One thing we've been seeing a lot of lately is the incorrect coolant being used in a variety of engines that have come into our shop. As this can be a cause for major problems, we wanted to educate our customers on why using the proper engine coolant is so important to the performance and longevity of your vehicle's engine. 

Why is using the incorrect grade (color) of coolant so harmful? Each grade of coolant is designed with chemical properties that are specific to the materials used in your engine as well as specific to the operation of your engine. Using the incorrect grade of coolant can cause "clotting" in your engine's cooling system. The coolant can thicken and begin to form solid masses that will clog the many passages in the coolant system inhibiting proper flow and can potentially result in overheating or other failure. The wrong coolant may also not have the correct cooling properties for your engine's design therefore causing materials to warp, leak or overheat. 

The most important thing to remember is to never mix different types of coolant - If your engine uses Red coolant, do not add green or yellow. Mixing coolants can cause serious reactions with adverse effects on your engine and its cooling system. If you are in a pinch and need to add coolant but do not have the right coolant readily available, add water. If you have to add water, make sure you track the coolant mixture to ensure that it is within range and does not result in overheating or freezing as the air temperatures change. If needed, see your service technician for a coolant system flush and refill.  

What is coolant and what does it do? Coolant is a water based chemical that is designed to keep your engine cool. When a gasoline engine is operating it will roughly turn 1/3 of the gasoline used into energy and the other 2/3 into heat. 1/3 of the heat is vented out of your exhaust and the remaining 1/3 stays in your engine. Engine coolant basically, is a liquid that runs through your engine and absorbs the heat that is generated out of the engine block, flowing through your radiator where it is cooled by the outside air and fans and then pumped back into your engine to repeat the process. 

Coolant is commonly referred to as anti-freeze. However anti-freeze is just one of its properties. The term actually goes back to when coolant was a much simpler chemical formula and it refers to the additives were put in to prevent the liquid from freezing in colder climates. As advancements in chemical engineering have been made, coolant has developed many more properties than just cooling an engine and not freezing. Engine coolant also contains additives that lower its corrosive properties, not only helping your engine stay cleaner, but reducing the degradation of the metals used in your radiator helping it last longer and continue to function properly. And believe it or not, the additives used also prevent to growth of mold and other organic materials in your cooling system.

 

Now the magic question, how do you know which coolant to buy?

Without getting into the different chemical compositions being used to produce antifreeze, the schedule below can help you figure out what coolant is in your car. The characters next to the color indicate what specific type of coolant you need and should appear on the bottle you are purchasing. Please note, this is a general guide and you should confirm the proper coolant with your manufacturer’s recommendation found in your owner’s manual. If you do not have your owner’s manual, the internet is a great resource or you could always contact us and we’d be more than happy to help.

Green – IAT

GM (includes Chevy) – models up to 1996

Ford Truck and SUV - models up to 2002

Ford car - models up to 2003

Chrysler and Dodge – models up to 2001

Yellow - G05

Ford Truck and SUV - models 2002 and up

Ford car - models 2003 and up

Chrysler and Dodge – all models 2001 and up

Mercedes/BMW/Volvo – all models, all years

VW/Audi/Jaguar – models up to 1996

Saab – models up to 2001

Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda and other Asian models – up to 1996

Orange – Dex-Cool

GM – models 1996 and up

Saab – modles 2001 and up

Pink – OAT

VW/Audi – models 1996 and up

Red- OAT

Nissan, Toyota, Mazda and other Asian models – 1996 and up

Green – OAT

Honda – models 1996 and up

The Mix. In order for your engine’s coolant system to work properly and efficiently the mixture of coolant to water must be proper for the climate you live in. If you live in the northeast like me, your car experiences high heat conditions as well as very cold. Most coolant mixtures are capable of functioning properly at temperature ranges from -34^oF to 265^oF.This means at -34^oF the coolant will not freeze in your engine and at 265^oF it will not boil, evaporating into a gas and causing your coolant pipes/hoses to explode. Now, understandably none of us live in 265^oF weather, however, your engine does. Most gasoline engines are designed to operate at 190^oF to 210^oF, with a functioning coolant system, so achieving a 265^oF environment is easier than your think.  

If you have any questions or comments, post a comment, drop a line Bill@BMARauto.com or give us a call 631.418.4904.

Bill Marino Auto Repair

"Your car will love you for it!"

www.facebook.com/BMARauto