What color is Ford Explorer coolant?
When it comes to maintaining your Ford Explorer, understanding the type and color of coolant your vehicle requires is essential. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a critical role in regulating your engine's temperature and preventing overheating or freezing. In this article, we’ll explore the typical coolant color for Ford Explorers and why it matters.
Understanding Coolant Colors
Coolant comes in a variety of colors, and the color often indicates the type of coolant and its chemical composition. For Ford vehicles, including the Ford Explorer, the coolant color is typically orange or yellow. This is because Ford commonly uses a coolant known as Motorcraft Orange or Motorcraft Yellow, which are specifically designed for their vehicles.
However, it’s important to note that the exact coolant color can vary depending on the model year of your Ford Explorer. Older models may use green coolant, while newer models are more likely to use orange or yellow. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to confirm the correct type of coolant for your specific model.
Why Coolant Color Matters
The color of your coolant is more than just a visual cue—it reflects the chemical properties and additives in the coolant. Using the wrong type of coolant can lead to issues such as corrosion, reduced cooling efficiency, or even damage to your engine. Here are some reasons why coolant color is important:
- Compatibility: Different coolants are formulated for specific engine types and materials. Using the wrong coolant can cause chemical reactions that harm your engine.
- Longevity: Modern coolants like Motorcraft Orange or Yellow are designed to last longer and provide better protection compared to older green coolants.
- Performance: The right coolant ensures optimal engine performance by maintaining the correct temperature range and preventing overheating or freezing.
How to Check and Replace Your Coolant
To ensure your Ford Explorer is running smoothly, it’s important to regularly check and replace your coolant as needed. Here’s how you can do it:
- Step 1: Locate the coolant reservoir under the hood of your vehicle. It’s usually a translucent plastic tank with markings for minimum and maximum levels.
- Step 2: Check the coolant level and color. If the coolant is low or discolored, it may be time for a replacement.
- Step 3: Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the correct type of coolant for your Ford Explorer.
- Step 4: If replacing the coolant, drain the old coolant, flush the system with distilled water, and refill it with the recommended coolant.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining the correct coolant in your Ford Explorer is crucial for the health and longevity of your engine. While the typical coolant color for Ford Explorers is orange or yellow, always double-check your owner’s manual or consult a trusted mechanic to ensure you’re using the right type. If you’re unsure or need assistance, feel free to visit Kevin’s Autos for professional advice and service. We’re here to keep your vehicle running at its best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ford coolant yellow?
Over the years Ford has used many Motorcraft products and the latest Yellow P-OAT coolant is the most advanced offering so far!
What color coolant for Ford Explorer?
green
It was a green formula coolant that contained corrosion inhibitors that only lasted between 24,000 - 36,000 miles or between two to three years.
What is the difference between Ford green and orange coolant?
Green coolants contain inorganic additive technology (IAT), which is mixed with silicone, phosphate, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol. While orange coolants or Dexcool include organic Acid Technologies (OAT), which contain carboxylates to reduce corrosion and work best with metals.
What color is bad coolant?
Old radiator fluid can look like sludge or turn to a brownish color and appear opaque. There are three types of coolants for your engine, including inorganic acid/additive technology or IAT coolant, organic acid/additive technology or OAT coolant, and hybrid organic acid/additive technology or HOAT coolant.
Does Ford require 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.
Does coolant color matter?
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.
Can I use Ford yellow coolant instead of orange?
Longtime MOTOR readers know that the color of the coolant dye really is meaningless. Dye should help you spot a leak, but that's about it.
What color is Ford coolant?
Motorcraft® Premium, Gold and Orange Antifreeze/Coolants are now available pre- mixed 50/50 with deionized water. The 50/50 mixture helps ensure vehicles get optimal corrosion, freeze and overheat protection and minimizes possible mix errors by technicians.
What is Ford orange coolant?
Recommended by Ford Motor Company meeting warranty requirements. Orange-colored, longer-life, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant for use in gasoline and diesel engines, and electric motors. Provides year-round antifreeze, anti-boil and corrosion protection. Ready-to-use.
Is Ford orange coolant still available?
Yes, you can use the yellow coolant because Ford discontinued the orange and sapped over to using the yellow around 2019.
