What’s the right engine coolant for your car?
Choosing the right engine coolant for your car is essential to maintaining its performance and longevity. Coolant, or antifreeze, prevents your engine from overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter while protecting internal components from corrosion.
Different cars require specific coolant types, often based on manufacturer recommendations. Knowing the correct coolant colour and composition, such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, is crucial to ensuring compatibility with your vehicle’s engine system.
Read on to find out more!
- What is engine coolant and why is it important
- Different types of engine coolant
- Assessing your driving environment and its impact on coolant choice
- The risks of using the wrong engine coolant
- FAQs
What is engine coolant, and why is it important for your car?
Engine coolant is a liquid that helps regulate your car’s engine temperature, preventing it from overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. It circulates through the engine, absorbing heat and transferring it to the radiator, where it dissipates.
The engine could suffer severe damage without proper coolant, including warped cylinders or head gaskets. Regularly maintaining the correct coolant levels ensures optimal engine performance and longevity, making it vital for your vehicle’s health.
Different types of engine coolant
Ensure you have the correct engine coolant for your vehicle.
| Coolant type | Description |
| Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) | Traditional, green-coloured antifreeze commonly used in older vehicles. These coolants rely on additives such as silicates and phosphates to prevent corrosion within the engine’s cooling system. But it’s worth noting that IAT coolants require more frequent replacement, every two to three years, due to the breakdown of the protective additives. While effective for older cars, modern engines typically use more advanced coolants, longer service intervals, and improved corrosion protection. |
| Organic Acid Technology (OAT) | Designed for modern engines and typically has a longer lifespan than IAT coolants, often lasting up to five years or 150,000 miles. These coolants use organic acids to prevent corrosion without the silicates and phosphates found in traditional formulas. OAT coolants are usually orange, red, or pink and are favoured for their extended service intervals and enhanced protection for aluminium engine components. However, they are unsuitable for older vehicles that require IAT coolants. |
| Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) | Combine elements of both IAT and OAT formulas, using silicates for faster protection and organic acids for longer-lasting corrosion prevention. These coolants offer the benefits of both types, providing improved durability while protecting a wide range of metal components in modern engines. Typically yellow or orange, HOAT coolants are used by several car manufacturers and are known for their longevity, lasting up to five years or more under normal driving conditions. |
| Specialist types: Phosphate-free and Silicated HOATs | Specialised variants designed to meet specific car manufacturers’ needs, mainly European and Asian brands. Phosphate-free HOAT coolants are typically used in European vehicles to prevent scale build-up, while some Asian automakers prefer silicated HOAT coolants for quicker corrosion protection. These specialised coolants provide enhanced engine protection and longevity, and it’s essential to follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure compatibility and avoid potential damage to your vehicle’s cooling system. |
Assessing your driving environment and its impact on coolant choice
How climate affects your choice
Your local climate significantly impacts your choice of engine coolant.
🥵 Cold climate: A coolant with a lower freezing point to prevent it from solidifying.
🥶 Hot climate: A coolant with a higher boiling point to avoid overheating.
Choosing the correct coolant ensures efficient engine operation and protects against extreme temperatures, helping to prevent costly engine damage. Always check your vehicle’s manual for recommendations based on your climate.
Coolant additives for specific environmental conditions
Coolant additives are formulated to enhance protection based on environmental conditions. In areas with high humidity, corrosion inhibitors in the coolant help prevent rust and damage to engine components.
For regions with frequent temperature fluctuations, additives that prevent foaming and ensure proper circulation are crucial. Some coolants also include anti-scaling agents to prevent build-up in hard water areas.
Using the right additives tailored to your environment ensures optimal performance and longevity of your vehicle’s cooling system.
The risks of using the wrong engine coolant
The long-term effects of incorrect coolant use on your engine
Using the wrong coolant or neglecting coolant maintenance can lead to severe engine issues over time. Incorrect coolant may fail to provide adequate protection against freezing, overheating, or corrosion, potentially causing engine components to degrade or fail.
This can result in costly repairs or engine damage. Long-term effects include:
😢 Clogged radiators
😢 Damaged water pumps
😢 Weakened gaskets
Regularly using the recommended coolant type and maintaining proper levels is crucial for engine longevity.
Why you shouldn’t mix different types of coolants
Mixing different types of coolants, such as IAT, OAT, and HOAT, can lead to chemical reactions that reduce their effectiveness and potentially cause engine damage. Each coolant type has specific additives that may not be compatible with others, leading to decreased corrosion protection and potential system clogging.
To avoid these issues, always use the coolant specified in your vehicle’s manual and consult a professional if you’re unsure about mixing or changing coolant types
FAQs
Are antifreeze and coolant the same?
Antifreeze and coolant are often used interchangeably, but technically, antifreeze is a component of coolant. Coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water that regulates engine temperature and prevents freezing or overheating. Always use the proper coolant mixture as specified in your vehicle’s manual.
Can I use water instead of coolant?
No. Using water alone instead of coolant is not recommended. While water can help with cooling, it lacks the necessary additives to prevent freezing, overheating, and corrosion. Always use a proper coolant mixture to ensure engine protection and optimal performance.
Thinking of buying a used car?
Got your eye on a second-hand car but not sure you know all you need to know about buying it? Worry no more! Our guides on purchasing used vehicles will help you avoid getting stung when it comes to handing your money over.