The Secret Behind Different Radiator Water Colors

Red, yellow and green are the common radiator water colors found in the market. So what is the difference between the three?

The users of motorcycles equipped with radiators must be familiar with radiator water. This fluid, which is often called radiator coolant (RC), plays an important role in the engine cooling process. The color of this radiator water is different for each brand, so many don't understand how to choose the right one.

Different Colors of Radiator Water

There are two colors of radiator water that are commonly found in the market, namely green, yellow and red. Because the market is marketed with different colors, many consumers question which one is superior and what is the difference between the two. In fact, according to experts, the difference in water color does not affect the quality at all.

Precisely the price that plays a big role in determining whether or not your motorcycle coolant is good. For example, an RC that is sold above Rp. 70 thousand is definitely of good quality, while if the price is still below it, it is suspect. It's possible that instead of cooling, it actually brings other problems.

Why choose the expensive one? Because radiator water is composed of various chemicals that cost a lot of money, such as ethylene glycol, diethlyn glycol, sodium 2-ethyl hexanote, sodium neodecanote to rust inhibitors. But all these elements when put together do not form a distinctive color spectrum. That's why then manufacturers create their own colors. The color of the water on the radiator is for aesthetic purposes only.

Then is it okay to mix radiator water with many colors? This is not recommended. Dyes are their particular characteristic or strategy, which of course, every manufacturer has a different pattern when mixing radiator water. Therefore, never mix it up if you don't want your vehicle to have problems.

Why Is This Radiator Water Important?

Although the process of cooling the engine can be done with plain water. So when the vehicle is cooling the engine, the process must be assisted with water. The water serves to help air circulation in the engine, so the engine can reach the ideal temperature more quickly.

An engine that is too hot can cause overheating, as a result the vehicle can break down in the middle of the road. Well, although this cooling process can be done with plain water, most APM (Brand Holder Agents) recommend using RC instead of water.

Why? Because the water that can be used really must be free from alkaline and acid minerals. Water containing minerals can cause scale in the radiator, its acidic nature can also cause corrosion. Because as a layman we cannot be sure whether the water used is free of minerals and acids, so what is certain is RC.

RC is made with pure water, glycok and anti-rust. This glycol is the key to whether RC is good or not. Its function is to raise the boiling point of water and lower the freezing point of water. The function of this coolant in the end is not to cool the temperature, but to extend the boiling point of water until the engine has a stable temperature.

RC is sold in 2 packs. Direct pour packaging and concentrate packaging. For concentrate packaging, we usually have to mix coolant with water. Because in it only pure glycol. Another content is anti-rust which makes the radiator not easily leak.

That's why when choosing an RC don't look at the color, but pay attention to the specifications. Look at the glycol content in it and also whether it has anti-rust or not. Don't just stick to the color of the water. Because the red, yellow and green colors don't have any specialties, just to look attractive.

Choosing a Good Radiator

It has been explained above why radiator water is important, its function is to keep the engine from overheating which results in engine death. Well, considering the function is so complex, the words of choosing this RC must also be considered carefully. Indeed we can use ground water but it can give birth to risks.

This groundwater has a low boiling point and is likely to form bubbles that cause the engine to rust or corrode. Meanwhile, the required coolant is one that does not quickly reach the boiling point so that it does not cause damage to engine components. Unfortunately, not a few radiator water manufacturers also sell this liquid with a less than optimal composition.

The consequences can vary, ranging from breaking down to even the engine on fire. Don't let this bad thing happen to you. Remember, the color of this water does not show quality, but only as an aesthetic. Meanwhile, to choose a good radiator water, there are two ways you can do, namely First, it is ensured that there is glycol content in the liquid. This substance is the most important component that functions to raise the boiling point and lower the freezing point of RC itself. If there is this content in the liquid you buy, then just move on to the next stage.

Second. make sure that the product you buy contains propylene with sufficient concentrate. Usually RC will work optimally if the propylene concentrate rate is between 20% to 50%. If you want to check it you need a special tool called a refractometer.

You need to know that too high a concentration of propylene can cause deposits, clog the radiator and eventually damage the engine. So, make sure the cooler you buy has the right composition.

Third, make sure the price is not too expensive or too cheap. There is a price for goods, that's the term we usually hear from traders. For the radiator water problem, this also applies. Cheap prices are usually around Rp. 20 thousand, usually the quality is not optimal for the machine. But what is too expensive, which is priced at Rp. 100,000, is also not so good. Because it could contain propylene concentrate that is too high, it could even cause deposits, clog the radiator and damage the engine.

Those are some things you need to know about the color of the water on the radiator and its functions. Even though you have bought the best cooler at an okay price, this cannot be used as a guarantee that your vehicle will always be fine. Especially for those who do not check.

Yes, checking the condition of the radiator regularly and cleaning it is important. Its function, so that the engine cooling system can be monitored in always working optimally. Don't let the engine overheat and burn before you panic. It's better to take care of an existing one than to buy a new one.