15 best automotive antifreeze

Ensuring efficient heat removal from a running engine is a task that thousands of specialists continue to think about since the very beginning of the automobile industry. Systems are being upgraded, production materials are changing, but the leading role in the development is assigned to cooling fluids. Initially, this role was played by simple water, but its cooling capacity ended where the boiling processes began. In addition, constant heating led to the rapid evaporation of fluid from the system, led to the formation of scale and corrosion of metal elements.

A long (decades-long) search for the optimal coolant formula yielded its fruits, and antifreeze took place in the system's water - substances made from distillate and ethylene glycol with the addition of various additives (lobride, carboxyl groups) and modifiers that inhibit corrosion.

Recently, the development of antifreeze has reached colossal proportions, and not only official companies, but also the so-called “shadow” manufacturers, who uninterruptedly supply the market with counterfeit goods, have activated the working process. Due to such local “chaos”, the user is not always able to make the right choice, which is why not only his car suffers, but also its financial condition. Therefore, after conducting an independent analysis of the segment, the magazine expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ selected 15 best antifreezes in three categories summarized by price parameter. As evaluation information for the compilation of the final top, user reviews were used, as well as the verdict of a group of full-time experts who studied the product to the smallest aspects.

How to choose antifreeze

The choice of antifreeze in fact is one of those where the principle and selection criteria have not yet been given in any semblance of order. In this regard, the editors of expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ offer you a list of key features that you need to pay attention to before buying:

Concentrate or finished product. The choice of antifreeze according to this criterion is due to the specifics of its use. If the temperature indicators in your region often go beyond -40 degrees Celsius, it makes sense to purchase a concentrate to be diluted with water in the required portions. If the temperature conditions of work of antifreeze ready for bottling from the counter are completely satisfactory, then it would be preferable (both in terms of cost and in terms of no need for unnecessary actions) to buy it.

Class and color. This criterion shows which specification corresponds to the composition of the antifreeze purchased. The classification proposed by Volkswagen became the most popular in the automotive field. According to her, all antifreezes are divided into three enlarged groups:

1. G11 - silicate (most often have a green color, less often - blue or yellow);
2. G12 - carboxylate (red, including all possible shades - from orange to pink);
3. G13 - lobridnye (most often purple, but there are options in yellow).

Each of them has its own set of useful properties, information about which is given in one of the comparison tables given below in the article.In addition, there is a non-class liquid called antifreeze, the features of which are also mentioned in the table. In the general case, the recommendations are as follows:

1. We strongly advise not to pour domestic antifreeze into the cooling systems of foreign cars, since not all of their engines suffer the aggressive effects of compound acids;
2. if the feature of the engine and cooling of your car is the content of a large number of brass and copper elements, then red G12 class antifreeze will be the best protection for them;
3. with a high content of aluminum in the engine and a closed cooling system, the right step would be to purchase green G11 antifreeze with a silicate base;
4. G13 is a universal tool for comprehensive protection of the engine and the cooling system, regardless of the elements contained in them, the age of the car and the degree of deterioration of its components.

Volume. This item is not the main, but consumers often make mistakes in the amount of antifreeze purchased. If your car has no problems with the leak system, then the optimal portion for purchase will be 4-5 liters. If the car is old or has a small defect, in which antifreeze leakage is possible, then it is better to be safe, having bought another 1-2 liters from the top for topping up.

The main differences in antifreeze color classification

The color is a clear sign of antifreeze according to the specifications of the German corporation VAG (G11-G13 ++), and carries much more constructive than “pleasant visual diversity,” as some people who are not particularly knowledgeable about the topic say. Let's see what properties this or that color group has:

Antifreeze color	Virtues	disadvantages
Blue It is characteristic for antifreeze that is not amenable to VAG classification (as it is made on the territory of the former USSR).	+ Low price + Boiling temperature is 110-115 degrees Celsius.	- Extremely chemical activity, detrimental to car cooling systems - To be replaced at least once every two years due to the full development of the volume of filler elements - Poorly compatible with engines of foreign cars.
Green It belongs to antifreeze class G11, created by silicate technology (sometimes come across yellow, and even blue versions of the liquid).	+ Silicates, which are part of antifreeze in the form of additives, envelop the surfaces of the elements of the cooling system, protecting them from corrosion and other damage.	- Created protective layer significantly reduces heat transfer intensity - Due to the effects of temperature changes and vibration, the insoluble silicate layer is destroyed, clogging the system and circulating in it as an abrasive element. - Requires replacement at least every two years
Red Color indicating that the following classes belong: G12 is a carboxylate antifreeze leveling all the disadvantages of silicate analogues. G12 + is a hybrid group of cooling fluids containing several groups of carboxylate acids.	+ Increased heat removal due to the lack of formed "barriers" + Does not clog the system with insoluble compounds + Service life of up to 5 years + Excellent localizes and neutralizes corrosion foci, performing the similarity of the tread function	- Do not protect the elements of the cooling system from the action of random abrasive particles and other negative factors (except for corrosion)
Yellow and purple Antifreeze class G12 ++ and G13. Identical to the fact that they were created using lobrid technology, which includes the addition of a portion of mineral components to the organic base. Possess similar advantages and disadvantages. Their only significant difference is that G12 ++ antifreeze incorporates ethylene glycol, and G13 - an environmentally friendly and harmless propylene glycol base.	+ Possess a hybrid effect, incorporating the advantages of silicate and carboxyl antifreezes + Fit for over five years + The composition of the G13 continues to actively develop and modify	- Currently they are reference coolants, the only disadvantage of which is the high price (As in the case of G12 ++ and G13).

Top Antifreeze Rating

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best cheap antifreeze	1	SINTEC LUX G12	146 ₽
	2	LUKOIL Red G12	119 ₽
	3	Felix Carbox G12	147 ₽
	4	Highway G11 +	330 ₽
	5	Starex red	149 ₽
The best antifreezes for cars in terms of price-quality ratio	1	Liqui Moly Langzeit GTL12 Plus	2 050 ₽
	2	SINTEC UNLIMITED G12 ++	159 ₽
	3	FELIX PROLONGER -40	135 ₽
	4	AGA Z65	668 ₽
	5	Toyota Long Life Coolant Red Concentrate 1L	1 269 ₽
	6	TCL Power Coolant Green -40 2L	630 ₽
	7	MOTUL INUGEL EXPERT	1 403 ₽
Top Antifreeze Concentrates	1	MOBIL ANTIFREEZE ULTRA	475 ₽
	2	Liqui Moly Kuhlerfrostschutz KFS 2001 Plus	712 ₽
	3	Castrol radicool SF	450 ₽

What is better: antifreeze or antifreeze?

Antifreeze, a distinctive feature of which is a pronounced blue (or blue) color, was developed during the time of the USSR, and it is quite expected that it lost its relevance due to the release of antifreeze. However, in its use it is still possible to find the positive sides. What kind? Refer to the detailed comparison table:

Type of coolant	Virtues	disadvantages
Tosol	+ Actual absence of fakes on the market, due to the senselessness of the falsification process + Prices are much lower than high-quality antifreeze	- Consumption of a package of filler elements is uneven and more active - Has a negative effect on the aluminum parts contained in the system - May cause light damage to the skin and mucous membranes of the person (more dangerous to handle than antifreeze) - When used, there is a risk of cavitation. - Under the influence of temperature difference and other operational factors, it forms insoluble compounds and gels, which are gradually deposited in cooling systems and worsen the processes of heat removal.
Antifreeze	+ Low threshold of negative impact on plastic, rubber and aluminum elements of the cooling system and engine + The cooling efficiency is higher than that of antifreeze (boiling also occurs at higher temperatures) + The filler package is consumed more slowly and evenly, increasing the lifetime of one fill. + Counteracts the cavitation process that adversely affects the water pump fan + Ensures the constancy of the chemical composition, without the formation of insoluble inclusions and other substances that pollute the system	- The production of counterfeits is very developed.

The best cheap antifreeze

SINTEC LUX G12

Rating: 4.8

Carboxylate antifreeze G12 from another eminent manufacturer, deserving the title of the best thanks to the involvement in the production of LADA cars, no matter how strange it may sound. The fact is that, in addition to being popular with consumers, SINTEC LUX G12 is trusted by AvtoVAZ, who have chosen this liquid to fill the factory with new car cooling systems that came off the assembly line.

The standard service life of this antifreeze is 5 years, or, in terms of mileage, 250 thousand kilometers for passenger cars. Its freezing temperature is -40 degrees Celsius, and this threshold remains stable throughout its life. The composition is literally stuffed with all sorts of organic additives, modifiers and catalysts, the combined action of which leads to an effective fight against traces of corrosion, scum, solid inclusions, and also allows you to keep the system in perfect purity. Despite the simplicity of packaging, consumers do not often complain about the purchase of fakes, which indicates a low interest in the product on the part of counterfeit manufacturers. By the combination of features and control parameters, it was SINTEC LUX that showed itself better than others, for which it was elevated to the rank of the best antifreeze in the budget segment.

LUKOIL Red G12

Rating: 4.7

One step away from the leading position in the ranking is the red antifreeze from the leading manufacturer of engine oil in the face of Lukoil, which has become a kind of quality standard for a large consumer segment. Meeting all the requirements of the G12 standard, the coolant evenly and efficiently consumes the filler elements, which increases the service life of one fill up to 6 years. The manifestation of such qualities became possible due to the introduction of modifiers that minimize the risk of destruction of the additive package under the action of temperature difference and play the role of its “smart” activator.

However, the “Lukoil” Red G12 was not spared, and quite sad circumstances. Due to its extremely high popularity, this antifreeze has become the most counterfeited in the budget segment. But, as such, the manufacturer does not combat counterfeiters, limited to indirect warnings to corporate customers about the importance of purchasing products through authorized dealers. Therefore, with all due respect to the quality of the original, we simply cannot assign Red to the first line of the rating.

Felix Carbox G12

Rating: 4.6

A good carboxylate antifreeze of the G12 standard, which got into the rating due to good reviews from the consumer segment. The positive qualities of domestic development were appreciated mainly by the owners of used cars (aged from 8 to 12 years), noting the important cleansing properties, as well as the “smart” mechanism of action on corrosion centers with a reduced consumption of additives to increase the lifetime of one fill.

As experiments show, Felix Carbox provides active cooling of engines, regardless of their power, be it (for example) a turbocharged V6 of a passenger car or a heavy-duty unit of a cargo model. The boiling point of this antifreeze is 110 degrees Celsius, which is 5 degrees higher than the standardized values. The first signs of crystallization appear here when honestly stated on the label -40 degrees Celsius, which is also a sign of a good product. The only nuance is in the volume of forgeability: due to the simplicity of the canister, it is not difficult for shadow manufacturers to make lower-quality copies, especially considering the high popularity of budget liquid.

Highway G11 +

Rating: 4.5

Oddly enough, but in spite of the green color, Highway G11 + is a carboxylate antifreeze based on organic additives and ethylene glycol, which are typical for products of the G12 class.The mark G11 + (or Long Life, as indicated on the bank itself) in this case means nothing more than the transition to a new set of active ingredients, but with the preservation of the traditional color, and acts rather as a powerful marketing weapon.

In general, the mechanism of action of Highway is no different from the standard carboxylate antifreeze: the same pronounced functions of countering foci of corrosion and scaling, keeping the cooling system clean and ensuring efficient heat removal. The liquid honestly fulfills the declared five years of service, and also does not freeze up to -40 degrees Celsius. It is also noteworthy that antifreeze is supplied in cans, which make the product unattractive for counterfeiters.

Starex red

Rating: 4.5

Opens the ranking of the best low-cost antifreeze product from Starex, corresponding to the class of carboxylate coolants G12. It has a red color with fluorescent additives and organic matter that has a suppressive effect on corrosion centers. In addition, ethylene glycol based formula actively counteracts the formation of scale, protecting the cooling system from the abrasive effect of hard deposits and clogging.

Qualitatively, Starex Red meets almost all the requirements of international standards SAE J 1034, ASTM D 3306 and ASTM D 4985, with the exception of individual operational aspects. In particular, the freezing point of the liquid underwent a slight underestimation: the label indicates -40 degrees Celsius, but in operation the crystallization of the carboxylate composition begins already at -35 degrees. An annoying aspect, which, however, even without “twisting” looks very worthy.

The best antifreezes for cars in terms of price-quality ratio

Liqui Moly Langzeit GTL12 Plus

Rating: 4.9

And again, this time the category leader is a product from the notorious German company Liqui Moly, which, although it is quite expensive, is in high esteem among car owners around the world. Why, you ask? After all, the G12 class has long ceased to be an innovative alternative, although it continues to maintain the mark of a good set of standards. The fact is that the Germans approach the issues of quality assurance quite differently than other manufacturers, thereby bringing their products in this regard to the highest limits. And the Langzeit GTL12 Plus is no exception.

In this unique antifreeze, several types of carboxylate acids are combined, and, according to reports by a number of experts, there is a small amount of mineral additives acting in favor of the general concept of engine and cooling system protection. The fact that the official website recommends (!) To replace antifreeze once a season slightly dismisses it a bit, which is fundamentally contrary to common sense and any laws of logic. According to the reports of the same experts, the liquid feels great even when it is replaced every five years, ensuring the absolute purity of the system.

SINTEC UNLIMITED G12 ++

Rating: 4.8

According to the official description, SINTEC UNLIMITED G12 ++ is the only lobride antifreeze produced in the Russian Federation. Its strengths, traditionally for its class, have become a universal formula with carboxylate and mineral additives, as well as high temperature stability, allowing it to withstand temperatures up to 160 degrees Celsius. Needless to say that in this situation both the corrosion resistance and the prevention of the formation of scale with the scum were unscrewed to the maximum?

In addition, the SINTEC UNLIMITED G12 ++ most clearly expressed the function of suppressing cavitation, which slowly but surely disables the cooling system pump. If we talk about the shortcomings, then first of all, there is an abundance of fakes in the domestic market. SINTEC has repeatedly been criticized for being indifferent to consumer problems, including the problem of falsification of its own goods. She does not want to radically revise the packaging methods, as well as to switch to less radical sealing devices, which can be used to distinguish dishonest goods. Anyway, the product itself is very good in the original, and even in view of the high cost, it definitely deserves one of the leading places in the ranking of the best.

FELIX PROLONGER -40

Rating: 4.8

Quite cheap antifreeze with, let's not hide it, slightly overestimated abilities, which consumers have become so fond of so much that it would be reprehensible to put it below the third place of the rating. PROLONGER, which already uses a rather outdated formula of the G11 standard, is distinguished by its hybrid composition, where, in addition to silicates, some carboxylate acids and organic matter have been added. Thus, despite the general similarity to other members of the class, his abilities are not limited to the notorious creation of a silicon film over the details of the cooling system. Organic additives added such an important property for antifreeze to inhibiting corrosion, as well as the formation of scale and sedimentation of the solid fraction of substances.

If the producers are obviously wrong with the freezing temperature, they have written more than objectively about the boiling point. 109 degrees Celsius is not the most outstanding result, but hardly anyone would have dared to bring the engine to such values. In general, if you reject the small drawbacks inherent in primary class liquids, you get a very reliable antifreeze, which is extremely popular in consumer circles.

AGA Z65

Rating: 4.7

Antifreeze with a rich complex of "anti-" substances in the composition is a very good example of how, in general, an unknown product becomes a real market leader in terms of sales. Its advantage over competitors was that, being a concentrate with a freezing point of about -65 degrees Celsius, the actual cost attributed it to the category of standard antifreezes of the budget segment.As a result, users suddenly noticed personal gain in this and did not fail to take advantage of the yellow coolant of the G12 ++ standard.

Another significant advantage of AGA Z65 is the possibility of mixing with absolutely any antifreeze created on the basis of ethylene glycol. And without that, the hybrid composition, when there was added, say, G11 silicate fluid, strengthened the action of the protective mechanisms of polymer parts, while at the same time complicating the process of “treatment” of corrosion centers on the metal. In general, the derivation of an ideal working formula by trial and error is entirely the prerogative of consumers, and the manufacturer should be given credit for this. Alas, I did not get to the leading positions in the AGA Z65 rating, but I certainly deserved inclusion in it.

Toyota Long Life Coolant Red Concentrate 1L

Rating: 4.6

Another product of the Japanese part of the manufacturers segment, created with the aim of pouring into Toyota cars. Produced exclusively as a concentrate, and for this method of distribution is very adequate. Long Life Coolant is a red liquid typical of the G12 standard, which, in undiluted condition, can withstand up to -80 degrees Celsius. For residents of the northern regions, in which the temperature often drops below -40 degrees Celsius - a great product. Therefore, it becomes clear that with the advent of the domestic market, it was begun to be poured not only in the cars of the famous Japanese brand: even if antifreeze does not have the appropriate tolerance, consumers (owners of Russian cars) fully rely on its quality indicators.

If we talk about the situation in more detail, then its action Toyota Long Life Coolant Red is virtually no different from direct competitors. The fight against corrosion at the level, as well as the resistance to soot, boiling begins only at 140 degrees Celsius, and the supply of resources is enough for 5 years of successful use. Here there is only one small advantage: it is possible to dilute the concentrate in any proportions, even to get breathtaking values ​​of operating temperatures.

TCL Power Coolant Green -40 2L

Rating: 4.4

The reinforced hybrid composition of the class G12 ++ is rather unusual green color, which entered the Russian market through a long sales route within Japan. It is used mainly for pouring into cars of Lexus, Mitsubishi, Honda, Suzuki and similar brands (based on country of origin), but they are often used as antifreeze for domestic cars. It is quite expensive by the standards of the category, but it is compensated by good performance and positive effects of the application.

In particular, consumers have noted a very high activity of TCL Power Coolant in relation to metal oxides. Splitting of an undesirable chemical compound occurs literally several days after pouring, and the effect of exposure in order to protect the part continues throughout its life. Which, by the way, makes 4 years, on condition of moderate use of the vehicle. Among other things, the organic composition of the additives includes a small portion of the mineral components that create a microstructural protective film on polymers and non-ferrous metals. Thus, the innovative antifreeze from TCL not only solves the problems of high temperature drainage, but also significantly reduces the wear of engine cooling system elements.

MOTUL INUGEL EXPERT

Rating: 4.5

Coolant class G11 continues to be popular in the domestic market, despite the substantial flow of competitors that have emerged recently. The results of its use cannot be called reference (especially since the release of the G13 antifreeze), but it does contribute to the operation of the engine. In particular, the formation of a silicate layer that protects the metal and polymers from the aggressive effects of an acidic environment, as well as preserving foci of corrosion. True, you can’t wait for an effective fight against rusting: there are very few inhibitors in the composition, and they cannot get through the dense solid film.

If we talk about the operational abilities of MOTUL INUGEL EXPERT, then we can note a good start temperature for crystallization and boiling for G11 - -36.4 and 135 degrees Celsius, respectively. Due to the high quality of the nominally French antifreeze services, many automakers address, in particular, Peugeot and General Motors concern are the most loyal. However, in the domestic market, consumers are increasingly faced with cheap imitations, which negatively affects the prestige of the company in the antifreeze segment. However, Motul itself does not try to change the situation, at least by a banal improvement of the packing container.

Top Antifreeze Concentrates

MOBIL ANTIFREEZE ULTRA

Rating: 4.9

Concentrated antifreeze class G13 on lobride basis, the pH of which is at the level of 8.2-8.6 units. This means that the fluid injected has even an acidified, nonetheless harmless environment, without affecting the state of the polymer elements (plastic, rubber) and metal parts in the cooling system circuit. In addition to the existing complex of organic additives, manufacturers have introduced a number of mineral components that increase the resistance of antifreeze to temperature extremes, and the effect of the application.

As the official statistics show, MOBIL ANTIFREEZE ULTRA is most often used for pouring into new cars, with a predominantly premium segment. Among its main advantages include a very high boiling point (about 160 degrees Celsius), a low (-45) freezing point of the finished liquid mixed in a 1: 1 ratio, and a shelf life of five years. This is a great concentrate, the acquisition of which is beneficial even in terms of price.

Liqui Moly Kuhlerfrostschutz KFS 2001 Plus

Rating: 4.8

Eminent German concentrate class G12 +, received unequivocal approval from most automakers around the world. It is used as a regular antifreeze for cooling systems of VAG, Mercedes-Benz and BMW concern vehicles that have come down from the assembly line. In everyday life it can be mixed with water in any proportions, but manufacturers still recommend that they follow the formal norms - 1: 1, 1: 1.5 or 1: 2. Within these limits, car owners can get antifreeze with a freezing point of -40, -27 and -20 degrees Celsius, respectively.

According to the user's manual posted on the company's official website, Kuhlerfrostschutz KFS 2001 Plus can be freely mixed with other carboxylate formulations (G12, G12 +), as well as with silicate-based antifreeze G11, resulting in a certain balancing system (silicates form a protective film, and carbonic acids neutralize the effect of rusting foci and break down solid inclusions). True, such a solution will fit in hardly a couple of years. But in its pure form, its potential is more than enough for a five-year period, which is a perfect result for a product with such a cost.

Castrol radicool SF

Rating: 4.7

Concentrate carboxylate antifreeze class G12 with an extended replacement interval, has gained popularity among drivers of cars and trucks with a diesel engine. One of his fillings is more than enough for 3 years of effective cooling of the power plant with the attendant protection against corrosion and the formation of solid sedimentary particles.

In general, as regards the preparation of Castrol Radicool SF for use, there are no strict limitations, but manufacturers recommend diluting the concentrate with a ratio of 33 to 50%. In this case, its freezing temperature will fluctuate around -35 degrees Celsius, and signs of boiling will appear closer to 150 degrees. Thus, this coolant is quite a decent option for pouring on everyday life, the cost of which stands out positively from the competition.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.