What antifreeze does Ford recommend?

Ford recommends using Motorcraft antifreeze/coolant that meets Ford specifications, typically a long-life organic-acid-technology coolant. It is available as premixed 50/50 or as concentrate, and you should verify the exact specification for your model year in the owner's manual or with a Ford dealer.

Ford's recommended coolant type and specification

Ford prioritizes compatibility with its engines and cooling systems, favoring Motorcraft-brand coolant that meets Ford’s internal specification (WSS-M97B44-D or the current equivalent). This guidance applies across most recent models and helps ensure corrosion protection, proper freezing point, and long-term reliability. Always check the exact spec listed on your vehicle’s manual or the label on the coolant container stemming from your market.

• Use Motorcraft antifreeze/coolant that meets Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D or the current equivalent.


• Choose premixed 50/50 coolant for ease of use, or concentrate if you intend to mix it yourself (follow distilled water guidance to reach a 50/50 ratio).


• Avoid mixing Ford-approved coolant with non-Ford brands or with products not labeled to meet Ford spec.


• Follow Ford-recommended service intervals and coolant flush procedures as outlined in your manual or by a dealer.

Adhering to these guidelines helps protect aluminum and other engine components and reduces the risk of cooling-system issues.

How to confirm you’re using the right product

To ensure you’re using the correct antifreeze for your Ford, follow these steps:

1. Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual for the exact Ford specification (typically WSS-M97B44-D or its current equivalent).


2. Look at the label on the coolant bottle or concentrate to confirm it meets Ford specification and is Motorcraft-brand when possible.


3. Decide between premixed 50/50 or concentrate, and prepare the mixture according to the manual if using concentrate (with distilled water).


4. Avoid mixing different coolant types or brands unless Ford specifically permits it for your model/year.


5. When in doubt, contact a Ford dealer or authorized service center for guidance tailored to your vehicle.

Following these steps helps ensure compatibility with your cooling system and maintains warranty coverage where applicable.

Notes for older Ford models

Different coolant formulations may have been used in older vehicles

Some older Ford models relied on earlier coolant formulations. If you own a vintage or high-mileage Ford, consult the manual or a knowledgeable tech to confirm whether the original specification differs from modern Motorcraft options. In all cases, use a coolant that meets Ford spec and avoid mixing with brands that do not advertise Ford compatibility.

Summary

Ford’s guidance centers on Motorcraft antifreeze/coolant that meets Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D or the current equivalent. Use premixed 50/50 coolant for simplicity, or concentrate if you mix it yourself, but never mix with non-Ford products. Always verify the exact specification for your model year in the owner’s manual or with a dealer, and follow Ford’s service intervals for cooling-system maintenance.

Can you use universal antifreeze in a Ford?

The "universal" coolants may not be compatible with Ford's recommended supplemental coolant additive, Motorcraft® Diesel Cooling System Additive, VC-8, specified for use in diesel engine-equipped vehicles factory- filled with either Motorcraft® Premium Antifreeze/Coolant (ESE-M97B44-A) or Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/ ...

Do Fords need special coolant?

Every car manufacturer, including Ford has developed its own coolant or requires a specific coolant that is unique to individual years and models. There are several colors of coolants to help distinguish each including green, blue, yellow, purple red, and orange.

What coolant does Ford use?

Ford uses different coolant types, primarily Motorcraft Yellow (a phosphate-based P-OAT) and previously used Motorcraft Orange (OAT). The correct type depends on the vehicle's original factory fill, so you should always check your owner's manual or consult the Ford support chart to confirm the specific specification for your vehicle. The yellow coolant is now recommended as the replacement for the discontinued orange coolant in most vehicles that originally used the orange type, but it should not be used in vehicles originally filled with other colors.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the different types of Ford coolant and their specifications: 1mFordTechMakulocoYouTube · Oct 19, 2020
Coolant types

• Motorcraft Yellow: This is the current recommended coolant for many Ford vehicles, replacing the older orange coolant. 
  • It is phosphate-based and meets Ford specification WSS-M97B57-A1 or B2. 
  • It has a service life of 10 years or 200,000 miles for the initial change, and 5 years or 100,000 miles thereafter. 
  • It is backwards-compatible with the older orange coolant, but Ford advises against mixing it with other coolant colors. 
• Motorcraft Orange: Ford used this coolant from approximately 2011 to 2018 and has since discontinued it. 
  • It is an OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant that meets specification WSS-M97B44-D or D2. 

How to choose the right coolant

• Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable method to determine the correct coolant for your specific vehicle. 
• Use the correct Ford specification: If your manual specifies the yellow coolant (WSS-M97B57-A1 or B2), use Motorcraft Yellow or a compatible aftermarket coolant. 
• If replacing orange coolant: The yellow coolant can be used to replace the orange coolant, provided the cooling system is clean. A full flush is not always necessary if the system is clean, but a flush may be recommended depending on the system's condition. 

This video explains the potential issues with mixing different types of Ford coolants: 57sCanadian CruisinYouTube · Oct 23, 2021

• If your vehicle originally used a different coolant: Do not use the yellow coolant if your vehicle was originally filled with a different factory coolant color. 

What color is Ford's antifreeze?

Ford coolant has been orange in older models and is now a yellow (sometimes appearing lime green) coolant for newer vehicles, starting around late 2018 or early 2019. The new yellow coolant is designed to replace the older orange coolant and is backwards compatible, though it's often recommended to do a full flush for optimal performance and protection.
 
Coolant colors and details

• Orange: This was the standard coolant for many Ford vehicles from approximately 2011 to 2018. It's an ethylene glycol-based, long-life coolant that may sometimes appear pinkish. 
• Yellow: This is the newer, recommended coolant. It is also known as "P-OAT" and has a longer service interval than the orange coolant. 
  • Some users report it has a slight green tint, but it is officially labeled as yellow. 
  • It is backwards compatible with the older orange coolant. 
  • It is recommended to use distilled water when mixing with the new yellow coolant. 

Important considerations

• Mixing: While the new yellow coolant is designed to be compatible with the old orange coolant, it is best practice to perform a full system flush and refill to get the most benefit from the newer formula and ensure proper protection, especially for newer vehicles. 
• Warranty: Ford recommends using the correct coolant to avoid potential damage to the engine or cooling system, which may not be covered by the vehicle's warranty. 
• Discontinued orange coolant: Ford has officially discontinued the orange coolant, but some aftermarket brands may still offer it. 
• Correct specification: Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the specific Ford specification your vehicle requires (e.g., WSS-M97B44-D or WSS-M97B44-D2 for the orange coolant) to ensure you are using the correct product, especially when adding a top-off.