Can Car Antifreeze Be Mixed?
2 Answers
Car antifreeze cannot be mixed. The reason antifreeze should not be mixed is that different types of antifreeze with varying chemical compositions can react when combined, rendering the antifreeze ineffective. If a vehicle is parked in cold winter conditions, the cooling system may freeze, potentially causing the radiator to crack or the engine block or cylinder head to be damaged. Antifreeze helps prevent such issues. Precautions for using antifreeze: If antifreeze is lost due to leakage, it should be replenished with the same brand of antifreeze. Most antifreeze products have a shelf life of two years. Ensure the product is within its validity period when adding it. When replacing antifreeze, completely drain the old fluid, thoroughly clean the cooling system, and then add new fluid. Traditional inorganic antifreeze should not be diluted with water, as this can cause precipitation and severely impair its normal function. Organic antifreeze can be diluted with water, but the amount of water added must be carefully controlled. For vehicles using antifreeze, never directly add tap water. Instead, use distilled or deionized water. If these are unavailable, boiled and cooled water is preferable to tap water.
Antifreeze is something you absolutely shouldn't mix casually. I tried it once - poured old green antifreeze together with new orange antifreeze, and it resulted in sedimentation in my car. The cooling system got severely clogged, the water temperature skyrocketed, and it almost ruined my engine. There are several types of antifreeze, like the common IAT type which is green, and the organic OAT type which is orange. Their chemical compositions differ, and mixing them can cause chemical reactions that produce gel-like waste. This kind of clogging not only affects cooling but may also corrode parts, and replacing those parts can cost many times more than buying new antifreeze. If you accidentally mix them, it's best to go to a professional shop immediately to thoroughly flush the system and add new fluid. For regular maintenance, I always check the car owner's manual for recommended brands and stick to the same one to avoid any mishaps.
