Do different cars need different coolant?

Different Coolant Types

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.

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Similarly, you may ask, does it matter what coolant you use?

Well, you use the coolant that is specified in your owner's manual. If you just need to top it up, the recommendation is still the same, however it is unlikely to cause any serious problems if you add a litre of a different type of coolant, as long as you follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.

Furthermore, can you mix different brands of coolant? The answer to you can mix different coolants with each other is more complex than it sounds. You have to not consider the color of the coolant, but the type of coolant and what type of engine you do have. Check out further to get more information on how you can be sure that you can mix the coolants.

Consequently, is there a specific coolant for cars?

There are three main types of coolant that car companies use: Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT). Typically, older cars use IAT. They'll sell the coolant for your specific make and model, and it's guaranteed to be the correct one.

What happens if you use the wrong color antifreeze?

Mixing different engine coolants or using the wrong coolant can impair the performance of the special additive packages; this can result in increased corrosion to the radiator. Using the wrong engine coolant can gradually lead to corrosion and damage to the water pump, radiator, radiator hoses and cylinder gasket.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How long does coolant last in a car?

When the word coolant is used in can mean a couple of things. Coolant made up of antifreeze and water out of your household tap, 50-50 solution, would last for around 3 years. Coolant made up of antifreeze and distilled (de-ionised) water, 50-50 solution, should last for around 5 years.

What is the difference between coolant and antifreeze?

Antifreeze is commonly used as one of the components of a coolant mixture – coolant is generally a 50-50 split between antifreeze and water. Antifreeze (specifically the ethylene glycol, which is its main ingredient) is used to lower the freezing point of the liquid that circulates around the engine of a vehicle.

What color is Subaru coolant?

The old "long Life" coolant is green, and it comes as a concentrate. It is very much still available. Subaru switched to the "Super Coolant" around 2008- it's teal in color, and comes pre-mixed. The old "long Life" coolant is green, and it comes as a concentrate.

What color is Prestone antifreeze?

yellow

Is universal coolant really universal?

Generally, all makes all models universal antifreeze is 96% ethylene glycol and just 2 to 5% inhibitors. So mixing different types of antifreeze coolants or add the wrong antifreeze coolant can actually CAUSE corrosion, pitting of water pump, rust formation in radiator and total cooling system degradation.

Is it OK to mix red and green coolant?

It often can last five years or 150,000 miles. So it's a better antifreeze to use. Now, if you mix them--they are not supposed to be mixed--but if you mix them it's not like mixing an acid and a base and you are not going to have and explosion or anything like that.

Can you use water as coolant?

Although water can be added to the radiator for this purpose, it's preferable to add a mixture of coolant and water because plain water can boil before the proper coolant will boil, causing your engine to overheat [source: pontiac]. A car radiator cannot work if there isn't enough coolant inside the system.

Do cars lose coolant over time?

Coolant can deteriorate over time and should be tested to see if it's still good, as it can be hard to tell just by appearances. Even if the coolant reservoir shows sufficient coolant level and testing shows the cooling and antifreeze protection are still adequate, a coolant drain and antifreeze flush may be needed.

What causes coolant level to drop?

A leaking or blown head gasket will cause water to leak into the areas of the block where it was not designed to go. This will cause the coolant fluid levels to drop without any noticeable leaks under the coolant reservoir, hoses or radiator. To check for a faulty head gasket, pull the oil dipstick.

What color is Prestone 50/50 antifreeze?

This Prestone 50/50 Ready-To-Use Prediluted Extended Life AMAM Antifreeze - Part # AF2100 comes in yellow color and it works with any color antifreeze/coolant.

Does coolant go bad?

Yes, engine coolant does go bad. Older fluid may cause acid buildup, may become contaminated by rust or scaling, and may have reduced resistance to boiling and freezing. Deteriorated coolant/antifreeze may cause your engine to run hotter than normal or keep the engine from starting in colder temperatures.

Will AutoZone put coolant in my car?

The Radiator Exchanges Coolant Heat with Outside Air

Most manufacturers recommend 50% antifreeze and 50% water mixture. Make sure the fluid reaches the "Full" line. If not, pour in enough antifreeze to reach the line. An AutoZone store associate can help you find the right antifreeze for your vehicle.

Which coolant should I use?

Red antifreeze, blue antifreeze, pink antifreeze, yellow antifreeze, universal antifreeze.which one should you use? The short answer is to check your owners manual and use what the manufacturer recommends, alternatively, you can simply use a universal antifreeze like Prestone All-Makes-All Models antifreeze/coolant.

What color is antifreeze?

WHAT COLOR IS ANTIFREEZE? Antifreeze colors include red, orange, yellow, pink, blue and green. Different colored antifreeze is used to identify the type of antifreeze being used. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) antifreeze is green in color.

What color is Mopar antifreeze?

Hybrid Organic Acid Technology or HOAT: This coolant is usually dyed yellow but comes in other colors like green, pink, blue, red and orange, which leads to a lot of confusion.

Is mixing different brands of coolant bad?

This is a mistake and can lead to expensive repairs. The two coolants should never be mixed together as they do not react well. When mixed together they can form a thick, jelly-like substance that can completely stop all coolant flow which can lead to overheating.

Can I mix old coolant with new coolant?

Just fill in the replacement coolant through the reservoir. Use coolant from the dealer to ensure there is no problem with mixing types.