The color of antifreeze and coolant won’t indicate its use
Antifreeze/coolant lowers the freezing point of water and raises the boiling point of water, but not all antifreeze/coolant acts the same.
Make sure you’re putting the right kind of antifreeze/coolant in your car, truck, dirt bike, or equipment.
TYPES
There is antifreeze with…
- IAT (inorganic acid technology to help slow corrosion)
- OAT (organic acid technology for protection against corrosion; it’s sometimes called “extended life antifreeze”)
- HOAT (hybrid organic acid technology, which is a combo of the two)
Temperature ratings will vary. Product label should reflect the temperature range.
COLOR CAVEAT
You’ll have to read labels to make sure you’re getting the antifreeze/coolant you need. Don’t ever rely on color being an indicator that you have the right antifreeze. Color of the coolant doesn’t guarantee type.
For instance, conventional, OAT antifreeze is green in color, but “hybrid” HOAT antifreeze/coolant can come in green too.
Different manufacturers use color to “brand” their product.
Some products will contain 2-EHA, a controversial coolant additive. PaulB Wholesale has preseason pricing on Pride antifreeze and coolant varieties, which are free of 2-EHA. (Become a PaulB Wholesale customer.)
Follow recommendations from manufacturers as some have approved chemical combinations that are specific to certain antifreezes.
FLUSH & REPLACE
Antifreeze/coolant can cause corrosion when it starts to deteriorate.
Flush your cooling system regularly, draining and replacing the coolant according to your owner’s manual.
As a general rule, every 30,000 miles is a good threshold.
To flush out your cooling system, drain everything from the drain cock, top up with water, warm up the engine and run your heater, and then drain again. Repeat. Then, add new antifreeze/coolant.