antistollingswaarde

The antistollingswaarde is a measure of the temperature at which a liquid mixture, typically an antifreeze or coolant, begins to freeze. It is expressed in degrees Celsius and is used to assess the freezing resistance of a substance. The value is determined by the composition of the mixture, especially the proportion of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or other antifreeze agents combined with water. An antistollingswaarde of 0 °C indicates that the mixture will remain liquid at room temperature and will not freeze at standard winter temperatures. A lower value, such as –30 °C, signifies a higher antifreeze concentration and a greater resistance to freezing.

The term is common in the automotive sector, where coolant bottles and specifications require a label indicating the antistollingswaarde. This ensures that cooling systems for engines, radiators and auxiliary heatsinks operate reliably in various climates. In industrial contexts, the value is used for calibration fluids in testing equipment, polymer processing, and food industry preservation. Environmental regulations sometimes mandate specific antistollingswaarden for lubricants and hydric agents used near freezing points.

Historically, the need for a standardized measurement arose in the early 20th century as automobiles expanded into cooler regions. Engineers found that water alone could freeze and cause severe engine damage, leading to the widespread adoption of glycol-based coolants. The antistollingswaarde provided a quick, standardized indication for manufacturers and users of the effective performance of these fluids. Today it remains a key specification on safety data sheets, technical datasheets, and service manuals, ensuring that fluids meet the thermal demands of their intended applications.