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Did you know that 1/3 of the energy generated by the engine is transferred to the air through the coolant? That's a lot, so it's not unwise to take a look at the information below.

Engine Cooling System

Due to the higher combustion temperatures in modern engines, increasingly higher demands are placed on the quality. Modern cooling systems are complex, with many different materials used and operating at various temperatures, from cold to hot. The cooling system removes excess heat to protect the engine.
 

Coolant / Antifreeze

In addition to transferring heat, coolants and antifreeze also lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point. They also protect against corrosion.

Coolant is one of the most overlooked factors in an engine installation. Poor water quality and a lack of coolant maintenance contribute to corrosion, scale buildup, and sediment accumulation throughout the cooling system. It leads to heat transfer problems that can result in faulty components and downtime.

A modern coolant is based on an ORGANIC base with or without INORGANIC additives. Below, we provide answers to frequently asked questions about coolants.

What is coolant composed of?

Base Fluid:

I. Water: Deionized or distilled water must always be used.

II. Ethylene Glycol (EG) or Propylene Glycol (PG)

Corrosion Inhibitors:

The inhibitor package is the part that makes the difference in coolant performance.

Other Additives

Antifoaming Agent (Suppresses foam formation)

Anti-scaling Agent (prevents scale formation from hard water minerals)

Dyes (Identification/Tracing and differentiation from other fluids)

Bitterants (Mandatory in many countries)
 

What are common issues with the cooling system and coolant?

Quality coolants are essential for the lifespan of the cooling system. Common problems with the cooling system and coolant include:

1. Mixing different coolants

2. Coolant loss

3. Faulty radiator cap

4. Faulty thermostat

5. Worn hoses, clamps, gaskets

6. Unusual gelling and deposits

7. Air entrainment

8. Deposits

9. Rust and corrosion

10. Cavitation, Erosion, and Pitting

What functions does a coolant serve?

1. Heat Transfer 

- Heat transfer is the primary coolant property.

- Heat transfer is influenced by the water/glycol ratio (50/50, 60/40, 40/60, 30/70, etc.).

- Extended-life coolants with OATs offer better heat transfer than conventional coolants.

2. Corrosion Protection 

- Inorganic additives (conventional coolants) will hinder heat transfer and become depleted over time.

- Organic additives form a restorative protective compound. This protection extends beyond the typical conventional coolant lifespan.

3. Freeze / Boil Protection

- EG/PG can be used as a freeze point for water. (For example, the freeze point of an EG/water 50/50 mixture is -34°F/-37°C).

- Glycol/water mixture has a higher boiling point than pure water itself.

What types of coolants exist?

1. IAT: Inorganic Acid Technology

2. OAT: Organic Acid Technology

3. HOAT: Hybrid Organic Acid Technology

What industry standards and specifications exist for coolants?

We distinguish between:

Global Standards

ASTM D3306 (PC)

ASTM D1384 + D2570 + D4340 + D2809 +

D1881+Ps&C's

ASTM D6210 (HD)

ASTM D3306 + ASTM D7583

Country-Specific Standards

British Standard: BS6580

Italy: CuNa Norm NC 956-16

Germany: FVV Norm FVV Heft R443

France: NFR 15-601

Switzerland: Empa 170'803

VAG is the most well-known OEM spec in the industry, Volkswagen Group:

TL-774 C (G11)

TL-774 D (G12)

TL-774 F (G12+)

TL-774 G (G12++)

 

A few more facts

PG is less toxic. However, it is more expensive than EG. Functionally, EG and PG are comparable.