A high-performance product is being put to the test: boiling-hot engine coolant is passed over two metal discs made of aluminum and cast iron. Even after 72 hours, no changes are evident on the material — Glysantin from BASF, Europe’s best-selling engine coolant, has passed another quality test.

The tests in BASF’s engine coolants laboratory involve simulating the conditions in a modern motor vehicle cooling system.

“Recently, we successfully carried out the 25,000th corrosion test for Glysantin,” reports Ladislaus Meszaros, who is responsible for the worldwide development and applications technology of automotive fluids in BASF’s Performance Chemicals division.

Since 1960, Glysantin, which was first patented by the company in 1929, has been subjected to around 400 tests every year.

BASF’s coolants specialists have now developed about 40 different corrosion tests. “We work with both dynamic and static test setups,” explains Meszaros. During dynamic testing the heated coolant is passed over various metals such as aluminium, brass, copper or cast iron, while in the static tests the materials are kept in a strong solution of Glysantin for a prolonged period.

“The fact that the test specimens are in perfect condition at the end of testing clearly demonstrates that Glysantin provides reliable protection against corrosion for all the metals and alloys used in the cooling system,” continues Meszaros.

This ensures that the water pump, radiator, heat exchanger, thermostat and cooling channels in the motor and cylinder head continue to work effectively. In addition, Glysantin provides reliable protection for types of rubber and plastics used for cooling hoses, gaskets and header tanks.