How do I know if my coolant is OAT or IAT?
Coolant is a vital component of your vehicle's cooling system, ensuring your engine operates at the right temperature and preventing overheating. However, not all coolants are the same. Understanding whether your coolant is OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology) is crucial for maintaining your car's health. In this article, we’ll guide you through the differences and how to identify which type of coolant your vehicle uses.
What Are OAT and IAT Coolants?
Before identifying your coolant type, it’s important to understand the basics of OAT and IAT coolants:
- OAT Coolant: Organic Acid Technology coolants are long-lasting and typically used in modern vehicles. They are designed to provide extended protection against corrosion and are often orange, red, or yellow in color.
- IAT Coolant: Inorganic Additive Technology coolants are more traditional and commonly found in older vehicles. They require more frequent replacement and are usually green in color.
Steps to Identify Your Coolant Type
Follow these steps to determine whether your coolant is OAT or IAT:
- Check the Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the most reliable source for identifying the correct coolant type. It will specify whether your car requires OAT, IAT, or another type of coolant.
- Inspect the Coolant Color: While not foolproof, the color of the coolant can provide a clue. OAT coolants are often orange, red, or yellow, while IAT coolants are typically green. However, some manufacturers use different dyes, so this method isn’t always definitive.
- Look for Labels on the Coolant Container: If you have access to the coolant container, check the label. It will usually indicate whether the coolant is OAT or IAT.
- Consult a Professional Mechanic: If you’re still unsure, a trusted mechanic can help you identify the coolant type. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re always happy to assist with any questions about your vehicle’s maintenance needs.
Why Is It Important to Use the Correct Coolant?
Using the wrong type of coolant can lead to serious issues, including corrosion, overheating, and damage to your engine. OAT and IAT coolants are formulated differently, and mixing them can reduce their effectiveness and harm your cooling system. Always ensure you’re using the coolant specified for your vehicle.
Conclusion
Knowing whether your coolant is OAT or IAT is essential for proper vehicle maintenance. By checking your owner’s manual, inspecting the coolant color, and consulting a professional if needed, you can ensure your car stays in top condition. If you have any doubts or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Kevin’s Autos. We’re here to help keep your car running smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What color is OAT engine coolant?
orange
OAT coolants are designed for use in heavy and light-duty diesel engines, as well as natural gas and gasoline engines. Color: orange or red, but can also come in yellow, blue, red and dark green depending on the manufacturer.
What coolants are IAT?
IAT coolants are made with ethylene glycol with silicates and phosphates added to prevent corrosion. This coolant type is used in older vehicles, usually cars manufactured in the U.S. before the late 1990s.
How to identify coolant type?
You should check your owner's manual, to check on what type or color of antifreeze your car takes. One of the most common, and longstanding coolants of this type is DEX COOL®, which was developed by GM in the late 1980's and has been used ever since.
Can I use OAT coolant instead of iat?
However some manufactures don't follow this OAT/HOAT standard. Havoline is apparently one of them. OAT based antifreeze is not compatible with IAT antifreeze; although, some HOAT formulas claim compatibility with certain OAT formulas or IAT formulas.
What color is OAT coolant?
OAT coolants are typically orange, red or pink in colour, and won't need to be changed for around 5 years or 50,000 miles. OAT coolant is also more popular in modern cars due to changes in the manufacturing.
What does OAT coolant look like?
OAT Color: OAT coolant is typically orange, but that's not always the case. The palette available to today's drivers includes a variety of hues – from MOPAR's proprietary purple to shades of pink, red, and even dark green. However, color alone doesn't guarantee compatibility.
Can you mix Hoat and IAT coolant?
First, what's important to know is that many IAT and OAT coolants do not mix. In fact if they're added into a cooling system together the results can be catastrophic, creating a gelatinous substance that blocks the system and causes widespread damage to internal components.
How to know if coolant is IAT or OAT?
Common Antifreeze Types by Color
- Green. If you have a green coolant, you have Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) coolant.
- Orange. An orange coolant typically indicates that you are looking at Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant.
- Yellow.
- Red.
- Color Can Lie: Always Read the Label.
- Europe.
- Asia.
What is the difference between OAT and iat coolant?
IAT antifreeze contains silicates and phosphates for corrosion protection, OAT is silicate and phosphate-free with a longer lifespan, and HOAT combines elements of both for better protection in modern engines.
Can I mix IAT and OAT coolant?
First, what's important to know is that many IAT and OAT coolants do not mix. In fact if they're added into a cooling system together the results can be catastrophic, creating a gelatinous substance that blocks the system and causes widespread damage to internal components.
