What is the difference between coolant colors

But orange-and-green is the only coolant combination you need to stay clear of, CarBibles reports. Many automakers today use hybrid-inorganic-organic-acid antifreeze, which combines the properties of both chemistries. It deteriorates over time, becoming more acidic and losing its protective properties. Dex-Cool was the subject of several class-action suits because it caused rust and gasket degradation. Luckily, there are a few ways to see if your coolant is due for replacement, MotorWeek reports.

One is a visual check. If it looks milky or cloudy, or has particulates floating in it, flush the system, Hagerty reports. Different vehicles require different coolants. There are varieties for every type of vehicle, from diesel engines to American, Asian and European vehicles.

Each one is specifically formulated to keep its designated engine type running in extreme temperatures. Since coolant technology has evolved so much in the last few decades, if you own an older vehicle you need a formula with a special additive to allow chemistries old and new to work together.

Add the new coolant using the tips above and make sure you at least follow the ratio. Even though it may sound good or even tempting to add more coolant than water, in reality this reduces the efficiency of the coolant liquid.

In order to reduce the risk of deposits and to keep the protection levels high, it is recommended that the system is heated and circulated at least every 30 days. This applies to all coolant liquids. Automotive enthusiast, passionate about Jeeps, hot-rods, turbos, performance, efficiency, diesels, fuels, high performance oils, additives and anything with an engine.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ever wondered why fuel prices go up when summer hits? This is a bad thing for your wallet but not for you!

Wanna know why? Wanna learn about summer blend vs winter blend? Read on Fuel price fluctuationEach year, prices fluctuate of fuel because of some logical reasons and financial ones as well. From late May all the way to mid-September, fuel prices The Different Colors of Coolant. May 12, The pre-diluted stuff is more convenient of course, but you end up paying a lot more for less coolant. In addition to the OE options, auto parts stores will carry several different aftermarket brands of coolant.

Companies like Prestone, Pentafrost, Peak, and others all offer versions that they say work for specific brands or countries in general the country a car is made in is typically a good predictor for which coolant type it takes.

The truth is, color is not a reliable predictor for what type of coolant you have. For example, OAT coolants are usually orange, yellow, red or purple. HOAT coolants are orange and yellow for the most part. Then the older IAT coolant is green. But none of this helps if you forget the process in a few years time.