![]() ![]() There are 3 basic types of antifreeze used today, ethylene glycol based, propylene Glycol based and the newer Organic Acid Technology. What are the different types of antifreeze? Low coolant levels can cause immediate damage while the wrong type or mixed coolants will take a long time to cause problems. At the end of the day, it is far more important to have the proper level of coolant in your vehicle, even if it is the “wrong type” or a bad mixture. This option will also most likely be the most expensive option you have available, and there may be an off the shelf antifreeze you can use just as easily without harming your vehicle and save some money. Some such situation where this is a good idea is newer Ford vehicles with a gold color antifreeze, or GM vehicles that came with Dex-Cool. That way it will match exactly in color and chemical makeup, leaving nothing to chance and making sure your vehicle’s cooling system will stay working at top efficiency for years to come. If you plan on keeping your car for the rest of its useful life, the surefire way to make sure you pick the right kind of antifreeze that your vehicle needs is to go to the dealership and purchase some directly from the manufacturer. Luckily the manufactures of these new and different antifreezes have continued to make them different colors so they are easily identifiable. We can debate whether or not that is true in another article, but for us, that means there are even more varieties and classes of antifreeze available for your vehicle. Many vehicles today are starting to use “lifetime” coolant, meaning that it should not have to be changed for the lifetime of your vehicle. The hang up came when you headed to the auto parts store a found a surprising variety of antifreeze options in front of you. You’re a mechanically inclined person so you popped the hood, found where to add the new antifreeze and are ready to go. ![]() It won’t tell you if the coolant is still protective against corrosion though.So you discovered you need to add some antifreeze. A tool called a ‘coolant hydrometer’ can be used to check the specific gravity of the coolant. It’s worth noting though, that even though the liquid may still show as ‘full’ in your tank, the active properties of the chemical composition may not be working anymore (ie. Some vehicles require it every 2 years whilst others can come with a ‘lifetime’ blend of coolant. Check the owners manual for your vehicle of with your service dept. This again depends on your specific vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation. Tap water or well water is not recommended due to the minerals in the water. For temperatures below that, up to 70% coolant concentrate can be used. From concentrate, most of the time a 50 percent coolant and 50 percent distilled or de-ionized water dilution is recommended.This will protect the system from freezing to about -34 F. Which could then lead to an expensive doctors bill. Check the owners manual.įirst, check to make sure the solution of coolant/antifreeze you buy is not already pre-diluted. Mixing the wrong types could cause radiator and cooling system damage (which could lead to engine/waterpump damage) and a repair bill that’ll make you pass out on the floor. Unless you’re an expert on the exact chemical composition and reactions of the various types, keep it simple and stick with what the manufacturer recommends. For example, Toyota has green and red, but it depends on the year and model of the vehicle as to which kind is needed. Various aftermarket companies and vehicle manufacturers use different colors. You can also check with your (manufacturer) dealership parts department. Check in your owners manual to see exactly which type of coolant to add to your vehicle. However just because it’s the same color doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the same type. Typically orange or yellow.Īs a quick guide, if your topping up the coolant levels, use the same color as is in the vehicle already. This has silicates and has an extended life lasting up to 5 years. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)- A mix of the above two types of coolant.Provides high-temperature protection for aluminum. Organic Acid Technology (OAG)- Found in most newer cars, does not contain silicates or phosphates but has azoles and neutralized organic acids (corrosion inhibitors).Lasts around 2 years. Usually bright green. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAG)-Typically used in older cars up until the mid-90s in the U.S, contains phosphates (corrosion inhibitors) and silicates.Coolant colors yellow and red 3 main types of coolant ![]()
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