![]() Chemical test strips can be used to check the “reserve alkalinity” (a measure of corrosion protection) of the coolant. This includes vehicles used by Uber and Lyft drivers, long-distance commuters, traveling salespeople, delivery vehicles, etc.Īlthough the recommended service interval is five years or 150,000 miles for long-life coolants, does that mean the antifreeze is worn out and needs to be changed when the time or mileage limit is reached? It may, depending on the condition of the corrosion inhibitors that are still active in the coolant. The only exception would be vehicles that rack up more than 150,000 miles in less than five years. So, for most applications, five years is the recommended service interval for changing the coolant. What’s important to note is that the coolant manufacturers mean whichever comes first, not last! For normal driving of 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, five years will pass long before the odometer hits 150,000 miles. Most of today’s factory-fill coolants have OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) corrosion inhibitors with a service life of five years or 150,000 miles. It won’t tell you if the coolant is still protective against corrosion though.Long-life antifreeze is not forever antifreeze. A tool called a ‘coolant hydrometer’ can be used to check the specific gravity of the coolant. It’s worth noting though, that even though the liquid may still show as ‘full’ in your tank, the active properties of the chemical composition may not be working anymore (ie. Some vehicles require it every 2 years whilst others can come with a ‘lifetime’ blend of coolant. Check the owners manual for your vehicle of with your service dept. This again depends on your specific vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation. Tap water or well water is not recommended due to the minerals in the water. For temperatures below that, up to 70% coolant concentrate can be used. ![]() ![]() From concentrate, most of the time a 50 percent coolant and 50 percent distilled or de-ionized water dilution is recommended.This will protect the system from freezing to about -34 F. Which could then lead to an expensive doctors bill. Check the owners manual.įirst, check to make sure the solution of coolant/antifreeze you buy is not already pre-diluted. Mixing the wrong types could cause radiator and cooling system damage (which could lead to engine/waterpump damage) and a repair bill that’ll make you pass out on the floor. Unless you’re an expert on the exact chemical composition and reactions of the various types, keep it simple and stick with what the manufacturer recommends. For example, Toyota has green and red, but it depends on the year and model of the vehicle as to which kind is needed. Various aftermarket companies and vehicle manufacturers use different colors. You can also check with your (manufacturer) dealership parts department. Check in your owners manual to see exactly which type of coolant to add to your vehicle. ![]() However just because it’s the same color doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the same type. Typically orange or yellow.Īs a quick guide, if your topping up the coolant levels, use the same color as is in the vehicle already. This has silicates and has an extended life lasting up to 5 years. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)- A mix of the above two types of coolant.Provides high-temperature protection for aluminum. Organic Acid Technology (OAG)- Found in most newer cars, does not contain silicates or phosphates but has azoles and neutralized organic acids (corrosion inhibitors).Lasts around 2 years. Usually bright green. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAG)-Typically used in older cars up until the mid-90s in the U.S, contains phosphates (corrosion inhibitors) and silicates.Coolant colors yellow and red 3 main types of coolant ![]()
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