Can Antifreeze Be Mixed for Use?
3 Answers
Antifreeze cannot be mixed for use. It is necessary to use the same brand of antifreeze. The production formulas of antifreeze from different brands may vary, and if mixed, chemical reactions are likely to occur among the various additives, rendering them ineffective. Methods for selecting antifreeze: The basic indicators of antifreeze are the freezing point and boiling point. The market offers antifreeze with freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, -40°C, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose one that is at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. Methods to determine if antifreeze is lacking: Observe the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to a lack of antifreeze, although it could also be caused by excessively high temperatures within the cylinder. Check the antifreeze reservoir. If the liquid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving; add antifreeze promptly. Check the water level scale mark on the antifreeze bottle. Normally, antifreeze should be between the maximum and minimum water levels. Whether antifreeze is lacking depends on the scale. If the antifreeze level is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage of antifreeze.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and honestly, I really don't recommend mixing coolants. Once during a long trip, I noticed the radiator was almost empty and casually mixed in a different colored coolant. As a result, after just 300 kilometers, the temperature gauge shot up to red. When towed to the repair shop and the radiator was opened, it was full of jelly-like sediment. The mechanic said it was caused by a chemical reaction from mixing. It took a whole half day to clean it out, and a new water pump had to be replaced. Now I always stick to the same brand of coolant and replace the entire system every two years. Different additive formulations can react negatively, at best clogging the water channels, at worst corroding metal parts. Saving those few dozen bucks can end up costing you thousands in repairs.
In our repair shop, we see cases of mixing coolants going wrong every day. Last week, there was an off-road vehicle where the owner mixed red and green coolants, and within two weeks, the radiator was clogged like a sieve. Upon disassembly, we found the aluminum water pipes corroded with pinholes, leaking coolant everywhere. The key issue was the repair costs doubled—flushing the system alone took two hours, and we had to dismantle the entire cooling system for inspection. In an emergency, it's better to add distilled water than to mix coolants, but remember, water can only last for a few hundred kilometers. When replacing coolant, it's best to drain the old fluid in advance. The cooling system is like human blood vessels—mixing different formulations can cause blockages.
