Why is Ford coolant orange?
Ford coolant is typically orange in color, and this distinctive hue serves an important purpose. The orange color is a result of the specific chemical composition of Ford's proprietary coolant formula, which is designed to provide optimal protection for Ford vehicles.
The Purpose of Ford's Orange Coolant
Ford's orange coolant, also known as Ford Extended Life Coolant (FEXL), is formulated with a combination of organic acid technology (OAT) and silicate-based additives. This unique blend of chemicals provides several key benefits:
- Corrosion Protection: The OAT and silicate additives in the coolant help prevent corrosion of metal components within the vehicle's cooling system, including the engine block, radiator, and hoses. This extends the lifespan of these critical parts.
- Increased Boiling Point: Ford's orange coolant has a higher boiling point compared to traditional green or blue coolants, allowing it to better withstand the high temperatures generated by modern engines.
- Longer Service Life: FEXL is designed to last up to 10 years or 150,000 miles, significantly longer than conventional coolants, which typically need to be flushed and replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
The orange color serves as a visual indicator that the coolant is a Ford-specific formula, helping to ensure that the correct type of coolant is used in Ford vehicles. This helps maintain the integrity of the cooling system and prevent any compatibility issues that could arise from using a non-Ford coolant.
Importance of Using the Correct Coolant
It is crucial to use the recommended Ford orange coolant in Ford vehicles, as the specific chemical composition is tailored to the design and requirements of Ford's cooling systems. Using a different type of coolant could lead to increased corrosion, reduced protection against overheating, and potentially even damage to the engine and other components.
Ford's orange coolant is an essential part of maintaining the health and longevity of Ford vehicles, and its distinctive color serves as a clear indicator of the specialized formula that helps keep these vehicles running at their best.
What does it mean if your coolant is orange?
Orange coolant can also be referred to as an Extended Life coolant. This is because it generally lasts longer than inorganic Coolants.
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.
What color is Ford antifreeze?
Yellow
Color of coolant matters if it isn't the right one, or one that supersedes another one. You don't want dark green, gold, green, pink, blue, etc. You are on the right track though with the new Yellow from Ford replacing Orange.
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.
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.
Is it bad to use the wrong color coolant?
It's important to note that the type of coolant you should use can't accurately be identified by color. Using the wrong coolant can lead to corrosion and other damages to the radiator, water pump, radiator hoses, cylinder gasket, and more.
What happens if you mix orange and yellow coolant?
Mixing coolants of various types can have extensive and expensive consequences. As mentioned above, the mix can solidify, block your engine, and cause overheating, which can, in turn, cause the following problems: Degraded cylinder heads. Head gasket breakage.
Does Ford require special coolant?
Ford Engineers for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Vehicles
Motorcraft® antifreeze/coolants meet specific Ford Motor Company engineering standards. They have been subjected to extensive in-vehicle testing in the applications for which they have been approved.
How long does Ford orange coolant last?
How often should you change coolant in a Ford? Normally, you should have your Ford coolant flush concluded every 30,000 miles or every two years. There are certain instances where your car can go without a flush for a longer period of time.
When did Ford discontinue orange coolant?
Ford has discontinued the orange coolant used on many of its vehicles from 2011 to 2018 model years. Hence why, on any vehicles requiring as such, we are now instructed to use the new yellow coolant used on its 2019 and newer model years.
