How Many Types of Antifreeze Are There?
3 Answers
Antifreeze can be divided into 3 types: ethanol type, ethylene glycol type, and glycerol type. Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, mainly used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It has excellent properties such as preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and protecting against scale and corrosion throughout the year. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block when the vehicle is parked in cold seasons. It is not only used in winter but all year round. Antifreeze is an essential working medium to ensure the normal operation of water-cooled engines, consisting of three parts: water, antifreeze agent, and additives.
Antifreeze mainly depends on the base fluid composition, with ethylene glycol and propylene glycol being the two most common types. The ones I encounter most often during car repairs are green or pink ethylene glycol antifreeze, which is affordable, durable, and doesn't freeze even at -40°C, but be extremely careful as it's toxic—don't handle it carelessly. The more expensive option is propylene glycol antifreeze, usually packaged in blue or orange. Though pricier, it's eco-friendly and safer, making it a more reassuring choice for households with children or pets. Some high-end cars come with OAT (Organic Acid Technology) labels—purple antifreeze falls into this category, with a lifespan exceeding five years. Mixing different types can corrode the radiator, so remember: never blend antifreeze of different colors.
When helping a friend choose antifreeze, I mainly consider the freezing point and color classification. The red ones are usually long-life organic acid technology types, requiring replacement only every five years or 250,000 kilometers, making them particularly suitable for those who dislike frequent maintenance. The green ones are mostly ordinary silicate formulas, needing replacement every two to three years but are more affordable. Nowadays, blue antifreeze specifically designed for electric vehicles has become more common, featuring battery cooling functions and insulation. BYD owner's manuals explicitly require the use of this type. In emergencies, distilled water can suffice for a few days, but it must be replaced with proper antifreeze in winter.
