What Are the Consequences of Mixing Different Car Antifreeze?
1 Answers
Different colors of antifreeze cannot be mixed. Antifreeze with different colors has different compositions. If antifreeze with different compositions is mixed together, a chemical reaction will occur, causing the antifreeze to lose its effectiveness and sometimes even solidify. Even if the antifreeze is the same color, if it is from different brands, the stabilizers may differ, and mixing them can reduce cooling and cleaning effects. Therefore, it is best not to mix them. It is recommended to use antifreeze of the same brand and color. If antifreeze is accidentally mixed, the antifreeze in the radiator must be completely drained, rinsed with purified water, and then refilled. Antifreeze typically comes in colors such as green, blue, pink, and some even have fluorescent effects. Generally, ethylene glycol is green, propylene glycol is blue, and glycerol is pink. The reasons manufacturers dye antifreeze in different colors are as follows: Prevent mixing: To avoid confusion with other liquids and prevent accidental ingestion, many manufacturers add different color formulations to distinguish them. Easy identification of leaks: When the engine leaks, the color makes it easy to identify and repair. Safety considerations: These chemical components in the engine are toxic, so liquids like windshield washer fluid and antifreeze are usually dyed to prevent accidental ingestion.
