Does it matter what kind of coolant you get for your car?
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a critical role in maintaining your car's engine temperature and preventing overheating or freezing. However, not all coolants are created equal, and choosing the wrong type can lead to costly repairs and reduced performance. In this article, we’ll explore why the type of coolant matters and how to make the right choice for your vehicle.
Why Coolant Type Matters
Coolant is more than just a liquid to keep your engine cool. It contains additives that prevent corrosion, lubricate the water pump, and maintain the proper boiling and freezing points for your car's cooling system. Using the wrong type of coolant can result in:
- Corrosion and Damage: Different coolants are formulated for specific materials used in your engine and radiator. Using the wrong one can lead to corrosion of metal components.
- Reduced Cooling Efficiency: The wrong coolant may not provide the necessary thermal properties, leading to overheating or freezing in extreme temperatures.
- Clogged Cooling System: Mixing incompatible coolants can cause a chemical reaction that creates sludge, clogging your radiator and hoses.
Types of Coolant
Coolants are generally categorized by their chemical composition and color. Here are the main types:
- Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT): Typically green, this coolant is common in older vehicles and requires frequent replacement (every 2-3 years).
- Organic Acid Technology (OAT): Often orange, red, or pink, OAT coolants are designed for modern vehicles and last longer (up to 5 years or 150,000 miles).
- Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT): A mix of IAT and OAT, usually yellow or turquoise, HOAT coolants are used in many European and Asian vehicles.
How to Choose the Right Coolant
To ensure optimal performance and avoid damage, follow these steps when selecting a coolant:
- Check Your Owner’s Manual: Your car manufacturer specifies the type of coolant required for your vehicle. Always refer to this guide.
- Match the Color: While not foolproof, coolant color can be a helpful indicator. However, always verify compatibility with your car's system.
- Avoid Mixing Coolants: Mixing different types of coolant can lead to chemical reactions and sludge formation. Stick to one type.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure, visit a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos for expert advice and service.
Conclusion
Yes, it absolutely matters what kind of coolant you use for your car. Using the correct type ensures your engine stays protected, performs efficiently, and avoids costly repairs. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual or reach out to a professional mechanic. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you keep your car running smoothly with expert advice and top-notch service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what coolant to put in my car?
The most common method to find out is to simply check the coolant and find out what colour it is when the vehicle is cold. Most coolant brands will keep their coolants the same colour to prevent any confusion. If you're still not sure, check the owners/service manual for coolant specifications.
Are antifreeze and coolant the same thing?
The ratio of water to antifreeze in engine coolant is usually 50/50, but it can be as high as 70% water and as low as 30% antifreeze. The main difference between engine coolant and antifreeze is that engine coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze, whereas antifreeze is an ethylene glycol-based liquid.
What happens if I put the wrong coolant in my car?
Using the wrong coolant can reduce cooling efficiency, leading to engine overheating and potential damage. Warranty Issues: Using an incorrect coolant may void the vehicle's warranty. Manufacturers often specify certain types of fluids to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Can I just add coolant to my car?
If the coolant level is low, add the correct coolant to the reservoir (not the radiator itself). You can use diluted coolant by itself, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water. When coolant rises to the cold fill line, replace cap and tighten it until you feel it click.
What happens if coolant is low?
Without sufficient coolant, your engine could overheat. Many modern vehicles have an automatic engine cut-off feature when the engine overheats to help prevent significant damage. If this happens, it's best to tow your vehicle to your nearest automotive professional for a proper diagnosis.
Is it okay to use any coolant in my car?
No carmaker approves of ``all makes, all models'' coolant. Why? Because there's no way a single brew can be compatible with all the different metals, seals, plastics and gaskets used in all the different engines. Using the wrong coolant can cause internal corrosion that's costly to repair.
What do coolant colors mean?
Different colored antifreeze is used to identify the type of antifreeze being used. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) antifreeze is green in color. Organic Acid Technology (OAT) antifreeze is orange, red, green, pink or blue. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) antifreeze is orange or yellow in color.”
Can the wrong coolant cause a car to overheat?
There's a problem with your coolant: If your vehicle has the wrong coolant or you have an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper), your engine may be prone to overheating.
Does it really matter what coolant I use?
As a general rule, you shouldn't mix different types of coolant. However, nowadays, with new vehicle models, the colour of the coolant you choose doesn't always matter. Whereas on older models, using the wrong type of coolant could cause damage to the cooling system and engine.
Is antifreeze the same as coolant?
Well, antifreeze and engine coolant are similar, but not the same. Antifreeze is a concentrated, glycol-based liquid that must be diluted with water before use – at which point it is referred to as coolant. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-mixed engine coolant, a ready-to-use solution of antifreeze and water.
