Newer coolants, based solely on the OAT chemical make-up, now offer a 10-year or 150,000 km change interval thanks to their superior corrosion protection. They could be a blend of IAT and OAT chemicals, and were therefore named ‘Hybrids’. These ‘Extended Life Coolants’ (ELC), were usually orange in colour and offered a five-year or 100,000-km change interval. Next came Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants, whose chemical make-up offered better protection for cooling systems, and extended the life of the coolant. With these types of coolants, you’d normally have to change them every two years, or every 60,000 km Older coolants that used Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) were usually blue or green in colour. In days gone by, the colour of coolant was determined by the type of chemicals used to prevent corrosion - meaning you could tell a lot about the type of coolant used by its colour. However, it’s important to make sure you’re putting the right liquid into your car, so here we give a bit of insight into the differences, and also provide a solution in case you’re confused about which type of coolant/antifreeze to use or worried about what’s in your car. There are historical reasons why it comes in different colours, and different brands use different colours as well, but these days it doesn’t necessarily tell you all that much. The colour of engine coolant isn’t there to make it look pretty. It won’t tell you if the coolant is still protective against corrosion though.Have you ever wondered how pink, orange, blue and green engine coolants differ from each other? Perhaps you’ve bought a car, checked the coolant/antifreeze reservoir for the first time and noticed it was different from your last car. 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.
GREEN VS PINK COOLANT MANUAL
Check the owners manual for your vehicle of with your service dept. This again depends on your specific vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation. Look for a semi-translucent white tank filled with a bright green, pink, orange, red or yellow liquid Your coolant level should fall between the two safe. 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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