Can Antifreeze Be Mixed?
2 Answers
Antifreeze cannot be mixed. Although the main components of domestic antifreeze are the same, the additives used by different manufacturers vary. To distinguish between types, various colorants are added, such as light green, green, light blue, dark blue, pink, orange-red, red, etc. If mixed, different additives may undergo chemical reactions, which can have adverse effects on the radiator. Antifreeze should be added between the MAX and MIN indicator lines. Many people think antifreeze is only used in winter, but in fact, it is used year-round. Automotive antifreeze is mainly used in the cooling systems of liquid-cooled engines, offering excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, scale buildup, and corrosion.
From the perspective of antifreeze composition, mixing is really not recommended. I've encountered many car owners who, for the sake of convenience, mixed different brands or types of antifreeze, only to end up with major problems. Antifreeze is categorized into OAT, HOAT, and inorganic types, each with different added corrosion inhibitors and chemical components. If mixed, chemical reactions may occur, generating sediments that can clog the cooling system's pipes, or even corrode engine parts. For example, if the old antifreeze contains inorganic salts and the new one is organic, the two are incompatible and can easily produce flocculent substances. This not only reduces functionality but can also shorten the water pump's lifespan or lead to engine overheating failures. It's advisable to check the vehicle's manual for the specified type before adding or replacing antifreeze, or simply stick to one brand for consistency. Simply put, saving a few bucks by mixing isn't worth the hundreds you might spend on repairs.
