Do you remember when was the last time you topped your engine with coolant? And what was the color of the coolant? Antifreeze comes in different colors, and it’s important to know which one best suits your engine. If you are unaware of different antifreeze, you may end up buying antifreeze of no use or even mixing it with another one, resulting in your engine not performing to the mark. Let’s discuss what happens when you mix green and orange antifreeze.
Difference between Green and Orange Antifreeze
Let’s first understand the difference between the Green and Orange antifreeze. Green coolant is the most common type of antifreeze used in many old cars that comes with steel and copper components in the cooling system. Green antifreeze is made from an older formula that uses Inorganic additive technology, whereas Orange antifreeze is based on a new formula known as Organic Acid Technologies. One notable difference between Green and Orange antifreeze is that the Orange antifreeze lasts longer than the Green.
Can You Mix Green and Orange Antifreeze?
Now, coming to the main points of discussion – Can you mix Green and Orange Antifreeze?
Well, it’s never a good idea to mix two different colors of antifreeze. Mixing two formulas won’t cause any reactions or explosions, but it could lead to a few of the dangers mentioned below.
- Corrosion – Due to the different chemical compositions of Green and Orange antifreeze, mixing them will lead to the formation of an acidic solution, which can lead to corrosion. This may lead to costly repairs or engine failures.
- Clogging of Radiator – When mixed, the different acids in both coolants can cause a reaction, creating a gel-like substance. This substance can clog your car’s radiator and cooling components. This will affect the engine efficiency.
- Cooling Issue – Mixing different anti-freeze coolants leads to inadequate cooling of the engine. Remember, Green and Orange coolants have different boiling points and heat transfer capabilities. If they are mixed, they may not perform well, leading to overheating and engine damage.
- Reduced Lifespan – Both green and orange antifreeze come with a recommended lifespan. Mixing them can reduce the overall lifespan of Coolants.
I mixed green and orange coolant. What should I do?
The best answer to this is to flush your cooling system as soon as possible and replace it with the right coolant. Moreover, mixing coolants can make it difficult for mechanics to diagnose a car’s cooling problem. Hence, it is better to just flush and refill with the right coolant.
Conclusion
If you are thinking of mixing different coolants, just don’t do it. Your thought of saving some bucks by mixing the coolants could lead to expensive engine repairs. Mixing coolants creates an unknown composition, and many times, mechanics find it difficult to diagnose the problem. This will consume more time and lead to costly repairs. There is a reason that coolants come in different colors, and you should always follow the expert guides on which one to use for your car. The right choice will help you save money from engine failure repairs so that you can live stress-free.