What are the ingredients in Honda Type 2 coolant?
Honda Type 2 coolant is an ethylene glycol–based antifreeze that uses an organic-acid corrosion-inhibitor package; the exact ingredient list is not publicly disclosed by Honda.
Beyond this, Honda states that Type 2 is intended to be phosphate- and silicate-free and compatible with modern aluminum engines, with options sold as premixed (50/50) or as concentrate to be diluted with distilled water. The exact chemical blend remains proprietary, but the overall approach is to deliver long-life protection while minimizing deposits in the cooling system.
What is Honda Type 2 coolant?
Type 2 is the manufacturer’s specification for the coolant used in most Honda and Acura vehicles built in recent decades. It is designed to provide extended protection with a glycol-based base and an inhibitor package designed for aluminum-cast components, while avoiding silicates and phosphates that can cause deposits or compatibility issues with some engines. The product is sold under Honda part numbers and as OEM-approved equivalents, in premixed or concentrate forms.
Ingredients and additive categories
Because Honda’s exact chemical composition is proprietary, the following categories summarize the kinds of ingredients typically described in public materials rather than precise chemical names or concentrations.
- Base fluid: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (with water as the carrier; premixed versions are commonly sold as 50/50).
- Corrosion inhibitors: Organic acid based inhibitors designed to protect metals such as aluminum and steel from corrosion.
- Inhibitor framework: A phosphate- and silicate-free formulation intended to reduce deposits and ensure compatibility with modern engines.
- Other additives: Anti-foaming agents, stabilizers, and minor additives that support heat transfer and long-term stability.
- Colorant: A dye is used for identification, with color varying by batch and supplier but not affecting performance.
Because Honda’s formula is proprietary, this list reflects broad ingredient categories rather than a disclosed chemical recipe.
In practice, the exact chemical names and concentrations are not published by Honda, which means the above categories describe the general components rather than a public, detailed formula.
Usage, compatibility, and maintenance tips
To ensure reliability and warranty compliance, follow Honda’s guidance when selecting coolant for your vehicle. Important points include the following guidelines:
- Use Honda Type 2 coolant or an OEM-approved equivalent; do not substitute with non-approved coolants without verifying compatibility.
- Avoid mixing different coolant chemistries; if you must top up, use the same Type 2 specification or the manual’s recommended substitute.
- Premixed Type 2 is often sold as a 50/50 solution with distilled water; if using concentrate, mix with the appropriate quantity of distilled water as directed.
- Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual; coolant should be replaced at the intervals specified by Honda for your model and climate.
Using the wrong coolant or mixing incompatible types can lead to corrosion, deposits, and potential cooling-system failure, so sticking to the recommended product is essential.
Summary
Honda Type 2 coolant is a glycol-based, phosphate- and silicate-free coolant formulated with an organic-acid corrosion inhibitor package. The exact chemical composition is proprietary, and Honda does not publish a detailed ingredient list. What is publicly known is that it is designed for aluminum-intensive engines and is sold as premixed or concentrate. For best results, use genuine Honda Type 2 coolant (or an OEM-approved equivalent) and follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
What is the life expectancy of Honda Type 2 coolant?
The original Genuine Honda Type 2 Coolant / Antifreeze that is in Honda and Acura vehicles has an initial 10 year service life. After that, the replacement Honda Type 2 Coolant / Antifreeze has a 5 year service life.
What is the composition of Honda Type 2 coolant?
Contains: Water 7732-18-5, Ethylene glycol 107-21-1, Diethylene glycol 111-46-6. Using great than 30 ppm of a bittering agent. Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
What is a type 2 coolant?
Honda Type 2 coolant is a long-life, pre-mixed, 50/50 ethylene glycol-based antifreeze specifically engineered for Honda and Acura vehicles. It provides extended protection against corrosion, rust, freezing, and overheating for both metal and non-metal cooling system components, offering a long service life of up to 5 years or 60,000 miles under normal conditions. The blue-colored fluid uses organic inhibitors instead of traditional silicates for a more stable and longer-lasting formula, suitable for modern aluminum engines.
Key features of Honda Type 2 coolant
- Pre-mixed formula: It is a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and demineralized water, ready to use straight from the container.
- Engineered for Honda: Developed specifically for Honda vehicles, it is designed to meet the specific needs of the cooling system and contains proprietary anti-corrosion inhibitors.
- Long-life protection: Offers long-lasting protection for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles, reducing the need for frequent changes.
- Extreme temperature protection: Provides freeze protection down to -34°F and boil-over resistance up to 265°F (at 15 PSI).
- Corrosion resistance: Uses advanced inhibitors that protect all metal and non-metal parts in the cooling system from corrosion and rust.
- Modern engine compatibility: Formulated for modern aluminum engines, avoiding silicates that can gel and clog the system.
What is special about Honda coolant?
This particular coolant formula was originally made for aluminum engines and utilizes an organic corrosion inhibitor in place of silicates and borates, which reduces any chance of abrasion. The Planet Honda mechanics are trained to use this proper product when servicing your vehicle.
