Can I put any type of coolant in my car?

Years ago, when full-service gas stations were commonplace, the attendant had only one option for topping up coolant in your car, it was green. Today we have multiple choices of coolant, each with its own specific concoction to improve the cooling system of your car.
In order to answer the question, let’s discuss coolant and how it works.

What Is Engine Coolant?

Now, most people will be surprised to hear that coolant plays almost no role in the actual cooling of your engine. Engine cooling is done by the 50/50 mixture of distilled water in the radiator. The job of the coolant is simply to inhibit rust, lower the freezing temperature of the water, and, importantly, contribute to car longevity by protecting the engine from corrosion and extreme temperatures.

Car engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a liquid that helps regulate the temperature of your car’s engine. It prevents the engine from overheating in hot conditions and from freezing in cold conditions.

Functions of Car Engine Coolant

Heat Transfer: The primary role of coolant is to absorb heat from the engine and dissipate it through the radiator, keeping the engine at an optimal operating temperature.

Anti-Freeze Protection: In cold weather, coolant prevents the water in the engine from freezing, which can cause serious damage, such as cracking the engine block.

Corrosion Prevention: Modern coolants contain additives that protect the engine and cooling system components (such as the radiator, water pump, and hoses) from rust and corrosion.

Lubrication: Coolant also lubricates the moving parts it comes into contact with, such as the water pump, helping to extend their lifespan.

Engine Coolant Ingredients

Coolant in its base form is ethylene glycol or propylene glycol mixed with water, along with various additives to enhance its performance. It typically comes in different colors (green, orange, pink, etc.) to help identify the type of coolant, as not all coolants are interchangeable.

Types of Coolant

Coolants come in several types, each formulated for specific vehicle requirements. Here are the main types:

Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT): These typically green coolants are used in older vehicles, especially those manufactured before the mid-1990s.

The lifespan is 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. IAT coolants contain silicates and phosphates that are used to protect metal components from corrosion. However, they require frequent replacement.

Organic Acid Technology (OAT) is usually orange, pink, red, or blue. They are found in many newer vehicles and typically last 5 years or 150,000 miles. One of their best features is that they are free of silicates and phosphates, offering longer-lasting protection but may not be compatible with some older vehicles.

Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT): Often yellow, orange, turquoise, or purple. HOAT coolants are common in European and Asian vehicles like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Chrysler, and BMW. Their lifespan is similar to OAT coolants (up to 5 years or 150,000 miles). They combine the benefits of IAT and OAT, with added silicates for aluminum protection and extended lifespan.

Phosphate-Free Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT)  is typically blue or pink. These coolants are widely common in European vehicles, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo. They contain organic acids and are phosphate-free, reducing the risk of scale buildup. And their lifespan is again up to 5 years or 150,000 miles.

Silicated Organic Acid Technology (Si-OAT)  coolants have a purple or pink color and they are mainly used in European vehicles such as Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche. The lifespan is 5 years or 150,000 miles. Si-OAT coolants add silicates to OAT for better protection of aluminum components, accordingly, providing a balance between longevity and performance.

Color of Engine Coolant: Chart

What Type of Coolant Does My Car Need?

The need for different types of coolant came about when manufacturers started using more exotic metals for their engine blocks, heads, and gaskets. Some metals require more rust inhibitors than others, while some require the ability to dissipate heat faster than others. The type of coolant your car requires is simply based on the types of metals in your engine.

So, choosing the type of coolant your car needs depends on your vehicle’s make, model, and year. However, there’are some general points that will help you determine the right one:

• Check your owner’s manual to specify the exact type of coolant for your car recommended by the manufacturer, get in touch with them.
• Choose the coolant type considering the detailed information about each type above.
• Consider compatibility and never mix different types of coolants, as this can lead to chemical reactions that may harm your engine. Always use the type recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

*Special Considerations: Some car manufacturers have specific coolant formulations, so it’s essential to use the correct one to avoid damaging your engine.

So what coolant should I use?  You are asking.  Well, you use the coolant that is specified in your owner’s manual. If you just need to top it up, the recommendation is still the same, however, it is unlikely to cause any serious problems if you add a liter of a different type of coolant, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. If you find that you are constantly topping up your system, have it inspected and repaired by a qualified service person, and refill the system with the correct type of coolant.

If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to consult a mechanic who can look up the correct coolant based on your vehicle’s specifications. Get in touch with professionals at Kambio who are ready to assist you.

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