Antifreeze is the most famous domestic antifreeze for car cooling systems. When choosing this substance, it is necessary to evaluate a number of its parameters. First of all, this is the quality of the product on sale. The correct operation of vehicle systems and their durability will depend on this.
The density of antifreeze is one of the most important characteristics, which allows the customer to evaluate the performance. Indeed, the compliance of antifreeze with modern requirements is a guarantee of the correct operation of all mechanisms.
General characteristics and composition
To understand how to measure the density of antifreeze and antifreeze, you need to understand their characteristics and definition. The presented substance is necessary for cooling the motor in the summer and protection in the winter from mechanical destruction.
The name antifreeze is based on the abbreviation. CBT is an organic synthesis technology. The last two letters of the name indicate the substance belongs to a group of alcohols, which, as you know, end with "ol".
The basis of antifreeze is glycol ether. About 10 various additives are a part. Thanks to this, antifreeze does not lend itself to frost or heat, does not boil and does not foam. Special additives eliminate the effects on the materials of mechanisms, so that they become not susceptible to corrosion. Antifreeze is possible to store and operate for a long time also thanks to its special composition.
What characterizes the density?
The density of antifreeze can tell a lot about the state of this substance during operation. Therefore, it is required to regularly check it. This indicator is influenced by several key factors. First of all, this is the composition and formulation of the production of antifreeze. Each manufacturer uses a certain technology in the manufacture of its refrigerant.
The second important factor is the quantity and set of additives. These components improve the performance of antifreeze and further protect systems and mechanisms from premature wear. In the manufacturing process, technologists use a specific set of these additional components. They are well balanced. Some of them are incompatible and depend on the operating conditions of the equipment.
The last important factor that affects the density of antifreeze is the amount of monoethylene glycol in it. All these features affect the heat capacity and thermal conductivity. If the density of antifreeze changes, it can lead to sad consequences.
How to measure density yourself?
Considering how to check the density of antifreeze, you should pay attention to the simplest methods. Special equipment helps to measure for any liquid. This device is called a hydrometer. It is easy to use. In this case, only a few simple actions are performed.
Initially, open the hood cover. Next, you should find an expansion tank, in which the antifreeze is located. Its lid opens. The hydrometer takes the required amount of antifreeze. For this, the pipette is lowered into the refrigerant and the substance is collected in the flask. The float must be free to balance.
On the hydrometer scale, it is necessary to measure the concentration of antifreeze. Next, the result is compared with the nominal value specified by the manufacturer. In some cases, the density may be lower or higher than stated. The amount of water in the solution may also affect this.
Measurement result
Now you know how to check the density of antifreeze with a hydrometer, now you need to understand the result.
The density indicator is affected by water, which is used to dilute antifreeze in the factory or at home. With an increase in its content in the solution, the freezing point of the substance becomes higher, and the cooling characteristics deteriorate in the summer.
If the density of the substance during measurement is underestimated, this means that a large amount of water is part of the antifreeze. The range of operating temperatures in this case is narrowed in antifreeze. This is a negative trend.
Increased concentration indicates a decrease in the properties of cooling and lubrication of mechanisms. Because of this, they wear out quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to compare the nominal density value declared on the package with the readings of the hydrometer. If necessary, it is adjusted.
Normative value
One of the most popular types of the substance is antifreeze brand A-40 or A-40M. This refrigerant is used in relatively warm climates, where the temperature in winter does not drop below -38 ° C. It is widely believed among motorists in our country that the density of A-40 antifreeze is 1.075 g / cm³. Moreover, about 44% of water and 56% of ethylene glycol (or higher) are present in the mixture.
The density indicator depends on the temperature at which the measurement was made. Standards establish the permissible norm of this value at the level of 1,065-1,085 g / cm³. At the same time, the ambient temperature should be at the level of + 20 ° .
If the number obtained during the measurements does not correspond to this indicator, it can be aligned. To do this, a little old antifreeze merges and either water or antifreeze concentrate is added to the general mixture.
Lifetime
Knowing what density of antifreeze currently affects the car's systems, as well as what is the normative value of this indicator, premature repair or breakdowns of the machine can be avoided. Over time, antifreeze ages. Its service life depends on the quality of the antifreeze and the vehicle mileage.
If the density of the mixture is low, a large amount of water is present in the solution. It worsens the effect of additives and provokes the formation of corrosion. This leads to the rapid destruction of the surfaces of mechanisms. In this case, the liquid becomes rusty. Regardless of the life of such a substance, it should immediately be replaced with a new antifreeze.
How to change antifreeze
If you measured the density of antifreeze, evaluated its visual characteristics and determined the need to replace this substance, a special procedure is necessary. The engine is warmed up for 5 minutes. The heater tap in the passenger compartment must be open. After the engine stops, the old antifreeze is discharged, and clean water is poured instead. You can use a special tool for washing. It is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Through the drain plug, which is located in the radiator, water is removed from the system. Rinsing is done until the liquid is clean. After that, you can fill in a new antifreeze.
Having studied what the antifreeze is , you can understand the importance of measuring it. This indicator will allow you to evaluate the correct operation of the entire system and prevent its breakdown.