When you visit the gas station, do you pay attention to the fuel pumped into your vehicle? Of course. You select a gas station you trust. You select the right fuel – regular, premium, diesel? You know it makes a difference because you feel it in the way your car drives.
What about motor oil? You have it on the calendar to replace every few thousand miles. You have an auto repair shop that’s done a good job in the past. Your car is running well – why mess with success!?
Did you know an engine’s coolant is equally as important as your gas or motor oil?
In the summer, coolant raises the boiling point of the cooling system. In the winter, it lowers the freezing point and protects the engine and cooling system from corrosion. This means your engine is protected from overheating or freezing when driving in those sweltering or freezing temperatures.
But here’s the thing: coolant is not a once-and-done fluid. It needs maintenance just like your motor oil. As coolant ages, it breaks down and becomes less effective over time. When this happens, it impacts many other components in your vehicle.
When you decide it’s time for maintenance, choosing the right coolant might not be top of mind. Maybe it should be.
Why Does Your Car Need Coolant?
Coolant is a fluid that circulates through a car’s engine to regulate its temperature. You might also know it as antifreeze. It’s typically a mixture of water and ethylene glycol (or sometimes propylene glycol), which helps prevent the liquid from freezing in cold temperatures or boiling over in high temperatures.
When you look at it, you’ll notice coolant often comes in different colors like green, yellow, pink, or orange, depending on the type and manufacturer. Why does your car need it? Several reasons.
- Temperature Regulation: The primary function of coolant is to absorb heat from the engine and disperse it through the radiator, preventing the engine from overheating. An engine that runs too hot can suffer severe damage, including warped components and a potential engine failure.
- Prevents Freezing: In cold climates, the coolant prevents the liquid in the engine from freezing. If the coolant were to freeze, it could expand and crack the engine block, causing significant damage.
- Corrosion Protection: Modern coolants contain additives that help protect the engine’s internal components from corrosion, rust, and scale build-up. This prolongs the life of the engine and ensures it operates efficiently.
- Lubrication: Coolant also helps lubricate the moving parts it comes into contact with, such as the water pump, ensuring they function smoothly and reducing wear and tear.
- Maintains Pressure: Coolant helps maintain proper pressure within the cooling system, which is crucial for the system’s effectiveness. The coolant raises the boiling point of the water in the engine, allowing the engine to run hotter without boiling over, which improves efficiency.
There Are Several Different Types Of Coolant
We don’t live in a world with only one make and model of vehicle. Each manufacturer designs its vehicles with specific guidelines in place. That’s why several different types of coolant are available to meet the specific needs and manufacturers requirements.
While there are many different types of coolant, the most common types include:
- Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) Coolant: This is the green coolant you might find in older cars made before the mid-1990s. It needs to be changed every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
- Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Coolant: Often orange, but it can also be green, pink, or red. This type is used in many modern cars, like GM vehicles. It lasts longer—up to 5 years or 150,000 miles.
- Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) Coolant: Usually yellow or orange, this coolant combines the benefits of IAT and OAT coolants. You’ll find it in cars from brands like Ford and Chrysler, and it also lasts about 5 years or 150,000 miles.
- Phosphate-Free Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT) Coolant: Typically blue or pink, this coolant is common in European and Asian cars, like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It’s designed to last up to 5 years or 150,000 miles.
- Nitrate Organic Acid Technology (NOAT) Coolant: Purple or pink, this is mainly for heavy-duty vehicles, like trucks and diesel engines. It provides extra protection against specific types of wear and lasts a long time.
- G-05 Coolant: This yellow or gold coolant is used in some Ford, Chrysler, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Like HOAT coolants, it’s good for about 5 years or 150,000 miles.
- Si-OAT Coolant: Often purple or pink, this type is found in many European cars, like Audi and Volkswagen. It’s especially good for modern engines and also lasts up to 5 years or 150,000 miles.
How Do You Know Which Coolant To Use In Your Car?
Just like motor oil, coolant is necessary to keep your car running well. Which should you use? Luckily, this isn’t something you have to run to the market and pick out on the shelves. There are many ways to select the right coolant your car needs to keep your engine running smoothly and avoid potential damage.
Check Your Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
The best place to start is your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It will specify the type of coolant recommended by the manufacturer. This recommendation is based on your car’s engine design and materials, so it’s crucial to follow it.
Look for Manufacturer-Specific Coolants
Some car manufacturers, like GM, Ford, or European brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, require specific types of coolant that match their vehicles’ cooling systems. These coolants often have brand-specific names, like “Dex-Cool” for GM vehicles. Using the coolant recommended by the manufacturer ensures optimal performance and avoids warranty issues.
Consider the Age and Type of Your Vehicle
Older vehicles, especially those made before the mid-1990s, typically use Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) coolant, which is often green. Modern vehicles generally require Organic Acid Technology (OAT), Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT), or other advanced types of coolant. These are usually longer-lasting and provide better protection against corrosion.
Pay Attention to the Coolant Color
While color can be a helpful guide, it’s not foolproof. Different types of coolant can be the same color, so it’s not a reliable indicator on its own. Always cross-check the type of coolant with what your car’s manual specifies.
Avoid Mixing Different Types of Coolant
Mixing different coolants can lead to chemical reactions that reduce the coolant’s effectiveness or cause engine damage. If you’re switching coolant types (e.g., from IAT to OAT), it’s often necessary to completely flush the system first to avoid mixing.
Consult a Professional
If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult a mechanic or the dealership. They can provide guidance on the right coolant for your car and even perform a coolant flush if needed.
Use Online Resources
Many coolant brands provide compatibility charts or tools on their websites where you can enter your vehicle’s make, model, and year to find the right coolant.
Better yet, find an auto repair shop you can trust.
They will inspect your coolant whenever you bring your car in for inspection. And when necessary, they will choose the right coolant for your car and replace it for efficiency.
It’s the best way to ensure your car stays protected against temperature extremes and corrosion.