The best automotive antifreezes in 2021

Previously, in order to cool the internal combustion engine during its operation, ordinary water could be poured into the system. But for a long time, such a liquid was not enough. Distillate was also added, but it did not cope with the tasks.

As a result, antifreezes were developed. They are also coolants or coolants (coolant). The manufacturers did not stop there. They began to improve the composition, experiment, add new components, test different foundations for creating coolant in operation.

Now there are several types of antifreeze. Moreover, the cooling systems of cars are adapted for certain types of compounds, which must be poured into the driver during operation and maintenance.

To decide which car antifreeze is better, you can build on the current rating of the 2021 sample. The top is compiled taking into account reviews, comments, ratings and expert opinion.

Rating categories

It is important to understand that there are several types of cooling fluids. They differ not only in color, but also in their technical, operational characteristics, composition and other parameters. Therefore, there are strict rules regarding the use of one or another coolant on specific machines, as well as regarding the mixing of different fluids with each other.

Based on this, it would be wrong and incorrect to combine completely different compositions within the same rating among antifreezes. Therefore, it was decided to split the top into several subcategories. Namely:

• G11.
• G12 / 12 +.
• G12 ++.
• G13.

All antifreezes are divided depending on their production technology. This makes it possible to distinguish between hybrid, carboxylate and lobrid mixtures for the operation of cooling systems of automobile engines.

Now let's talk about the best antifreezes for cars in each of the categories. Plus we will explain in more detail the features of this or that type of coolant.

Antifreeze rating G11

Many manufacturers are fighting for the title of the best antifreeze, but not all have managed to become one of the leaders. Each category will contain 5 of the highest quality, popular and demanded formulations that have proven their effectiveness and efficiency in practice.

And it's logical to start with G11 antifreezes. G11 are silicate / phosphate engine coolants available in several colors. It is yellow, red, orange and blue antifreeze. In Russia and in the USSR, such coolant was simply called antifreeze. Suitable for different radiators and serves to protect against rust formation inside the system.

Compounds of type G11 freeze at -40-45 degrees Celsius and boil at 108 degrees. Serves no more than 3 years. They are mainly used in domestic machines with cast iron blocks. Most budget mixes. The technology is outdated, but still in demand. Affordable price.

Now to the very rating of the best type G11 antifreezes:

• Sintec Ultra G11. Coolant based on monoethylene glycol with the addition of useful additives. The mixture is ready for use, that is, no dilution is required. Suitable for domestic cars and foreign cars, as well as trucks. Good rust resistance and protection against overheating. Does not harm pipes, seals, pipes and gaskets. Has a red or pink tint. It boils at 112 degrees and freezes at -45. Produced since 2015. There are quite a few fakes on the market, so you need to be careful when buying.
  
• Sintec Universal G11. Suitable for cars and trucks under different engine load conditions. It protects well against overheating, rust and deposits. Lubricates well and extends the life of the water pump. Does not damage tubes and seals. Has a blue / cyan tint. Temperature thresholds -40 and 110 degrees Celsius. Manufactured since 2015. Do not mix with other coolants.
  
• Coolstream Hybrid Extra. Not the most famous, but well-proven manufacturer. The ranking includes a silicate coolant with approvals from a number of leading auto companies. It has good cooling properties and stability of the composition during long-term operation. The service life is about 3 years, which is rare for most G11s. Temperature thresholds (freezing and boiling) here are -40 and 126 degrees Celsius, respectively. Manufactured since 2017. Suitable for cars, trucks and buses. This is a green antifreeze that rightly got into the rating. Has approvals from 20 car manufacturers. But if mixed with other formulations, the quality will instantly decrease.
  
• Sintec Euro G11. A new generation mixture that is ready for use. The composition uses imported corrosion inhibitors, as well as a high quality monoethylene glycol base. It can be used on domestic cars and foreign cars. Reliably resists the formation of corrosion and maintains the desired temperature regime in the system. The train has received approvals from leading car manufacturers, including Mercedes, Audi, Toyota, etc. Antifreeze can be bought at almost any gas station. Works effectively all year round. Does not form sediment and prevents the motor from overheating. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the presence of fakes and a short service life, although this is a characteristic feature for the G11.
  
• Lukoil Green G11. The rating among coolants intended for cars also includes the development of Lukoil. This is a ready-to-use ethylene glycol based chiller. Also included are organic acids and silicates. This increases the level of protection against corrosion and overheating. Coolant resists corrosion, scale and freezing. Due to additives, it was possible to increase the service life.
  

It is difficult to say unequivocally which antifreeze for cars of which brand or color is better to use. After all, the fact that the composition is red, green or blue does not yet determine the list of its properties and capabilities.

The best antifreezes G12 and G12 +

G12 / G12 + are considered to be more modern designs based on ethylene glycol and water. The working temperature ranges from -50 to 118 degrees Celsius. The composition is homogeneous, viscous, slightly oily. No mechanical impurities are provided.

Upon penetration into the system, organic components settle on surfaces, creating a coating with a thickness of 0.1 microns. This protects the elements from corrosion.

This category of mixtures can be distinguished by decent lubricating, protective and anti-foaming properties. In the production process, the use of silicates and nitrites is not allowed. Average service life is 3 to 5 years.

The standard composition is about 90% ethylene glycol, 5% distilled water, additives and additives. The composition includes phosphates and nitrates, than this type of coolant differs from the rest.

Now you should take a look at the rating of G12 type antifreezes, which have red, purple and pink colors.

• GT-Oil Polarcool Extra G12. The composition from GT-Oil opens the rating among G12 type antifreezes, which has a red color and a carboxylate base with organic additives. Suitable for various vehicles with internal combustion engines and liquid cooling systems. The composition does not contain nitrates, nitrites, silicates and phosphates, therefore the probability of harming the cooling system and the engine is minimal. It protects well against corrosion and rust. The liquid serves for about 5 years or up to 250 thousand kilometers. During operation, it does not boil away, does not foam or darken. This coolant is not faked. But it is not recommended to mix with other antifreezes.
  
• AWM G12 + Coolant. Many drivers prefer to use this antifreeze. It contains salts of organic acids, which act as corrosion inhibitors.They accumulate in places where rust appears and form a protective layer. Suitable for both cast iron and aluminum engines. At the same time, the manufacturer does not use silicates, borates and phosphates. The coolant has good heat dissipation and reduced viscosity. The antifreeze contains imported components. The quality is high and the price is affordable. Plus, the cooler lasts for a long time. It does not boil in summer, plus it ensures more efficient operation of the interior heater in winter. But it is better not to experiment with mixing with other formulations.
  
• Coolstream Premium 40. Fairly ranked among the best manufacturers and offers professional grade antifreeze. It is used for filling foreign cars and domestic models into gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines. It is worth noting that such coolant is refueled by cars from the factory on conveyors of Ford, Opel, Volvo, etc. The service life is 5 years. Does not damage plastic and aluminum components. The product is protected from copying due to a unique design and a special technology for sealing the lid. It has an orange tint. Produced for only 4 years. It is actively used at Russian factories in the assembly of foreign cars.
  
• Sintec Lux G12. It shouldn't come as a surprise to have so many of this brand's coolants making it into the ranking. These are some of the best automotive coolants. The composition in question is suitable for engines that operate under increased loads. This also applies to aluminum blocks. It protects well against freezing, overheating and rust formation, additionally contributes to minimal deposits inside the channels of the cooling system, consists of water-glycol concentrate and organic inhibitors. The service life is impressive, as is the list of tolerances. Manufactured in Russia since 2017.
  
• Ruseff OEM G12 +. There is a new addition to the list of good Russian manufacturers. It is the Ruseff (RF) brand that offers a line of excellent antifreezes and with one of them makes it to the rating. High quality composition, created using new technologies. Suitable for different motors, providing them with a high level of protection. Has a solid temperature range. Antifreeze shows itself well when working in a harsh winter, and therefore will be an excellent choice for motorists living in the Far North. The coolant is adapted for all types of internal combustion engines. The declared service life is 5 years or 250 thousand kilometers. The composition uses Belgian components from Arteco. A real novelty launched in 2021.
  

It is difficult to say which manufacturer of automotive antifreeze is currently the best. But there is a list of companies that have managed to gain trust and form a positive image of their brand on the Russian market. And it is unlikely that such firms are interested in reducing quality. The competition is huge, and therefore any mistake can cost not only a place in the ranking, but also a position in the market. Therefore, leading manufacturers continue to work hard, come up with new formulas, use special additives and improve the quality of the products they offer.

The best coolant type G12 ++

Now to the question of which option will be better if the automaker recommends taking antifreeze type G12 ++.

This type of coolant appeared in 2008. Its key distinguishing feature is the use of a large volume of mineral inhibitors during production.

The G12 ++ uses hybrid manufacturing technology. The principle of operation is based on creating a protective film on the internal surfaces, increasing efficiency and increasing the service life of the radiator, engine and all pipes and pipes.

In production, organic acids and silicates are used. But it is allowed to add silicates in an amount of not more than 250 mg per 1 liter of liquid. So it is possible to increase the level of anti-corrosion protection.

When pouring into a new engine, the resource is considered unlimited. But if this is a used car, then it is better to change the antifreeze with an interval of 3-5 years.

Mostly G12 ++ is purple in color. Such antifreeze may be mixed with other coolants.

Now to the question of which antifreeze is better to pour into your own car, if the coolant type G12 ++ is ideal for the car.

• Coolstream QRR. It is a silicate lobride cooler that has a solid lifespan and a wide range of OEM approvals. The composition can be mixed with any cooling compositions without restriction. It is characterized by excellent temperature resistance. Does not harm plastic and rubber. Perfectly protects aluminum components. The composition does not contain amines, nitrites, borates and phosphates. Good resistance to freezing, boiling and rust formation. Used in many car factories.
  
• Sintec Unlimited G12 ++. And again, Sintec is on the list. But this time the company offers its best antifreeze for the G12 ++ series car. It is included in the rating due to its balanced and safe composition, which does not contain phosphates, borates, amines and other hazardous components potentially harmful to the engine or cooling system elements. It can be used on any motors, including aluminum ones. Prevents rust and deposits from forming. Good resistance to freezing and overheating. Has a purple or crimson hue. Antifreeze lasts for about 5 years. At the same time, the declared characteristics fully correspond to reality.
  
• Ravenol LTC Protect C12 ++. For many automotive experts, this is the best antifreeze that can be safely poured into a car's cooling system. The composition is ready for use. It is based on monoethylene glycol and corrosion inhibitors. Manufactured using silicates and organic OAT technology. There are no harmful components. Resists rust and deposits. Great for aluminum motors. It is used all year round, while maintaining high efficiency and performance, but the price is quite high. The quality of the canister is poor. Manufactured in Germany.
  
• Liqui Moly Kuhlerfrostschutz KFS. If you are looking for the best antifreeze concentrate for your car, then you should not pass by the product from Liqui Moly. The coolant has improved performance against deposits, overheating and corrosion. There are no harmful components in the composition. Serves at least 5 years. Can be used on cast iron and aluminum internal combustion engines. Doesn't harm even copper components. Available from 2020.
  
• Febi Coolant G12 ++ Concentrate. From the name it is clear that this is a concentrated refrigerant. Excellent resistance to overheating, low temperatures and build-up inside the system. Antifreeze meets the most stringent quality and performance requirements. It has been produced since 2018 in Germany, but the composition is not yet so widely represented in Russia.
  

The choice is more than impressive. At the same time, it is possible to choose among ready-made antifreezes and concentrated compositions that you need to dilute with your own hands.

The best antifreezes among G13

This category of coolants is considered the newest. Produced since 2012. Coolants based on propylene glycol and mineral additives. Most often, antifreeze has a yellow or orange tint.

The composition is environmentally friendly, highly effective and versatile. Therefore, the price is appropriate. If you fill in a new car, then the service life is considered unlimited. Can be diluted with distillate or softened water. Miscible with G12, G12 + and G12 ++.

It has formed its own group of leaders and favorites in 2021.

• Febi G13. Excellent and high-quality antifreeze, moreover, a composition was developed specifically for VAG automobile engines, which have an aluminum cylinder block, as well as a radiator made of a similar material. In addition to propylene glycol, protective additives are used in the composition. Conducts heat efficiently. It is sold in the form of a concentrate, and therefore must be diluted with distillate before use. The coolant can be used on diesel, gasoline and gas engines. Suitable for cars, trucks and vans.But it has a limited range for use.
  
• Motul Auto Cool G13 Ultra. Also a concentrate from a well-known manufacturer of working fluids for cars. It is based on special ingredients, including glycerin. Add Lobrid Tech additives to improve properties and performance. Antifreeze is used for cars and commercial vehicles of the VAG group. But it can be applied to other cars as well. This is confirmed by the corresponding tolerances. The coolant effectively resists all negative influences, including overheating, low temperatures, rust and deposits. Manufactured in France. Has an impressive service life.
  
• Volkswagen G13. Proprietary coolant concentrate produced under the Volkswagen brand. It can be used on all vehicles of the VAG group. Also suitable for engines that have the recommended specifications for VW TL-774J antifreeze. Perfectly resists freezing, overheating and rusting. Effectively lubricates internal cavities. Easily diluted with any distilled water.
  

When using antifreeze, you must first make sure that this or that composition meets the features and requirements of the engine. And be especially careful when mixing different cooling liquids.

How do you choose antifreeze? How often was it changed? Is there a difference between formulations of the same type, but from different manufacturers?

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