном удалении друг от друга.

   Вилку необходимо вставить в розетку. Очищенная от примесей вода не будет проводить электроток. Лампочка не загорится. Если она загорелась, то вода в стакане не является дистиллированной.

Внимание! Непрошедшую проверку жидкость нельзя смешивать. Это в дальнейшем негативно скажется на состоянии всего автомобиля.

Как правильно разбавить?

Смешивать такую жидкость с очищенной водой без предварительной проверки уровня первой в баке нельзя. Дистиллированный раствор можно доливать только в определенной пропорции.

Обычно порядка 300-400 мл очищенной воды, добавленной в незамерзающую смесь, не вредит системе охлаждения. Но пропорция дистиллята может быть больше или меньше в зависимости от количества состава в баке на конкретный момент.

Если система охлаждения автомобиля вмещает в себя 8 литров антифризного состава, то примерно в такой жидкости должно быть поровну очищенной воды и этиленгликоля. По 4 литра двух компонентов.

Если при проверке системы выявилась нехватка целого литра антифриза, то концентрация обоих компонентов будет составлять по 3,5 литра.

В данном случае рекомендуется разбавлять все 1 литром дистиллята. В итоге, в баке окажется 3,5 литра этиленгликолевого концентрата и 4,5 литра очищенной воды.

Идеальная пропорция должна составлять по 50% каждого компонента.

В данном примере она будет такой:

1. 8 литров – 100%
2. 3,5 литра – х%

Необходимо высчитать нужный процент этиленгликоля. Х% = 3,5 * 100% / 8 = 43,75%. Дистиллированная вода в такой смеси будет составлять 56,25% (100% — 43,75%). Это почти соответствует идеальной пропорции.

Последствия несоблюдения пропорции

Если воды было добавлено свыше нормы, то в зимний период она может замерзнуть при более высокой температуре, чем при той, что была установлена изначально. Итогом может стать повреждение льдом не только патрубков, но и самого бачка системы. Сильно пострадает радиатор двигателя.

Если воды добавить недостаточно, то система может какое-то время работать нормально. Но неизбежно этиленгликоля в составе станет очень много. Смесь станет слишком концентрированной. Механизм быстро перегреется и выйдет из строя.

Понять, что пропорция двух компонентов в охлаждающей системе нарушена, можно только при помощи ареометра.

Это приспособление измеряет плотность жидкостей. Ареометр погружается в состав.

По его шкале высчитывается показатель плотности этиленгликоля и дистиллята в незамерзающем растворе.

Чем можно заменить?

Никакая другая жидкость  непригодна для разбавления антифриза. Для этого не подходит ни водопроводная, ни кипяченая вода. Даже в очищенной обычным фильтром воде все равно остаются соли с примесями.

При их добавлении смесь теряет свои антикоррозийные свойства. Из-за некачественной воды все системы автомобиля быстро выйдут из строя.

Внимание! Не следует использовать вместо дистиллята талую воду и дождевые осадки. В них все равно содержатся посторонние примеси.

Способен ли дистиллят полностью заменить охлаждающую жидкость?

Очищенная вода не сможет заменить антифриз. Она является лишь дополнением к охлаждающей смеси.

В летнее время антифриз может разбавляться водой, только если сам раствор становится слишком концентрированным.

В зимнее время использование охлаждающего состава необходимо. Его разбавление дистиллированной водой в этот период не рекомендовано, поскольку ее большое количество может привести к замерзанию всей смеси.

Важно! Полная замена антифриза дистиллятом чревата быстрой поломкой системы охлаждения в любое время года.

Полезное видео

Как правильно развести антифриз дистиллированной водой смотрите в видео:

Заключение

Разбавление охлаждающей жидкости дистиллятом допустимо, но с соблюдением пропорций. Добавлять очищенный состав в большом количестве в охлаждающую смесь зимой не следует из-за высокого риска замерзания всего раствора.

Следует использовать только качественную воду. Это можно понять путем ее кипячения и проверки на электропроводимость.

Настоящий дистиллят при кипячении не оставляет осадка и не проводит ток. Также нельзя полностью заменять дистиллированной водой антифриз. Это приведет к быстрой поломке системы охлаждения автомобиля.

Можно ли смешивать антифриз с водой?

В этой статье мы с вами обсудим распространенные слухи о том можно ли смешивать антифриз с водой.

Правда ли, что в охлаждающую жидкость (тосол или антифриз) можно смешивать с водой? Такие вопросы возникают, в основном, в летнюю пору года, когда резко повышаются шансы перегрева двигателя (почему перегревается двигатель?).

Каждый опытный автомобилист знает, что следить за уровнем охлаждающей жидкости в системе следует как можно чаще. В случае, если уровень охлаждающей жидкости в бачке ниже «минимума», а долить надо совсем чуть-чуть. Сразу возникает вопрос купить дорогой антифриз или можно долить в антифриз немного обычной воды?

В летнее время года многих автомобилистов интересует вопрос смешивания антифризов разных цветов, но об этом мы поговорим в следующей статье. Давайте все-таки определимся можно ли смешивать антифриз с водой?

Если обратится за помощью к правилам технической эксплуатации автомобиля, предлагаемой заводом изготовителем, то здесь и места нет для таких разговоров. Заводы изготовители категорически запрещают любое самопроизвольное смешивание антифриза с водой.

Смешивание антифриза с водой запрещено ввиду следующих причин:

1. Антифриз включает в свой состав специальные присадки, которые обладают необходимыми свойствами охлаждения и смазывания. В случае смешивания антифриза с водой их действие значительно снижается.

Если у вас нет денег, или по близости нет автомагазина, где можно купить антифриз для доливки, можно долить воду в систему охлаждения. Что будет, если антифриз смешать с водой?

Использование воды в качестве доливки в систему охлаждения двигателя возможно, но на короткий промежуток времени, и не рекомендуется. Использование обычной воды в качестве охлаждающей жидкости может привести к разъеданию алюминиевых деталей двигателя, засорению радиатора системы охлаждения, снижением защитных свойств. Разбавление антифриза обычной водой чревато негативными последствиями, поэтому вариант доливки воды в антифриз существует, но это имеет свои риски. Отечественные автомобили более легко воспринимают такое сочетание, но на иномарках, я бы не рекомендовал пробовать такую смесь антифриза и воды. Если у вас не было выбора, и вы долили в бачок системы охлаждения воду, в ближайшее время следует полностью заменить антифриз в двигателе. При этом, если вы решили долить в антифриз воду, то в любом случае следует использовать дистиллированную воду. Обычную воду заливать запрещено. Использование обычной воды в качестве охлаждающей жидкости приведет к повреждению деталей системы охлаждения.

Можно ли смешивать антифриз с водой летом?

Смешивать антифриз с дистилированной водой можно, только на короткий период времени, если по близости нет возможности для залива антифриза.

Доливка воды к антифризу зимой категорически запрещена, это может привести к «разморозке блока». Вода просто замерзнет и приведет к повреждению деталей двигателя. Если вы летом даже немного доливали воду в антифриз, то перед наступлением холодов, обязательно полностью замените охлаждающую жидкость на антифриз. Желательно использовать качественный антифриз, использование воды в качестве охлаждающей жидкости это история.

Не путайте! Концентрат антифриза смешивается с дистиллированной водой!

90000 What is Engine Coolant / Antifreeze — 90001 90002 This guide explains ‘What is engine coolant / antifreeze, what it does, why you should use it, what type of antifreeze / coolant to use and where to put it’. 90003 90004 Car engines create a great deal of energy by burning petrol or diesel. Some of this energy is used to move the vehicle forward (around one third), the other two thirds of the energy produced is converted to heat. Around half of this heat goes out of the exhaust, whilst the remaining heat remains inside the engine block.90002 Car engines need a way of cooling down else they will continue to increase in temperature until the working metal components inside will begin to literally melt, fuse together and the engine will seize. Engine coolant is a water based liquid that absorbs the heat from the engine. 90004 90002 The engine coolant becomes hot itself and so is transferred to a radiator located at the front of the car. Veins in the radiator contain the hot coolant which air cools as the vehicle moves forward.90004 90002 Airflow through the veins is maintained by a fan if the vehicle becomes hot due to being stationary for long periods. 90004 90002 A significant number of engine failures are attributed in some way to engine cooling problems. To ensure the engine is kept at an optimal running temperature, engine coolant is used. Commonly seen as a green colour as the bottle to the right suggests, engine coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze. Engine coolant or antifreeze does in fact come in a variety of colours from green, yellow, pink, red, or orange.The colour of the engine coolant does not necessarily indicate a specific type. 90003 90003 90004 90015 90002 Typical colour of engine coolant / antifreeze 90004 90002 Antifreeze is a combination of distilled water and a type of alcohol. Ethylene glycol, or a more recent, less hazardous additive, but far more expensive propylene glycol can also be used. Antifreeze has many benefits to the engine cooling system. 90004 90020 What does antifreeze do? 90021 90002 The chemicals in antifreeze have huge benefits, and not only in winter.As the name suggests, antifreeze prevents the coolant inside your engine from freezing under normal winter conditions. In case you’re asking ‘what temperature does antifreeze freeze, water freezes at 0 ° C, or 32 ° F. A mixture of 50% water and 50% antifreeze will freeze at around -37 ° C or -35 ° F. 90003 90004 90002 Antifreeze also raises the boiling point, water boils at around 100 ° C, or 212 ° F, increasing this temperature will benefit a hot engine as boiling water can damage an engine. A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water will begin to boil between 240 ° C and 270 ° C (464 ° F and 518 ° F), although the exact boiling point depends on the pressure of the mixture in the engine.90004 90002 An obvious question might be, can you use 100% antifreeze? water is in fact the catalyst that makes antifreeze work. 100% antifreeze actually has a much higher freezing point at around -20 ° C or -5 ° F, compared to a 50/50 mix with water. 90003 90003 90004 90031 What else does antifreeze do? 90032 90002 Another benefit is that a good quality antifreeze, or engine coolant that has been regularly changed prevents rust corrosion. A reputable antifreeze that has been changed based on the retailers recommended guide and has the correct mixture should provide year-round protection to: 90004 90035 90036 prevent engine coolant from freezing in winter 90037 90036 prevent engine water from boiling in summer 90037 90036 prevent rust and corrosion of metal parts 90037 90036 prevent corrosion against rubber and plastic parts 90037 90036 become a good conductor of heat 90037 90036 aid in preventing electrolysis 90037 90048 90020 Antifreeze electrolysis 90021 90002 Over time, engine coolant breaks down and becomes slightly acidic.This can in turn make the coolant becomes electrically charged. Not by much, but a current of 0.20 volts or more can begin to corrode the internal metal components of the engine. Aluminium is particularly susceptible to corrosion from electrolysis. 90004 90002 Often by the time antifreeze or engine coolant electrolysis has occurred it’s too late as by this time the engine is leaking. Changing engine coolant based on the retailers recommendations will prevent this type of electrolysis. 90004 90020 Difference between engine coolant and antifreeze 90021 90002 Coolant is the liquid that circulates around the engine and antifreeze is usually a concentrate of glycol that requires dilution before becoming the coolant.Antifreeze can however be purchased already as a diluted mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water. 90003 90003 90004 90020 Different types of antifreeze / engine coolant 90021 90002 There are essentially four main types of antifreeze: 90004 90035 90036 90067 Green antifreeze 90068 — For a good many years, there was only one type of antifreeze that you could get, the standard green. As technology moved on however, various types of other products entered the market. 90037 90036 90067 OAT antifreeze 90068 — Organic Acid Technology (OAT) is an extended life antifreeze that lasts for around 5 years in the vehicle compared to the original green that lasts for around 2, to 3 years.90037 90036 90067 Hybrid antifreeze 90068 — Basically a combination, or the best parts of traditional antifreeze and OAT antifreeze. Also referred to as HOAT, the product is beneficial as it offers good coolant to coolant compatibility. OAT antifreeze is not compatible with conventional antifreeze, making hybrid or HOAT and excellent top-up formula regardless of the type of coolant already in the engine. 90037 90048 90020 Which type of antifreeze should I use 90021 90002 Antifreeze manufacturers use different coloured dye to distinguish the various types of antifreeze products available.Unfortunately and rather oddly, these colours are not standardised and therefore one manufacturer can use a different colour dye to another manufacturer, even if the product is the same. This does not make things particularly easy for the consumer and as a result, when choosing an antifreeze, the colour should generally not be used as a reference to the product you intend on purchasing. The added dye is beneficial however in leak detection. To correctly identify which type of antifreeze is suitable for your car: 90004 90035 90036 Your car owner’s manual should contain this information.90037 90036 If you do not have an owner’s manual, a car dealership who deals specifically in the make of your vehicle should be able to offer advice. 90037 90036 Car accessory stores can offer advice on the correct antifreeze for your vehicle. 90037 90048 90003 90003 90020 How to check engine coolant 90021 90002 It’s important to check your engine coolant levels regularly, if possible weekly. The coolant system is a sealed unit that constantly circulates the coolant to maintain a safe temperature for the engine.Therefore, coolant levels should not change too much and if they do, it may suggest you have a leak. Low levels of engine coolant may cause a dashboard warning light to illuminate. 90004 90002 Frequent engine coolant checks may enable you to discover and deal with a leak at minimal cost compared to overheating and breaking down whilst on the road. An overheating engine can potentially gain substantial damage, even to the point it becomes economically irreparable. 90004 90020 Engine coolant reservoir 90021 90101 90002 Engine coolant reservoir 90004 90002 The coolant system contains a coolant expansion reservoir as pictured to the right.When temperatures increase and pressures rise in the engine, this tank allows the coolant to expand and to even be released from the engine if necessary. 90004 90002 The coolant reservoir allows you to check coolant levels by visually comparing the coolant level to the minimum and maximum markers on the tank. To replenish coolant levels, the cap simply needs to be unscrewed and securely fastened once levels are maintained. 90004 90002 Coolant can get very hot and high engine pressures can cause coolant to gush from the tank to potentially scold.The sudden release of pressure may also damage the engine. To avoid this, ensure the cap is only removed when the engine is cold. Also, when the engine is hot, coolant expands and will not give you an accurate reading. 90004 90002 There may be other tanks that look similar to the coolant reservoir. It’s important you correctly identify the coolant tank as adding coolant / antifreeze to other reservoirs such as the brake fluid may have dangerous consequences. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for advice if you are unsure, or consult a car dealer or repair service garage.90003 90003 90004 90020 How much water to add to antifreeze 90021 90002 A 50% mixture of water and 50% antifreeze is often the required amount. Some antifreeze containers that are purchased are a pre-mixed coolant already at 50/50. Check to ensure it is not already pre-mixed. Do not be tempted to put a higher percentage of antifreeze, or even 100% antifreeze in your engine as this is likely to have a detrimental effect and cause damage to your engine. 90004 90118 Where is the engine coolant 90119 90120 90002 Example 2: Engine coolant cap 90004 90123 90002 Example 1: Engine coolant cap 90004 90002 Under the bonnet of your car, you will see reservoir tanks.It’s important to know which tank contains the engine coolant. If you struggle to locate the reservoir tank, ask a family member or friend if they can help. A car servicing / repair garage will be more than happy to help. 90004 90002 To give you a good idea what you’re looking for, the engine coolant tank is often located towards the front-end of the car and will usually have a coloured cap. Colours vary. The cap may simply have ‘ENGINE COOLANT’ imprinted on it, or it may have a symbol such as those shown below in the images.90004 90118 Where to buy antifreeze / engine coolant 90119 90002 You can purchase antifreeze or pre-mixed engine coolant from the internet, or any car accessory outlet store. A good branded antifreeze may cost a little more than a unbranded version, although due to the important role of antifreeze, it may be worth purchasing a good quality brand. 90003 90003 90003 90004 90002 90138 Driving Test Tips 90004 .90000 5 Uses of Antifreeze 90001 90002 90003 Antifreeze is an additive used to decrease the freezing point — and increase the boiling point — of any water-based liquid. 90004 90005 90002 Antifreeze is made using any one of four main agents mixed with water: methanol, glycerol, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, and each of these agents can be put to different use. You probably know it best for its use in engines, so let’s start with that: 90005 90008 90009 90010 90003 Antifreeze as a car engine coolant 90004 90013 90014 90015 90002 The words ‘coolant’ and ‘antifreeze’ are generally used interchangeably, even though they appear to have the exact opposite meanings.That’s because the chemical is used in car engines to both prevent the engine’s cooling system from freezing, and prevent it from overheating. Clever stuff. It means that the water in your car’s engine will not freeze in normal cold weather conditions — if it did, it could cause serious damage to your radiator — neither will it overheat in warm weather, with similarly damaging (and expensive) results. 90005 90002 Happily, the antifreeze in your car also protects against engine corrosion, prevents scale build-up, lubricates any moving parts it comes into contact with, and helps to get your car to its optimum operating temperature as quickly as possible, which reduces air pollution.90005 90020 90009 90010 90003 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems 90004 90013 90014 90015 90002 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are an integral part of modern residences, office buildings and hospitals, as well as submarines and ships. Antifreeze can be used in HVAC systems to help prevent pipes from freezing, bursting and causing damage. It also reduces the risk of scale build-up and corrosion. Typically, glycol is the agent used in these systems as it is non-toxic.90005 90002 90031 90005 90033 90009 90010 90003 Antifreeze in solar water heating systems 90004 90013 90014 90015 90002 With the use of solar energy on the increase, it’s important to maintain these systems properly. Antifreeze is used in solar water heating systems as a heat transfer fluid, providing protection from freezing, and damage to the system, in colder climates. But beware! Do not try and add or change it in your solar water heating system yourself — these systems are pressurized and any maintenance is best left to the professionals.90005 90043 90009 90010 90003 Clear ice from a driveway 90004 90013 90014 90015 90002 Snowfall and freezing temperatures can lead to perilously icy driveways, but antifreeze is on your side to help clear that ice rather than using salt, which can corrode the underside of your car as well as damage your garden. Using a non-toxic antifreeze (propylene glycol), clear as much snow as possible before spraying diluted antifreeze over the icy areas. 90005 90053 90009 90010 90003 Do not use antifreeze as a windscreen de-icer! 90004 90013 90014 90015 90002 Our fifth and final use of antifreeze is more of an anti-use — but it’s an important one.The onset of winter and frosty mornings is a sign to set your alarm clock 10 minutes earlier so you have time to defrost your car before your journey begins. It might sound like a good idea to use antifreeze in place of your normal screen wash, but it is not. Antifreeze can not only damage your car’s paintwork, but it can also have harmful effects on the environment due to its toxicity. 90005 90002 90064 90005 90010 Benefits of Antifreeze 90013 90068 90009 High boiling point 90014 90009 Low freezing point 90014 90009 Stability over a range of temperatures 90014 90009 High specific heat and thermal conductivity and improved heat transfer 90014 90009 Low viscosity 90014 90009 Chemically inert 90014 90009 Reduction in repairs to thermostats, radiators, and water pumps 90014 90009 Save time and money in maintenance 90014 90009 Anti-corrosion protection 90014 90009 Compatibility with rubber and plastics 90014 90089 90002 90003 We supply a wide range of ready-to-use and bespoke antifreeze, including non-toxic options — none of which are to be used in place of screen wash.90004 90005.90000 What is coolant or antifreeze and why does your car need it? 90001 90002 Coolant or antifreeze is one of the most important fluids in your car. We explain what it is and why it’s essential to the good health of your car’s engine. 90003 90004 Last updated 15 January 2020 by Editorial Staff 90005 90006 AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, antifreeze is designed to keep the water in your car’s engine from freezing. But it’s also designed, rather confusingly, to keep your engine cool by reducing the chances of the water in the engine from overheating — just about every single engine on-sale today (petrol and diesel) is water-cooled.Confused? Do not be. 90007 90006 Call it what you will, but in Australia, antifreeze is generally referred to as coolant which makes sense given its dual purpose and our hot climate. And by calling it coolant here, you sidestep the ‘who needs antifreeze in Australia’ argument. 90007 90010 What is coolant / antifreeze? 90011 90006 Basically, coolant or antifreeze, which mixes with water in an engine’s cooling system is designed to both lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the system.This means, by adding coolant / antifreeze to your car’s cooling system you’re able to increase the temperature a vehicle can run at before the cooling system will boil. 90007 90006 Coolant or antifreeze is an alcohol-based additive that’s usually green in colour (although it can also be red, blue, and orange) and made up of Ethylene Glycol. 90007 90010 Why do I need coolant / antifreee? 90011 90006 As the name suggests, coolant / antifreeze is necessary to reduce the freezing point of your engine’s cooling system and raise the temperature at which the system will boil when compared to water alone.90007 90006 The boiling point of water is 100-degrees C. The accepted pressure range for a car’s radiator is between 75-100kPa (or 11-15psi) and with a mix of 33% coolant / antifreeze to water the boiling point is raised to 121-125-degrees C. Change the ratio to 55% and this lifts to 125-129-degrees C. 90007 90006 If you live in a cold climate where the temperatures regularly (in winter) drop below freezing then the accepted ratio of coolant / antifreeze to water is 60:40. Oddly, increasing the amount of antifreeze in the system will actually reduce its protective qualities.So, with 60% coolant / antifreeze in the system the temperature at which the first ice crystals will begin to form in the cooling system is -55-degress C. With no antifreeze / coolant in the system (and just straight water) ice crystals will form at 0-degrees C. Letting the engine’s cooling system freeze will see the fluid expand and crack engine blocks and blow the radiator apart. 90007 90006 But, even in Australia the use of coolant / antifreeze to protect against freezing is vital. See, wind chill can accelerate the ‘heat loss’ of your car engine’s cooling system.For instance, say the ambient temperature is 0-degrees C (a regular winter temperature in the Blue Mountains where I live) driving at just 24km / h will cause wind chill to reduce temperature of the air hitting the radiator to -21-degrees C and at 60km / h the temperature would end up being -30-degrees C. Beyond 60km / h the wind chill factor effect becomes minimal. That said, windchill will not actually reduce the temperature of your engine’s heating / cooling system below ambient temperature, but it will speed up heat loss.So, with a 60:40 mix of coolant / antifreeze: water protection against freezing will extend to -55-degrees C. 90007 90010 Can I use water instead of coolant? 90011 90006 No. Well, maybe not. The idea of ​​running coolant in your car’s engine is to increase the boiling point of the water which is being pumped around your car’s engine and through the radiator where the air flowing through a moving car’s radiator cools down the water as it continues on its way back through the engine. 90007 90006 Depending on where you live in Australia, your water will either be harder or softer than somewhere else.All water contains dissolved salts and minerals which if running straight water in your engine (without coolant) can reduce the life of some components. So the argument is one that’s less about cooling properties and one about the potential damage water can do to your car’s cooling system. 90007 90006 In colder climates (see paragraph above), using just water means the car engine’s cooling system will freeze at 0-degrees C, and when water freezes solid it expands which can lead to cracked engine blocks or burst radiators.90007 90010 Does it matter what colour coolant / antifreeze I use? 90011 90006 Coolant / antifreeze can range from greed, to orange, red and even blue and it all refers to the type of inhibitor technology. Most bottles of coolant / antifreeze are inorganic and (are green) include rust inhibitors and protectants to stop corrosion of componentry in the cooling system. Then, in the 1990s General Motors pioneered organic coolant / antifreeze which is designed for newer cars with aluminium radiators rather than old-school copper and brass.The colour of organic coolant / antifreeze can be orange or red, or blue depending on the make of your vehicle and whether it’s from the US, Japan or Europe. 90007 90006 And, just to make things more confusing the type of coolant / antifreeze used in modern cars are generally a hybrid of the two which is referred to as Organic Acid Technology (with phosphates) which offers better protection to aluminium components. 90007 90010 Can I mix different types of coolant / antifreeze? 90011 90006 No. Mixing two different types of coolant / antifreeze can cause damage to your engine’s cooling system.Mixing two incompatible coolant types will usually cause them to gel in the cooling system. And you do not want that. The best way to work out which one you need is to look inside your owner’s manual. It should also suggest the optimum ratio mix as this is sometimes recommended as 50:50 (water to antifreeze / coolant) or 60:40. You can not use newer coolant / antifreeze mixes in older cars and vice versa and sometimes you can not use the organic hybrid coolant that Japanese cars run in US-made vehicles. So, check your manual or ask your dealer.90007 90010 Can I just use straight coolant / antifreeze? 90011 90006 No. And the reason is that coolant / antifreeze on its own is not actually very good at protecting against freezing or at dissipating heat while running through a cooling system. So, stick with a mix of coolant and water and stick with the rough ratio of either 50:50 (water to coolant / antifreeze) or 60:40 depending on where you live and what the manufacturer recommends. 90007 90010 When should I change the coolant / antifreeze? 90011 90006 You’ll need to have the coolant / antifreeze in your car’s engine cooling system flushed and replaced from time to time.And because of its importance, it’s vital you keep a regular check on the condition of the fluid. 90007 90006 So, pop the bonnet, locate your coolant bottle and remove the lid. Take a sniff and if the fluid smells hot and burnt then it’s time to have it flushed and filled with new coolant / antifreeze. More than that, you’ll need to check and find out what caused your system to overheat in the first place, so take your car in to your mechanic. 90007 90006 Similarly, if you look at the fluid and it looks a little milky then it’s possible that oil has got into the system via a leaking head gasket or transmission cooler or the intake manifold.And this can kill your car’s engine. Get the car to a mechanic ASAP. 90007 90006 Ideally, the coolant / antifreeze should look a vivid green (if the fluid in your car is green, of course) and it should feel slippery, like oil. If it feels gritty to the touch, then you should get the cooling system flushed and replace the fluid mix. You do not want to risk scale or rust being washed around your cooling system which could cause the water pump to seize and the engine to overheat. 90007 90006 Sometimes it can be hard to check the coolant in your car because the while the head and neck will be up at the top of the engine bay and easily accessible, the reservoir can sometimes be buried deep down in the engine bay.And that makes it hard to touch and even get a proper sniff of the stuff. That said, you should at least be able to see whether the coolant level is high or low. 90007 90006 90061 Get articles like this and more delivered to you without lifting a finger. Simply join our 90062 Facebook 90063 90064 90064 page or subscribe to 90062 our weekly newsletter 90063 (it’s free). 90068 90007 90070 90071 Find the best demonstrator car deals for Practical Motoring readers around Australia on our Live Deals website.90072 90006 90007.90000 Antifreeze Poisoning: Symptoms and Treatment 90001 90002 Antifreeze is a liquid that prevents the radiator in cars from freezing or overheating. It’s also known as engine coolant. Although water-based, antifreeze also contains liquid alcohols like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and methanol. 90003 90002 Propylene glycol is also an ingredient in some foods and cosmetics. It is not considered harmful in small amounts, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).90003 90002 On the other hand, ethylene glycol and methanol are hazardous and poisonous if ingested. 90003 90002 It only takes a small amount of antifreeze to poison the human body and cause life-threatening complications. 90003 90002 There are different explanations for why someone might ingest antifreeze. One reason is intentional self-harm. But it’s also possible to accidentally drink the chemical. This can happen when antifreeze is poured into a glass or another type of drink container and mistaken for a beverage.Given this possibility, it’s important to recognize symptoms of antifreeze poisoning. 90003 90002 Antifreeze poisoning can happen gradually over several hours, so you may not have symptoms immediately after ingesting the chemical. If you feel fine, you may even brush off the incident as nothing more than a close call. But the situation is not that simple. 90003 90002 As your body absorbs or metabolizes antifreeze, the chemical is converted into other toxic substances such as: 90003 90016 90017 glycolaldehyde 90018 90017 glycolic acid 90018 90017 glyoxylic acid 90018 90017 acetone 90018 90017 formaldehyde 90018 90027 90002 Your body slowly begins to react to the antifreeze in your system.The time it takes for the first symptom to appear varies. It depends on the amount swallowed. 90003 90002 The earliest symptoms can develop 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion, with the severest symptoms starting about 12 hours after ingestion, according to the ATSDR. Early symptoms of antifreeze poisoning may include an inebriated feeling. Other early symptoms include: 90003 90016 90017 headache 90018 90017 fatigue 90018 90017 lack of coordination 90018 90017 grogginess 90018 90017 slurred speech 90018 90017 nausea 90018 90017 vomiting 90018 90027 90002 As your body continues to break down the antifreeze over the next several hours, the chemical can interfere with your kidney, lung, brain, and nervous system function.Organ damage can occur 24 to 72 hours after ingestion. 90003 90002 You may also develop: 90003 90016 90017 rapid breathing 90018 90017 an inability to urinate 90018 90017 rapid heartbeat 90018 90017 convulsions 90018 90027 90002 It’s possible to lose consciousness and fall into a coma. 90003 90002 Get immediate help if you or another person ingests antifreeze. It does not matter if it was only a small amount. The sooner you get help, the better the outcome. 90003 90002 If you feel fine and you’re not sure if you ingested antifreeze, you can call Poison Control and speak with a poison specialist for further instructions.The national toll-free number in the United States is 800-222-1222. 90003 90002 But if you’re certain that you’ve ingested antifreeze or you’re showing symptoms of antifreeze poisoning, call 911 immediately. 90003 90070 Suicide prevention 90071 90002 If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person: 90003 90016 90017 Call 911 or your local emergency number. 90018 90017 Stay with the person until help arrives. 90018 90017 Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.90018 90017 Listen, but do not judge, argue, threaten, or yell. 90018 90027 90002 If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. 90003 90002 Once you arrive at the hospital, tell the doctor: 90003 90016 90017 what you ingested 90018 90017 the time you swallowed it 90018 90017 the amount you ingested 90018 90027 90002 The hospital will closely monitor your condition. This is because antifreeze can affect different parts of your body.A doctor or nurse may check your blood pressure, body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate. They may perform a variety of tests to check the level of chemicals in your bloodstream as well as your organ function. These tests might include: 90003 90016 90017 blood tests 90018 90017 urine test 90018 90017 chest X-ray 90018 90017 CT scan to get images of your brain 90018 90017 electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity in your heart 90018 90027 90002 If you’ve ingested antifreeze, your doctor will begin treatment even if you’re not showing symptoms or only showing mild symptoms.90003 90002 An antidote is the first line of treatment for antifreeze poisoning. These include either fomepizole (Antizol) or ethanol. Both drugs can reverse the effects of the poison and prevent further problems, such as permanent organ damage. 90003 90002 Even though fomepizole can reverse the effects in about three hours, ethanol is an effective option when fomepizole is not available. The hospital may administer this medication intravenously, or through an IV. 90003 90002 If you do not get immediate help, antifreeze poisoning can decrease kidney function, causing an inability to urinate or low urine output.In the case of poor kidney function, your treatment may also consist of dialysis. 90003 90002 Dialysis is when you’re hooked up to a machine that filters your blood and removes toxins from your bloodstream. Depending on the level of kidney damage, dialysis may be a temporary treatment or a permanent one. If temporary, it may take up to two months to recover kidney function. 90003 90002 If you also experience breathing difficulties due to severe poisoning, the hospital may administer oxygen therapy or sedate you and insert a breathing tube down your mouth into your throat.90003 90002 Because antifreeze tastes sweet, accidental ingestion can occur. Here are a few prevention tips to keep you and your family — including your pets — safe: 90003 90016 90017 Do not pour antifreeze into water bottles or other containers. Keep the chemical in its original container. 90018 90017 If you spill antifreeze while working on your car, clean up the spill and spray down the area with water. This can prevent pets from drinking the fluid. 90018 90017 Always put the cap back on antifreeze containers.Keep the chemical out of reach of children and pets. 90018 90017 As a precaution, do not drink any beverage that you do not recognize. Never accept drinks from a stranger. 90018 90027 90002 With early intervention, medication can possibly reverse the effects of the poisoning. Treatment can prevent kidney failure, brain damage, and other permanent damage to your lungs or heart. If left untreated, severe antifreeze poisoning can be fatal within 24 to 36 hours. 90003 90002 Remember, it only takes a few hours for serious symptoms to develop.Do not delay treatment. 90003.