Choosing The Right Coolant Car What to Know

When you choose the right things for your car, it works at its best. The spare parts in the car must be genuine, the fuel and engine must be of high-grade quality and so does the coolant. People often ignore choosing the right and compatible coolant for their car, it may influence greatly the car’s performance. 

If you choose the compatible coolant for your car, not only does it make a difference in performance but will extend the lifespan of the engine as well. Due to the huge variety of coolants available in the market, it might be difficult for car owners to choose one. But with little consideration, you may find the best-suited one easily. 

Know the basic types of Car Coolant

When you start understanding the basics of coolant, you will better identify the best one for your car. Coolant actually controls the engine temperature and keeps them resisted from overheating. When the car is running on the road, the engine produces a lot of heat that builds up pressure and raises the temperature. Without the coolant, the car may blast due to the extreme heat. Here is where coolant works and it maintains the temperature in the engine. 

Coolants are actually the mixture of distilled water, ethylene glycol, and several additives to protect the reactions of electrolysis, evaporation and corrosions in the car. 

Two basic categories of coolant are Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) and Long Life Coolant (LLC) which contain different percentages of ethylene glycol. 

You may find three basic and common types of coolants in the market that are categorized based on their chemical compositions. 

IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology)

This kind of coolant has phosphates and silicates in it to stop corrosion. This coolant is frequently used in older cars which normally need to be replaced more frequently and has a green color.

OAT (Organic Acid Technology)

This coolant is more environmentally friendly because it doesn’t contain silicates or phosphates. It comes in colours like red, orange, and blue and is frequently found in contemporary automobiles.

Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolant 

It combines the advantages of IAT and OAT to provide superior corrosion protection and an extended lifespan. This variety is typically pink or yellow and is seen in modern autos.

How can you find the best coolant for your car?

Now the task is to check the compatibility of the coolant with your car. It might look like a daunting task to choose the best product among many, but it is not that difficult. The first guide you may get from the car user manual which clearly contains all the information about the best type of coolant for your car model and how often you should replace it. However, you may still consider these elements while choosing the right coolant for your car. 

Check the colour of the coolant

The colour of the coolant typically reveals the kind and technology of the product, so it’s not just for looks. For example:

Blue or Pink (SLLC Coolant)

These coolants are made for more recent autos and are usually long-lasting. The longest usage period is for blue SLLC coolant, closely followed by pink.

Green (IAT Coolant)

Coolants with inorganic additions typically have this colour. These are frequently found in older cars and need to be changed more frequently, usually every two years or 60,000 miles.

Red or Orange (OAT) Coolant

These coolants are often blended 50:50 with water and contain organic acids. They fit cars made after 1998 and provide superior protection against corrosion.

Although it’s a quick approach to reduce your selections, knowing what colour your car should be isn’t the only thing to take into account.

Consider the age of your car

The older the car is, the better the coolant it needs. While choosing the coolant make sure you know the age of your car properly. For example, if you have used cars in Kenya that are from the last decade, you must ask the dealer about the recommended coolant. You may further take assistance from the below guide:

Vehicles manufactured before 1998

Usually, these need IAT coolant, which is green. This type of coolant offers good protection but needs to be changed more frequently because it contains silicates and phosphates.

Vehicles manufactured after 1998

OAT coolants, which are silicate-free and offer superior long-term corrosion protection, are frequently used in modern cars. These coolants last longer and are available in a variety of colours.

Always choose a reliable brand of coolant

Not every coolant is made equally. Certain brands are well known for their effectiveness and quality. Here are some of the best choices:

Prestone

Automakers including GM, Ford, and Chrysler endorse this US-based brand. Prestone coolant has a reputation for having a lengthy lifespan, up to five years or 150,000 miles, and for withstanding extremely high temperatures.

Valvoline Zerex G05

Well-known for its silicate-free HOAT formula, Valvoline Zerex G05 provides exceptional protection against rust and corrosion and is perfect for current engines. It works especially well with Ford, Chrysler, and Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

Liqui Moly

Liqui Moly is a well-known German brand that sells a variety of coolants that use OAT technology. Their goods are a practical option for car owners because they don’t include any dangerous ingredients and can be used straight out of the package.

Identify the lifespan of the coolant

When choosing a coolant, bear in mind that different brands have different lifespans. Super Long Life Coolants (SLLC) can last up to five years or 150,000 miles, while Long Life Coolants (LLC) normally last two years. 

Longer coolant lifespans mean fewer frequent changes, which will ultimately save you money and time.

Consider the environmental factors

One thing you should never ignore is the environmental factor of the coolant. People are now more focused on eco-friendly products for their cars due to the rising concern about sustainability. Because they contain fewer hazardous chemicals than IAT coolants, OAT and HOAT coolants are typically more environmentally friendly. If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you, use a coolant that doesn’t contain silicates or phosphates and instead employs organic acids.

Final Words

Selecting the appropriate coolant for your vehicle is more than just a standard maintenance chore. It’s important to maintain the smooth and efficient operation of your engine. You can be sure you’re choosing the right coolant for your car’s cooling system by being aware of the various types, checking your owner’s handbook, taking the age of your car into account, and picking a reliable brand. Remember that using the proper coolant not only helps you keep your engine running at its best for longer periods of time but also helps your car last longer.