Antifreeze: Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Coolant for Your Car

Synkhem’s Illumino 50 is more than just an antifreeze; it's a cutting-edge, UV additive coolant designed specifically for industrial and heavy-duty machinery. This product offers unmatched protection against engine overheating, corrosion, and freezing, with a unique feature: fluorescent leak detection. This innovative feature sets Illumino 50 apart, making it easier to detect leaks in complex cooling systems, ensuring your equipment runs smoothly and efficiently.

Synkhem's Illumino 50 Antifreeze Details

With its built-in corrosion inhibitors powered by Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT), Illumino 50 offers extended protection against cavitation and rust, safeguarding vital components like the engine block, radiator, and water pump. This makes it a versatile and reliable solution for all types of internal combustion engines, from heavy-duty industrial machinery to high-performance vehicles.

Illumino 50 is available in a variety of sizes, from 500ml to large 1000L containers, to meet the needs of both small-scale and large industrial operations. It’s designed to offer superior protection for engines operating in extreme conditions, making it the top choice for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality, high-performance coolant.

Engineered with an ethylene glycol base, Illumino 50 delivers exceptional performance, especially in extreme climates. It’s designed to handle the demands of industrial and automotive cooling systems, protecting engines from the harshest conditions.

The Illumino 50 formulation includes a complex anti-oxidization package, which ensures resistance to corrosion and overheating, making it ideal for aluminum and cast-iron engines. What’s truly special about this product is its ability to enhance engine performance with its fluorescent leak detection technology, which allows for quick and easy identification of leaks even in low-light or hard-to-reach areas.

How Antifreeze Works

Antifreeze, often referred to as engine coolant, plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and efficiency of an engine by regulating its temperature. In extreme weather, it prevents the engine block from freezing or overheating, ensuring the smooth operation of your vehicle or machinery. The key ingredient, ethylene glycol, is responsible for lowering the freezing point and raising the boiling point of the coolant, thus providing a broader range of protection.

The primary component of most antifreeze products is ethylene glycol, a chemical compound that ensures the coolant maintains its effectiveness in both hot and cold weather conditions. By circulating through the engine’s cooling system, antifreeze absorbs excess heat, preventing engine overheating while also ensuring that the coolant does not freeze when temperatures drop.

In addition to temperature regulation, antifreeze plays a crucial role in preventing corrosion inside the cooling system. Modern formulations like Illumino 50 include Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT), which provides enhanced protection against corrosion, particularly in aluminum and cast-iron engines. The inclusion of inhibitors further protects the water pump and other components, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

Synkhem’s Illumino 50 takes this a step further by offering UV additive properties. This not only ensures your engine remains protected under extreme conditions but also makes it easier to identify issues before they become serious. The fluorescent leak detection feature means any coolant leaks will glow under UV light, allowing for rapid detection and correction.

Types of Antifreeze

Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT)

Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) is an older type of antifreeze that relies on inorganic acids to prevent corrosion in the engine’s cooling system. While IAT was widely used in vehicles manufactured before the 1990s, it is less effective for modern engines and not recommended for today’s high-performance cooling systems. IAT antifreeze requires frequent replacement due to its shorter lifespan and less efficient protection compared to newer technologies.

Organic Acid Technology (OAT)

OAT antifreeze, built on organic acid technology, provides superior corrosion protection without relying on harmful chemicals like silicates or phosphates. This newer type of antifreeze is widely used in modern vehicles and is highly recommended for engines that require long-lasting protection. OAT formulations help maintain a stable temperature in the engine and extend the life of cooling system components, making them ideal for most internal combustion engines today.

Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)

Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) combines the best of both IAT and OAT technologies, offering enhanced corrosion protection by using both inorganic and organic acids. HOAT is typically used in high-performance vehicles or engines that demand advanced protection. It provides extended durability and protects both aluminum and cast-iron engines from rust, cavitation, and other forms of degradation.

However, Synkhem’s Illumino 50 takes this technology a step further by incorporating UV additive antifreeze properties, a revolutionary feature that provides fluorescent leak detection. This innovative aspect of Illumino 50 makes it easier to spot leaks in the cooling system, helping you prevent costly engine damage before it occurs. The combination of Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) with the advanced leak-detection mechanism makes Illumino 50 a top choice for both industrial machinery and modern automotive engines.

Corrosion Inhibitors and Additives

Traditional Inhibitors

Traditional corrosion inhibitors, such as silicates and phosphates, have long been used in older antifreeze formulations like IAT to prevent rust and corrosion in the engine’s cooling system. However, these additives can be harsh on modern engines, leading to the buildup of deposits and other issues that reduce the engine's efficiency over time. Therefore, traditional inhibitors are not recommended for most newer engines.

Organic Acid Technology Inhibitors

Modern antifreeze solutions, particularly those utilizing Organic Acid Technology (OAT) and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT), use advanced inhibitors that offer long-lasting corrosion protection without the risk of damage to the engine's components. These inhibitors are particularly effective in preventing rust and corrosion in aluminum, steel, and other engine parts, ensuring that the cooling system remains in optimal condition.

What makes Illumino 50 stand out is its use of these advanced corrosion inhibitors combined with UV additive properties. The added fluorescent leak detection allows you to quickly identify leaks in the system, ensuring your engine remains protected even in the most demanding conditions. With Illumino50, you can be confident that your engine’s cooling system is safeguarded from both corrosion and leaks, offering superior protection for industrial machinery and high-performance vehicles.

Anti-Foaming Agents and pH Balancers

Anti-foaming agents prevent the formation of foam in the engine’s cooling system, ensuring that coolant flows smoothly and efficiently throughout the engine. This is especially important in preventing overheating and maintaining optimal coolant levels. pH balancers, meanwhile, help maintain the correct acidity level in the coolant, ensuring that the cooling system doesn’t become too acidic or alkaline, both of which could lead to corrosion and engine damage.

Measuring the Freeze Point and Boiling Point

Importance of Measuring Freeze Point and Boiling Point

For any antifreeze, it’s critical to ensure that it maintains a low freezing point and a high boiling point. This balance prevents the coolant from freezing in cold weather or boiling in extreme heat, ensuring that the engine operates within its optimal temperature range. If either the freeze point or boiling point is not properly maintained, it could lead to engine damage such as cracking of the engine block or overheating.

With Illumino 50, Synkhem guarantees that your coolant will perform across a wide range of temperatures. Its ethylene glycol base ensures that the antifreeze mixture lowers the freezing point of the coolant and raises the boiling point, protecting your engine under even the most extreme conditions.

Methods for Measuring Freeze Point and Boiling Point

There are a variety of methods used to measure the freeze point and boiling point of antifreeze solutions. Common methods include using the refractive index and specific gravity to determine whether the coolant mixture is providing the right level of protection for your engine. These tools ensure that the antifreeze is maintaining the right balance between preventing freezing and overheating, depending on the specific needs of your engine.

Antifreeze Maintenance and Replacement

How Often to Change Antifreeze

The frequency with which antifreeze needs to be changed depends largely on the type of antifreeze used and the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines. For traditional antifreeze types, replacement is usually required every 48 000 to 80 000 kilometers. However, modern formulations, such as those utilizing Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) found in Synkhem's Illumino 50, are designed for extended life and may offer longer intervals between replacements. Regular maintenance ensures that the cooling system continues to protect your engine from overheating, freezing, and corrosion.

How to Check Antifreeze Levels

Maintaining proper antifreeze levels is critical to ensuring your vehicle's cooling system operates efficiently. Checking the antifreeze level should be part of regular vehicle maintenance. Most vehicles have a coolant reservoir with clearly marked maximum and minimum levels. Ensure that the antifreeze level falls between these two marks, especially before driving in extreme temperatures. With Illumino 50's innovative UV additive properties, detecting leaks or inconsistencies in coolant levels becomes much easier, providing a visual cue to potential issues.

How to Dispose of Used Antifreeze

Used antifreeze contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. It should never be poured down drains, onto the ground, or into water sources. Instead, take used antifreeze to a recycling center or an authorized disposal facility. Many automotive shops offer disposal services for coolant, ensuring it is handled safely and in compliance with environmental regulations. This step is particularly important to avoid environmental contamination from ethylene glycol, a key ingredient in most antifreeze solutions.

Choosing the Right Antifreeze

What Makes a Good Antifreeze

When selecting antifreeze, it's important to consider the specific needs of your vehicle’s engine and cooling system. A high-quality antifreeze should provide long-lasting corrosion protection, have a low freezing point, and high boiling point, while also being compatible with the materials used in the engine’s cooling system, such as aluminum and iron. Synkhem's Illumino 50 excels in all of these areas, delivering cutting-edge protection with the added benefit of fluorescent leak detection. The UV additive feature not only makes it easier to spot leaks but also adds a layer of innovation that sets it apart from other antifreeze solutions.

Importance of Consulting Vehicle Manufacturer’s Recommendations

Always refer to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing antifreeze. Each engine is designed with specific cooling system requirements, and using the wrong type of antifreeze could lead to inefficiencies or even damage to the engine. Manufacturer guidelines will specify the ideal antifreeze composition, whether it’s IAT, OAT, or HOAT-based. Illumino 50 is compatible with a wide range of engines and follows modern specifications for high-performance coolants, offering maximum protection while adhering to the latest standards in cooling system maintenance.

Antifreeze Safety and Handling

Precautions When Handling Antifreeze

Handling antifreeze requires careful attention due to its potential to cause irritation upon contact with skin or eyes. When using antifreeze, especially a product as advanced as Illumino 50 from Synkhem, it's important to wear protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles to prevent direct exposure. Since antifreeze often contains ethylene glycol, which can be harmful if mishandled, it's vital to store it securely, particularly in industrial settings where heavy machinery and equipment are used. Illumino 50, with its advanced industrial-grade formulation, is designed for use in heavy-duty machinery and large-scale equipment, making its safe handling all the more important. In case of spills, immediate cleanup is crucial to prevent any accidents or potential damage to the workspace environment.

Risks of Antifreeze Exposure

Exposure to antifreeze, especially those containing ethylene glycol like Illumino 50, poses significant health risks if ingested or if prolonged skin contact occurs. In industrial applications, where large volumes of coolant are often in use, the risk of exposure increases, making safety protocols even more critical. Illumino 50, used in heavy machinery, industrial cooling systems, and manufacturing equipment, is engineered for extreme performance, but safety measures remain paramount. If exposure occurs, particularly ingestion, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately, as ethylene glycol poisoning can be fatal without prompt treatment. This is true for all industrial applications where antifreeze is a key component in regulating temperatures in complex machinery.

Antifreeze and Cooling System Protection

Dual Protection with Antifreeze

Antifreeze plays a critical role in maintaining the proper functioning of any cooling system, whether in a vehicle, industrial equipment, or heavy machinery. Illumino 50 provides dual protection by ensuring optimal temperature control in industrial cooling systems, where maintaining consistent operation is crucial. It prevents overheating in equipment that generates significant heat, such as large-scale generators, industrial engines, and manufacturing plants. Furthermore, it safeguards against freezing in machinery used in cold storage or outdoor applications. The UV additive feature of Illumino 50 offers an additional layer of maintenance ease by enabling quick leak detection, making it ideal for environments where downtime must be minimized.

Importance of Antifreeze in Preventing Corrosion

In the world of industrial machinery and heavy equipment, corrosion can be a costly problem. Without proper protection, rust and other forms of corrosion can damage engine blocks, cooling systems, and vital machinery components. This is where Illumino 50 excels. By integrating Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT), it delivers superior corrosion protection, particularly in high-performance industrial systems where downtime is not an option. Illumino 50 is specifically formulated to work in high-stress environments, such as manufacturing plants, mining equipment, and construction machinery, where cooling systems are subject to intense wear and tear.

Conclusion

Synkhem’s Illumino 50 is not just an antifreeze; it’s a powerful investment in cost-saving efficiency for your machinery. This isn’t about just cooling an engine; it’s about minimizing maintenance downtime, improving drainage intervals, and reducing your bottom line costs. Imagine your team spending less time on repetitive maintenance tasks and your equipment running smoother, for longer, thanks to the extended-life HOAT formula.

And it gets better. With fewer replacements needed, Illumino 50 doesn’t just save you money on the product itself; it frees up your foreman and crew to focus on production, not downtime. Less hassle, fewer interruptions, and a boost in productivity. Every rand saved in maintenance and replacements goes straight to your profits.

Invest in Illumino 50 and experience the difference of an antifreeze that works as hard as you do.