Rating of the best antifreezes for 2024

Every vehicle owner is interested in his "friend on four wheels" serving as long as possible. Since the service life of the mechanism is closely related to the work of its heart - the motor, it is important to choose the right high-quality coolant that can ensure gentle operation of the engine and, as a result, its longer functioning. A well-chosen antifreeze not only promotes cooling, but also serves as a lubricant, prevents corrosion processes, and prevents freezing and scale formation. Which antifreezes are the best in the opinion of motorists in 2024 will be discussed in this article.

Coolant selection criteria

By far the best coolant (coolant) option is the one specified by the vehicle manufacturer in the owner's manual.

It should be remembered that it is undesirable to purchase such products in questionable shops or on the highway: a poor-quality product can harm the system. If the description does not contain information on the pH indicator, the antifreeze has a pungent smell, cheap price, the presence of sediment, you should refrain from buying this liquid.

According to the standards developed by the Volkswagen concern, antifreezes are divided into groups, each of which has an individual base composition of chemicals:

• G 11 - this group includes hydride coolants that have blue and green colors. They are characterized by the use of small amounts of phosphates, which cause scale deposits. The service life of such a liquid is short - no more than 2-3 years.
• G 12 - are red or orange carboxylate antifreezes. Their feature is the ability to form the thinnest protective layer exclusively in places of corrosion, which contributes to an increase in the service life of the additives. The deadline for their use is about 5 years.
• G 12 + - pink color antifreeze, also includes corrosion inhibitors based on carboxylic acids. It does not contain nitrites, silicates, phosphates, amines. It is recommended to operate for no more than 5 years.
• G 12 ++, G 13 - pink and purple polypropylene glycol based antifreezes. They are the most environmentally friendly and have the longest service life (up to 10 years), but the cost of such a product is much higher.

The best antifreezes

Sintec Unlimited G 12 ++

Obninskorgsintez, a leading manufacturer of the Russian market, is a lobrid coolant manufactured using the latest bipolar technology. The product is ready to use: it does not need to be diluted with water. According to the overwhelming majority of reviews, it is a good solution for the winter season: as users note, the freezing point of the liquid is even lower than indicated by the manufacturer (-40 degrees). Antifreeze of violet color does not change it during operation.It is not prone to sediment formation, actively fights against corrosion phenomena, reliably protects the cooling system from freezing and overheating, does not conflict with rubber gaskets and pipes. The service life specified by the manufacturer is 500 thousand kilometers.

• reliability of protection against overheating and freezing;
• does not allow the formation of sediment and scale;
• can be mixed with coolant without amines, nitrites, phosphates;
• long service life.

• significant were not found.

Volkswagen G 13

German antifreeze is a high-quality new generation product manufactured using lobrid technology. The cooler adequately copes with the tasks assigned to it throughout the year: it does not allow overheating and overcooling of the engine, protects the metal from the effects of corrosion, has good lubricating and antioxidant properties for all components of the cooling system. An important characteristic of the refrigerant is its environmental friendliness, since the basis of the coolant is propylene glycol. Does not contain amines, phosphates, borates, nitrites, silicates, in contrast to standard antifreezes. In order to ensure operational efficiency, it is important to observe the proportions when diluting the concentrate with distilled water. The service life of violet antifreeze is more than 120 thousand km.

• original product;
• environmental friendliness of technology ;;
• the possibility of long-term operation.

• considerable cost.

CoolStream Nissan Renault Coolant (NRC)

The product is produced by Technoform in two variations: ready-to-use solution and concentrate. Carboxylate technology is used in the yellow refrigerant. It is characterized by the presence of selective organic corrosion inhibitors, i.e. in the place where the corrosion process begins. The peculiarity of the coolant is an irregularly long period of operation (fill for life).
The base of the coolant is ethylene glycol and an additive package, it does not contain phosphates, silicates, nitrites, molybdates, nitrates. As a result, corrosion protection is realized and the likelihood of deposits is prevented. According to the Volkswagen standard (in fact, Coolstream does not have one), the liquid meets the G 12 parameters.

• no need to replace the refrigerant for a long time;
  European additives;
• efficiency of protection against wear, corrosion and cavitation processes;
• the cooling capacity is high.

• price level, which is leveled by the longest service life.

Sintec Premium G 12+

A modern carboxylate product produced using Organic Acid Technology. It is characterized by a high heat transfer coefficient, since antifreeze does not cover the entire surface area with a protective layer, but covers only problem areas in which corrosion is just beginning. Does not include borates, silicates, phosphates, nitrites, amines in its composition, and therefore can be considered safe for vehicle engines. Crimson liquid is able to provide protection to the cooling system under adverse temperature conditions. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that organic corrosion inhibitors are hardly destroyed. It is approved by Volkswagen, AvtoVAZ, Volvo and other automotive manufacturers. The service life is 250 thousand kilometers.

• the presence of inhibitors that neutralize rust;
• prevents the formation of deposits and scale;
• provides effective protection against overheating under heavy loads;
• long service life.

• there are no critical ones.

Lukoil Red G 12

An ethylene glycol-based coolant for use in trucks and cars. It provides heat exchange at a fairly low temperature regime (up to minus 40 degrees). It is able to reliably protect the system from freezing and overheating by means of the used carboxylate technology. Realizes anti-corrosion and anti-cavitation protection of copper, cast iron, aluminum products. Due to the fact that the formation of a protective layer occurs locally in the places of formation of corrosion processes, an optimal level of heat transfer is ensured and the consumption of additives is reduced, which ultimately allows the use of antifreeze for a longer time. Does not damage rubber and polymer elements.

• a good indicator of thermal conductivity;
• protection against the effects of hydrodynamic cavitation and corrosion;
• compatibility with almost all metals;
• width of the tolerance range;
• a rather long period of use.

• no critical shortcomings were identified.

Nord red

Among the products manufactured by the Himavto company, the refrigerant is one of the most demanded products. It is popular with the giants of the oil and gas industry like Gazprom, Lukoil, Sibneft, and the average man in the street.
The coolant base is ethylene glycol plus an additive package. The coolant is characterized by decent cooling performance, protects the internal combustion engine from hypothermia and overheating in case of increased loads. The properties of the product are maintained at temperatures from -40 to + 112 degrees.

A set of balanced additives in the composition of the fluid is able to reliably protect all elements of the system against wear, erosion and corrosion, regardless of its material (metal, plastic, rubber). Nord has good anti-cavitation, lubricating, antifoam properties. Able to provide the user with a five-year term of use. Not available as a concentrate: any of the four volumes of canisters (1,3,5,10 l) is ready for use.

According to the classification borrowed from Volkswagen, it corresponds to class G 12. The refrigerant can be mixed with other antifreezes made on the same basis, but it is better not to experiment with mixing products belonging to different brands.

• resistance to extreme operating conditions (which is confirmed by the experience of use in heavy machines of the oil industry in the North);
• reliable protection of all parts of the cooling system from corrosion and cavitation processes;
• ability to cool quickly while maintaining the required operating temperature;
• the presence of fluorescent additives;
• optimal ratio of quality characteristics and cost.

• user reviews indicate that after a certain time, turbidity and the appearance of sedimentary deposits are possible, and individual cases of failures in severe frosts are possible.

TLC Power Coolant Red-40

 

Red lobrid antifreeze is presented by the Japanese concern Tanikawa Yuka. Brad manufactures products for the military industry, respectively, all products are subject to strict quality control. The refrigerant meets the G 12 ++ standard. Recommended for use in temperate climates, for which the winter temperature does not exceed 40 degrees below zero. It is not necessary to dilute the liquid (this may even impair its properties), since it is ready to use. A longer period of operation is associated with an innovative additive package in the product.

Suitable for vehicle brands that require Super Long Life Coolant.

• increases the resource of the elements making up the structure;
• optimal ratio of product price and product quality.

• an increase in viscosity is possible with a sharp decrease in temperature.

AGA Z65

Carboxylate antifreeze of yellow or orange shade of the Russian company AGA Trading House is notable for its versatility. Suitable for all types of engines for cars and trucks. It can be mixed with other coolants, provided that they are based on ethylene glycol. It has a high thermal conductivity. It is characterized by the presence of anti-corrosion, antifoam and antifriction additives. You can use a ready-to-use product or dilute it with water (in this case, depending on the proportion of the cooling liquid and water, crystallization will occur earlier). The temperature range is from - 65 to + 132 degrees. The service life is up to 5 years (150 thousand km).

• versatility;
• high frost resistance;
• compatibility with a wide range of engines;
• long-term action of additives;
• the presence of a fluorescent pigment;
• users are satisfied with the working temperature scale, note that the coolant does not spoil the oil seals and gaskets.

• according to many motorists, there is a possibility of precipitation.

Castrol Radicool SF

The base of the concentrate produced by the British brand is monoethylene glycol and carboxylate technology. Does not contain inorganic corrosion inhibitors. It is used in diesel and gasoline engines of cars, buses, trucks, which is convenient in the case of a mixed fleet of vehicles. It is able to provide effective cooling of the motor over a wide temperature range in different climatic conditions.
The additive package provided in the refrigerant realizes its operation with an extended replacement interval. It is able to effectively protect against overheating, freezing, blockage of the cooling system, as well as cavitation corrosion. The technology used is conducive to improving the heat removal of liquid and optimizing the operating temperature of the internal combustion engine. It also helps to lubricate the pump, thereby reducing noise and wear. Ideal solution for engines made of cast iron, aluminum, copper components. Does not conflict with rubber elements of the cooling system.

Castrol Radicool SF is not recommended to be mixed with other antifreezes. The product is diluted with distilled water before use. The fluid has a long drain interval - up to 5 years.

• a fairly wide range of tolerances;
• improved additive package.

• cost;
• there is a risk of buying a counterfeit product.

Sintec Universal G11

Will appeal to those who prefer the classics. Silicate advanced refrigerant has good lubricating, anticorrosive and anti-foaming properties, keeps the pump and rubber parts in good working order. This antifreeze is characterized by a longer service life compared to analogs. The mileage indicator corresponds to 120 thousand km for passenger cars or 200 thousand km for freight transport.

The blue coolant is based on monoethylene glycol and does not contain carcinogenic amines or nitrites.

• affordable cost;
• increased service life.

• lower degree of protection compared to newer generation coolants.

Summarizing

The offered coolants are modern high-quality products, tested in action, both by specialists and ordinary motorists. Their feedback and opinions served as the basis for the rating.
However, when choosing a coolant for a vehicle, it is important to remember that, first of all, one should focus on the tolerance parameter. For the convenience of the user, information on this indicator, as well as the cost of the products presented in the rating, is collected in the table below:

Coolant name	Tolerances	Average cost, rub.
SINTEC UNLIMITED G12 ++	Volkswagen TL 774 (G), HAERTOL, FUSO KAMAZ Trucks Rus, Hyundai Motor Company	1 kg - 200; 5 kg - 760
Antifreeze VOLKSWAGEN G13	VW TL-774J	1.5 L - 670
CoolStream NRC antifreeze	RENAULT 41-01-001 / -T Type D	5 kg - 1000
SINTEC PREMIUM G12 +	TL 774 (F), HAERTOL FROSTOX SF-D12PLUS, "FUSO KAMAZ Trucks Rus", "KAMAZ", MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG, "AVTOTOR Holding" LLC, Hyundai Motor Company	1 kg - 170; 5kg-750
Antifreeze LUKOIL Red G12	PJSC KAMAZ, MAN 324 SNF, MB 325.3, ASTM D3306 / D 4656 / D 4985, SAE J 1034, GOST 28084-89, Deutz / MWM 0199-99-1115-MWM, Fiat-Iveco 55523/1, MTU MTL 5048, Porsche TL-VW 774, Renault RVI 41-01-001 / - Q Type D, VW TL-VW 774 D / F, DAF 74002, Ford WSS-M97B44-D	1 kg - 180; 5kg-580
Nord red	GOST 28084-89, ASTM D3306, ASTM D4985 / 5345, SAE J1034, TTM AvtoVAZ	3 kg - 390; 10 kg - 1350
TLC Power Coolant Red-40	VAG approval index: G-12 ++	2 L - 600
AGA Z65	ASTM D3306 (I), ASTM D4985, BS6580: 2010, JIS K2234, MAN 324 Typ SNF, VW TL-774F, FORD WSS-M97B44-D, MB-Approval 325.3	1 L - 540
Castrol Radicool SF	ASTM D3306 (I), ASTM D4985, BS6580: 2010, JIS K2234, MAN 324 Typ SNF, VW TL-774F, FORD WSS-M97B44-D, MB-Approval 325.3	1 L - 560
SINTEC UNIVERSAL G11	UzDAEWOO, "FUZO KAMAZ Trucks Rus"	1 kg - 150 rubles.