The difference between industrial antifreeze and automotive antifreeze – why shouldn't you use it in a package?

Introduction: Can car antifreeze really be used in a package or boiler?

No. Car antifreeze is not suitable for heating systems such as packages, chillers or boilers and can cause severe corrosion, leaks and even complete system failure.

Many users — even some technicians — think that any liquid that “does not freeze” can be used in heating systems. This common belief is one of the most costly mistakes in industrial and residential equipment maintenance.

In this article, we will examine, in practical and understandable technical detail, the chemical, functional and safety differences between industrial antifreeze and car antifreeze — and explain why the use of car antifreeze in a package or industrial water circulation system is completely unacceptable.

✅ What is antifreeze and why do we need it?

Antifreeze is a liquid that lowers the freezing point of water and prevents water circulation systems from freezing in sub-zero temperatures. It also, in many cases, prevents metal corrosion and the formation of deposits.

But not all antifreezes are the same. Their formulations are designed based on the end use:

• Automotive: Internal combustion engine, aluminum, copper, rubber
• Industrial: Carbon steel, copper, brass, circulation pumps, heat exchangers

✅ Key difference: What is automotive antifreeze and what ingredients does it contain?

Automotive antifreeze (usually based on ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) is designed to protect the engine of a car. Its most important features:

Contains specific corrosion inhibitors for aluminum

Car engines contain a lot of aluminum parts. Therefore, automotive antifreezes contain:

• Silicates (in older formulations)
• Phosphates or carboxylates (in modern formulations)

These ingredients are great for aluminum — but they are completely unsuitable and sometimes corrosive for carbon steel or copper in heating systems.

High (alkaline)

Automotive antifreeze usually has a pH between 8.5 and 10.5. This alkaline level is good for the engine, but in heating systems:

• It dissolves the oxide protection on the steel.
• It reacts with CO₂in the air→forming carbonate precipitates.

Contains intense colors (red, green, blue)

These colors are only for detecting leaks in the car. In industrial systems, the colors:

• Can react with other chemicals.
• Interfere with water tests.

Technical note: Some automotive antifreezes contain phosphates that, when in contact with hard water (containing calcium/magnesium), form a sticky white precipitate — a problem that quickly leads to clogging in packages.

✅ What is industrial antifreeze and why is it different?

Industrial Antifreeze / Glycol-Based Inhibitor is designed for closed-loop systems such as:

• Central packages
• Chillers
• Hot water boilers
• Industrial heating systems

Key Features of Industrial Antifreeze:

1. Phosphate and Silicate Free Formulation

→ Prevents scale in steel/copper systems.

2. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.5–9.0)

→ Ideal balance for protecting carbon steel and copper.

3. Contains multi-metallic corrosion inhibitors

Such as: triazole, molybdate, nitrite (in appropriate formulations).

4. Colorless or neutral colors

→ No interference with tests and processes.

5. Compatibility with sealants and industrial rubbers

→ Prevents swelling or cracking of gaskets.

✅ Why is it dangerous to use car antifreeze in a package?

1: Severe corrosion of steel and copper

Car antifreeze formulations are not optimal for protecting carbon steel (which makes up the majority of packages). Within a few months:

• Pipe walls thin.
• Pinhole leaks develop.
• Water leaks occur continuously.

2: Scale formation

Phosphates in car antifreeze + calcium/magnesium ions in city water = sticky white scale.

This scale:

• Accumulates in heat exchangers.
• Reduces heat transfer.
• Increases gas consumption.
• Ultimately, it causes the package to fail.

3: Reduced life of the circulation pump

Car antifreeze chemicals can:

• Swell pump seals.
• Eat bearings and cause friction.
• Cause the pump motor to burn out.

4: Equipment Warranty Cancellation

Most package and chiller manufacturers explicitly prohibit the use of automotive antifreeze in their warranty conditions. In case of failure, even if it is not the direct cause, the warranty is void.

Structured data:

Three main factors of package failure after using automotive antifreeze:

1. Carbon steel corrosion

2. Heat exchanger fouling

3. Leakage in piping connections

✅ When do you need industrial antifreeze?

The use of industrial antifreeze is only recommended in specific situations:

✅Systems that are located at temperatures below 0C° (such as mountain villas, cold-water factories)

✅Closed systems with a risk of freezing (such as thermal storage systems)

✅Equipment that is turned off for a long time (such as reserve units)

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❌Antifreeze is not required in systems that are always on and are located in a warm environment.

In these cases, the use of demineralized water or city water with industrial anti-corrosion agents is sufficient.

Smart solution:

Instead of antifreeze, in many cases, setting the package to a minimum temperature (e.g. 5C° on cold nights) will prevent freezing — without the need for chemicals.

✅ How to choose a suitable industrial antifreeze?

Selection criteria:

1. Glycol base:

• Ethylene glycol: cheaper, but toxic (only for closed systems and away from drinking water)
• Propylene glycol: non-toxic, safer, suitable for systems close to drinking water

2. Inhibitor formulation:

• Phosphate-free
• Contains triazole (for copper)
• Contains molybdate or nitrite (for steel)

3. International certifications:

• Complies with ASTM D3306 (for industrial cooling systems)
• Complies with ISO 21670 (in water industries)

4. Initial pH: between 7.5 and 9.0

5. Compatibility with system materials: steel, copper, brass, EPDM rubber

✅Practical tip:

Industrial antifreeze should always be purchased in concentrated form and diluted on site with demineralized water or city water (with controlled hardness) — not ready to use.

❓❓❓ FAQ ❓❓❓

❓ Is it okay to dilute car antifreeze with water?

No. Even diluted, its chemicals (such as phosphates) are still dangerous in heating systems.

❓ How long does industrial antifreeze last?

Usually 3 to 5 years — but it should be tested annually for pH and glycol concentration. After this time, the inhibitors lose their effectiveness.

❓ Can I remove and replace automotive antifreeze from the package system?

Yes, but you must:

1. Drain the system completely.

2. Flush it several times with clean water.

3. Chemically flush if there is sediment.

4. Then add industrial antifreeze.

☀️☀️☀️ Antifreeze calculation guide for villa packages ☀️☀️☀️

☀️☀️☀️ Protecting your villa's heating system before winter ☀️☀️☀️

❓ Is industrial antifreeze more expensive?

Yes, but the cost is negligible compared to replacing the package or fixing frequent leaks.

❓ Safer Alternatives: What if industrial antifreeze is not available?

1. Use of electric antifreeze systems (Heat Trace Cables) on pipes

2. Install smart thermostat to maintain minimum temperature

3. Completely drain the system water in cold seasons (in inactive units)

4. Use of demineralized water + industrial corrosion inhibitor (without glycol)

Warning: Never use car antifreeze as a "temporary solution". Damages start from the first weeks.

☀️☀️☀️ Annual heating system maintenance guide ☀️☀️☀️

Conclusion: Safety > Short-term savings

Using car antifreeze in industrial packages or systems is similar to using gasoline in diesel: it works on the surface, but in the background, it spells disaster.

Choosing the right antifreeze not only prevents expensive breakdowns, but also:

• Increases the life of the equipment.
• Reduces energy consumption.
• Prevents leakage accidents and secondary damage.

If you live or work in a cold region, always use industry-standard antifreeze — and never let a bad decision cost you years of equipment life.

If you need expert advice on identifying the type of scale or optimal chemical selection, Abrizan’s experts, with over 20 years of experience in advanced laboratories, are ready to provide customized solutions to various industries.

☎️Free call and consultation with Abrizan specialists☎️