How can I tell if it’s antifreeze? That’s all I can help you with.
发布时间：2022年03月14日 15:28
What are some examples of counterfeit and substandard antifreeze?
One type is counterfeit antifreeze made by diluting it with low-boiling-point alcohols such as methanol. This kind of counterfeit antifreeze has a very low boiling point—around 70°C to 80°C—which makes it highly volatile and prone to boiling, causing the radiator to overheat (the "water tank to boil"). Moreover, the evaporating fumes can severely damage human eyes. Once you’ve purchased this counterfeit antifreeze, even if you’re certain there are no leaks in the radiator hoses, you’ll find that it evaporates so rapidly that you’ll have to top it up frequently. It may also cause the radiator to boil regularly, thereby inflicting significant damage to the engine. In contrast, genuine antifreeze, provided there are no leaks in the radiator hoses, generally doesn’t require frequent topping up. That’s because the boiling point of genuine antifreeze is above 107°C—higher than the boiling point of water—and thus it rarely boils under normal operating conditions.
Another type is made by mixing industrial salt with brine. The greatest hazard of this counterfeit antifreeze is corrosion—it corrodes the radiator, the engine, and the entire cooling system at an extremely rapid pace. A perfectly intact radiator can develop leaks due to corrosion within just two or three months, and the engine itself can suffer severe damage from corrosion. Over time, under the prolonged influence of air and higher temperatures, the liquid undergoes oxidation, producing acidic substances that severely erode the car’s cooling system and drastically shorten the engine’s lifespan.
How can I tell if antifreeze is genuine or counterfeit?
First, price: As of now, if the price is below 5 yuan/kg, it’s highly unlikely to be genuine. Second, smell: Any product with a strong, pungent, or unpleasant odor is definitely counterfeit—genuine antifreeze has virtually no noticeable scent. Third, feel: If the liquid feels rough, lacks smoothness, and evaporates quickly (note: absolutely do not taste it with your mouth! Antifreeze additives may contain carcinogens), it’s likely counterfeit antifreeze containing low-boiling-point alcohols that easily cause boiling. Also, if there’s white solid residue around the opening of the packaging container, the container feels heavy when lifted, the texture is very rough, and there’s no particularly strong odor, then it’s counterfeit antifreeze made from industrial salt or brine. Fourth, turbidity: Regardless of the product’s color, it should maintain a certain level of transparency. A cloudy product is not a good one.
? Antifreeze testing
1. Testing the Freezing Point: Pour the antifreeze into a transparent bottle and place it in a freezer or ice storage facility. Set the temperature to the freezing point of the antifreeze and leave it there for 1–2 days. Then take it out and check whether the antifreeze remains clear and fluid and whether any ice crystals have formed. If there are none, the product is genuine. 2. Testing the pH Value: Use pH test strips to measure the pH. Drop one or two drops of antifreeze onto the strip. If the strip turns green-blue or even purple, the antifreeze is alkaline and meets the quality standards; otherwise, it does not meet the standards. Some antifreezes contain green dyes that may affect the color development. In such cases, observe the edges where the liquid has seeped through—if the edges also turn green, the product is qualified.
3. Testing Corrosion Resistance: Take a cup of antifreeze and heat it to 80℃–90℃ (no need to bring it to a boil—this simulates the temperature inside the radiator). Then, add aluminum wire, copper wire, iron nails, and other similar materials, and soak them for 3–5 days. Heat the mixture three times each day. Counterfeit or substandard products will quickly cause these materials to rust and deteriorate.
? What are the precautions?
In addition to choosing the right antifreeze, you also need to pay attention to the following aspects during its use:
1. Try to use antifreeze from the same brand whenever possible.
2. The shelf life of antifreeze is typically two years (though some products may have a slightly longer shelf life). When adding antifreeze, make sure the product is still within its expiration date. 3. When replacing the antifreeze, completely drain the old fluid, thoroughly clean the cooling system, and then refill it with fresh antifreeze. 4. Avoid diluting antifreeze with water. Traditional inorganic antifreeze should never be diluted with water, as this can lead to sediment formation and severely impair the antifreeze’s proper function. Organic antifreeze, on the other hand, can be diluted with water, but you must not add too much water.
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