What Not to Do When Buying Coolant for Your Car

Another year, another winter season, and another maintenance check for your vehicle. Maintenance may seem like a daunting experience, but it’s essential if you want to keep driving your car, especially during the winter season. Keeping your vehicle well-maintained throughout the year can help you save money and extend its lifespan.

Most car owners think maintenance is about regular oil changes, keeping brakes in good condition, or servicing the engine. Many neglect simple tasks like changing the car’s coolant or other essential fluids. Although coolant may seem like a common fluid, it is one of the most critical aspects to cover as part of car maintenance. Here’s everything you need to know about coolant and how to choose the right solution for your vehicle.

Understanding the Role of Coolant

Checking your coolant is often overlooked, but don’t forget it’s as important as an oil change. Coolant helps raise the boiling point of the cooling system in summer while lowering its freezing point in winter. This ensures your engine and cooling system remain corrosion-free. So, if you’re planning to travel out of state or take a long trip, remember to check your coolant. It will keep your engine from freezing or overheating when driving in extreme weather conditions. Now that you understand the importance of coolant, it’s time to take the next step and get the right coolant solution—but avoid making these mistakes when doing so.

Don’t Rely Solely on Color

As a car owner, it’s tempting to open the radiator pressure cap and check the coolant color. You might mix things up and choose a coolant just based on the color. However, when buying coolant for your vehicle, you can’t rely solely on color. Instead, consult your vehicle’s manual and purchase a specific type of coolant that complements your engine’s performance and vehicle compatibility.

Don’t Mix Coolant Types

One way to avoid mixing different types of coolant is to learn about them. There are specific characteristics that distinguish one coolant from another:

• Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT): The most noticeable difference of IAT coolant is its green color. It contains ethylene glycol, phosphates, and silicates, which help reduce the chances of corrosion. It’s mainly used in older vehicles, though it can also be used in newer models.
• Organic Acid Technology (OAT): These engine coolants are made with a propylene glycol base and are orange in color, though they can also appear in other shades like dark green. Be sure to check the label before buying. OAT-based coolant generally needs to be changed every 50,000 miles.
• Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT): HOAT is one of the three main coolant categories and has several subcategories. Traditionally yellow, these coolants are also available in orange, green, blue, and pink. When looking for HOAT-based coolant, check the brand name. HOAT coolant should be changed every 50,000 miles. If you own a Chrysler, European car, or Ford, you’ll need HOAT coolant.

Refer to the Owner’s Manual

Your car’s owner manual contains a wealth of information. It will tell you which type of coolant is best for your vehicle. If you don’t have a manual, you can also find this information online. The formulas suggested in the manual are OEM-approved and can help you choose the right solution for your engine’s cooling system.

Don’t Forget the Water

The most important thing drivers often forget about coolant is that it must be mixed with water. Yes, some coolants can be poured directly into the system without any additives, but others still need to be filled halfway with water.

Final Thoughts

Although the engine cooling system doesn’t contribute to your vehicle’s aesthetics, coolant remains important because it can enhance your car’s performance. Most importantly, coolant keeps your engine temperature within the normal operating range, even in extreme weather conditions.

So, are you looking for cutting-edge coolant products? American MFG offers some of the best coolant solutions for all types of vehicles. Place your order today.