
Ever wondered what antifreeze actually is, and what it exactly does? Most people who know little about car maintenance have just heart about it, and (at best) might know that it’s a colorful liquid.
Car enthusiasts who regularly work on their vehicle’s maintenance, on the other hand, will know that antifreeze is important for improving the performance of the engine.
We’re talking about sustaining horsepower and preventing overheating. That’s right, it doesn’t just look pretty – it has a very important purpose too.
With that being said, people often ask something along the following lines: “Sustaining HP? Preventing overheating? Is antifreeze mostly needed in racing cars?”. The answer to that question is: Nope–not at all.
You see, every vehicle on the road needs this liquid, and your car isn’t any different. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a pick-up truck or a sedan–antifreeze still plays an essential role in maintaining your vehicle’s engine.
Whether you’re already quite familiar with all of this, or you have no idea whatsoever about what antifreeze does or why you need it – and are just starting to learn about it as of recent – you’re in the right place.
We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about antifreeze in this guide, as well as talk about some of the best antifreeze options you can get your hands on in today’s market.
Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for Best Antifreeze And Coolants
- Valvoline Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant
- Zerex Original Green Antifreeze/Coolant
- Genuine Ford Fluid VC-3DIL-B Orange Pre-Diluted Antifreeze/Coolant
- MaxLife Valvoline Universal Antifreeze/Coolant
- OEM 86-324BOEME Premium Antifreeze
- Engine Ice TYDS008 High Performance Coolant
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
- 1 What Is Antifreeze?
- 2 What Are the Benefits of Using Antifreeze?
- 3 What Different Types of Antifreeze Are There?
- 3.1 Concentrated
- 3.2 Diluted
- 3.3 Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT)
- 3.4 Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
- 3.5 Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
- 4 What Type of Antifreeze Do I Need for My Car?
- 5 What If I Use the Wrong Type of Antifreeze?
- 6 What Different Colors Are There for Antifreeze?
- 7 The Differences Between Antifreeze and Coolant
- 8 What Is Antifreeze Made Of?
- 8.1 Methanol
- 8.2 Ethylene Glycol
- 8.3 Propylene Glycol
- 9 What Should I look for in Antifreeze Products?
- 9.1 Protection From Low and High Temperatures
- 9.2 Corrosion Inhibitors
- 9.3 A Long Shelf Life
- 10 Can Different Types of Engine Antifreeze be Mixed Together?
- 11 The Best Antifreeze Products — Our Recommendations
- 11.1 Valvoline Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate
- 11.2 Zerex Original Green Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated
- 11.3 Ford Genuine Fluid VC-3DIL-B Orange Pre-Diluted Antifreeze/Coolant
- 11.4 MaxLife Valvoline Universal Antifreeze/Coolant
- 11.5 OEM Recochem 86-324BOEME Blue Premium Antifreeze
- 11.6 Engine Ice TYDS008 High Performance Coolant
- 12 Conclusion
What Is Antifreeze?
First things first, Antifreeze is a liquid that usually comes in a variety of different bright colors, such as green, orange, blue and pink.
This substance runs through the your car’s radiator, which is the cooling system for your vehicle.
It has a few specific and important jobs to do, and we’ll cover those in more detail below. At the most basic level, though, it’s a liquid that is mixed with water in order to cool your engine.
Water on its own can’t stop your engine from overheating, because water freezes at low temperatures and boils at high temperatures. It reacts to the temperatures, instead of helping regulate them. So can you use water as a coolant? Only in an emergency, but it’s not recommended.
And this where antifreeze can help. The best engine antifreeze coolant products out there are able to decrease water’s freezing point and increase its boiling point effectively. This means that the water won’t turn to ice or to steam vapor as quickly as it does without antifreeze.
In other words, antifreeze ensures that water stays in liquid form, cooling down the engine and lubricating all the components.
All of this is achieved through various chemicals, with the most common one being ethylene glycol.
What Are the Benefits of Using Antifreeze?
First of all, your vehicle needs help to regulate its temperature, since it can’t do this on its own. Car engines have to remain at a safe operating temperature to work properly.
With the help of antifreeze, all of the engine components can be lubricated, which prevents friction between the parts that produce heat.
If the product helps lubricate your car’s engine, as well as control high temperatures, you may be asking yourself “why in the world is this thing called antifreeze?!”. That’s because one of its main functions is to stop your vehicle’s engine from freezing in severely cold climates.
While it’s running, your engine stays warm, but it will start to cool down once it’s turned off. If there is no antifreeze, you could develop ice in your engine when the temperature outside is too cold.
As you probably already know, when water turns to ice, it expands. This can happen inside your engine if your vehicle is sitting outside in freezing temperatures, and could very well cause expensive damage that would be extremely costly to repair.
Antifreeze enables your engine to start and run smoothly and efficiently, no matter what the weather’s like at the time. It helps your car withstand extreme temperatures, and it’ll ensure that the metals of your radiator don’t corrode with water exposure.
Plus, some of these products have additives in them that can help keep your engine clean, too. These may help stop the buildup of deposits that could damage your vehicle over time.
What Different Types of Antifreeze Are There?
There are many different brands of antifreeze on the market for you to choose from, but that’s not all there is to it. B
Before you try to go through all these brands and their different products, you have to know which type you need first. This can get a little complicated, so let’s break it down so that it’s easier to understand.
Let’s look at the two broadest categories first: Concentrated antifreeze and diluted antifreeze.
Concentrated
As the name suggests, this is a product with concentrated oils and chemicals.
There isn’t any water mixed in already–it isn’t premixed–you’ll need to dilute the antifreeze by yourself before you put any of it in your car.
This is normally done at a ratio of 50 percent water and 50 percent antifreeze, but this isn’t always the case, so it’s vital to read the instructions carefully at first to understand how to mix the liquids correctly.
Important: Tap water shouldn’t be used to dilute the mixture, except in an emergency and if you absolutely have no other choice. Mix with distilled water instead or, better yet, deionized water.
Diluted
The second category is ready-mixed, or diluted antifreeze. This is a product that’s ready to go directly into the coolant system of your vehicle as it is.
A lot of drivers choose this option because it’s great for topping up the fluids in a simple and quick manner.
In addition to these the two categories (concentrated and diluted), there are three main types you can choose from as well. These vary according to their composition and the engines they are appropriate for.
Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT)
Antifreeze that uses inorganic acid technology (IAT) is typically suitable for older vehicles.
It usually contains ethylene glycol, as well as silicates, phosphates and borates. These are all ingredients that work to keep copper and brass radiators in working order.
Vehicles that use IAT antifreeze only require it to be changed every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
With all that being said, chances are that unless you’ve got an older car, you won’t use IAT antifreeze. This is mainly because unlike the other types, it doesn’t have corrosion inhibitors for modern engines.
Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
Often referred to as extended life antifreeze (or long life antifreeze), these products use organic acid technology (OAT).
This is mostly used in vehicles manufactured from around 1996 onwards, which aren’t compatible with IAT. OAT antifreeze is going to be an option for cars with aluminum or cast-iron radiators.
OAT antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitor properties which protect the engine from wear and tear, and doesn’t contain silicates or phosphates that can be damaging.
In general, this type should be changed approximately every 5 years or 100,000 miles.
It should be noted that OAT shouldn’t be used in older engines if they contain brass or copper.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
The third type is called hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT), and is usually found in antifreeze that’s suitable for most modern cars and for aluminum radiators.
It’s usually a mix of silicates and OAT corrosion inhibitors and often used in European vehicles, but the Japanese tend to use phosphates instead of silicates.
HOAT antifreeze is extremely long lasting and can be changed after about 10 years or 180,000 miles.
What Type of Antifreeze Do I Need for My Car?
Most of us won’t know what type we need off the top of our heads.
To find out what’s the best antifreeze for your vehicle, you should check the owner’s manual for your car. This is going to detail the exact product that works best in your car’s radiator and do a good job at protecting your engine.
But, what exactly do you do if you don’t have your owner’s manual? Well, that’s not really a problem in this day and age.
If you’re still in doubt as to what the best type for your vehicle is, you can ask around at the car dealership. Professionals there should be able to point you in the right direction, and tell you what you’re best off going with.
If you don’t want to do that, then that’s fine as well – you can also try to look up your vehicle’s specs online and find out for yourself.
What If I Use the Wrong Type of Antifreeze?
Let’s say you’ve accidentally used the wrong type for your vehicle – what should you do now? It may not be the biggest problem in the world, but it’s best to err on the side of caution.
The best thing you can do if this happens is flush the coolant system in your car as soon as possible. This may help you avoid possible engine failure later on.
When you top up or refill with the wrong antifreeze, this could create a damaging mixture. The result could be that liquids stop flowing, causing the engine to overheat.
This might not only put your car out of commission and cause great inconvenience—it could also mean costly repairs you’ll have to pay for down the line.
So, if you’ve accidentally used the wrong product, flush it out immediately. For those of you who need guidance on how to do so, this video walks you through the necessary steps.
What Different Colors Are There for Antifreeze?
Many years ago, a lot of manufacturers would use different colors to identify different types of antifreeze.
For example, IAT antifreeze would be green, while OAT was typically orange, red or purple, and HOAT would also be orange or yellow.
Nowadays, you can’t reliably use the color of antifreeze to identify its type, as things have changed since then. These days, manufacturers can use whatever color they want for their product regardless of its type.
So, be sure that you always read the information on the bottle before you purchase any, just to make sure you’re getting the right type for your vehicle. This will guarantee that you don’t waste your money on the wrong product.
The Differences Between Antifreeze and Coolant
One of the most common questions we come across is whether antifreeze and coolant are the same thing. We understand where this confusion comes from, since the terms are often used interchangeably, but it should be noted that these two are not the same.
Antifreeze is a combination of chemicals that work to cool your engine when mixed with water. Once it’s diluted, antifreeze becomes a coolant.
Concentrated antifreeze, on the other hand, needs to be added to water before it becomes a car coolant. Only then will it work to lower the temperature of your engine. On its own, concentrated antifreeze will not act as a coolant.
When you hear someone refer to engine coolants, they are referring to antifreeze that is either pre-diluted or has been manually added to water.
What Is Antifreeze Made Of?
Usually, antifreeze is made of a base product with some additives in there as well.
Let’s take a closer look at the common ingredients you’ll find in these products on the market today.
Methanol
Methanol is a colorless liquid that is found in a range of car products. This includes antifreeze, de-icers and windshield washer fluid.
It’s able to effectively lower the freezing point of water, but it’s important to remember that it’s toxic.
Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol is a popular substance found in antifreeze. As a matter of fact, this is the one you’ll hear about most.
One of its main benefits is that it’s not going to damage the metal in the radiator of your car. However, like methanol, ethylene glycol is also highly toxic to humans and animals.
Propylene Glycol
If you’re looking for a non-toxic option, choose one that contains propylene glycol. This is commonly used in non-toxic formulas instead of ethylene glycol.
Propylene glycol is also great for heat transfer and will help to protect your engine from corrosion.
What Should I look for in Antifreeze Products?
With so many products out there on the market to choose from, it cal be difficult to know where to start.
So, to simplify the process for you, there are a few features you should be looking for when you’re trying to choose the best coolants possible.
The following is a list of the key elements you should consider:
Protection From Low and High Temperatures
You want to make sure that you choose something that does a good job at preventing your engine from both freezing and overheating. After all, this is what this liquid is supposed to do!
So, be sure to choose a product that regulates the engine temperature no matter what season it is.
To be sure about this, look out for an antifreeze that lists the lowest and highest temperatures that it will be effective under. This way, you can choose one that suits your local weather conditions.
Corrosion Inhibitors
You ideally want corrosion inhibitors included in the formulation you’re buying.
This is going to protect your engine from wear and tear, boost the performance of your vehicle, prevent leaks, and clean the metal components.
Choosing one that contains corrosion inhibitors is going to pay off in the long run; it could prolong the life of your engine!
A Long Shelf Life
While you should definitely do your best to stock up on the best antifreeze coolants you manage to get a hold of, this isn’t a product that’s going to last forever.
It does have a shelf life, and that’s why it’s best to look for one that’s going to last you a long while.
For example, some of these products will last for three years, while there are others that will last up to 10 years. Check out the product information to make sure of this before you make a purchase.
Can Different Types of Engine Antifreeze be Mixed Together?
It’s not recommended to mix together different types of antifreeze. With all of the different chemicals they contain, mixing them could cause a bad reaction, which might ultimately seriously damage your engine rather than help prolong its life.
In particular, you shouldn’t combine IAT and OAT types of antifreeze. This is because these formulas are normally used in antifreeze products for different types of radiators.
As we’ve explained earlier, IAT is suitable for brass radiators, while OAT is used for aluminum. You risk damaging your engine if you mix them together, or use one while your car needs the other.
With that being said, this isn’t always the case, as some products are specifically made to be compatible with other formulas. These ones can usually be used safely as a top-up.
Always be sure to read the bottle or instructions properly before you do this, however, to avoid unnecessary damage and repairs.
If you do mix two different types together by accident, it’s best to drain your coolant system immediately, as mentioned above.
The Best Antifreeze Products — Our Recommendations
By now, you should have a good understanding of what antifreeze exactly is, what it does, and the type that you need for your vehicle.
Which brings us to our next question: What is the best antifreeze and coolant product you can choose for your car?
To help you with this, we’ve put together this list of some of the most popular products on the market – ones worthy of your consideration.
Valvoline Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate

Let’s start off with this great option from Valvoline.
It’s not just compatible with gasoline and diesel engines, but it’s also approved by Ford, Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz. If it’s authorized by these auto giants, you know it’s doing something good.
It’s a HOAT product, which means that it’s going to be good for vehicles that have an aluminum radiator. It also has lower silicate levels and reduced pH, which means it has the added benefit of protecting your coolant system from becoming corroded over time.
This product contains the highest quality virgin ethylene glycol, which is a chemical that’s renowned for its ability to raise water’s boiling point and lower its freezing point. This makes sure that your engine functions well all year round, even in the height of summer and the lows of winter.
This product may be compatible with similar antifreeze formulas as well, which means that you can simply top up the coolant without risking damage your engine.
With that being said, it’s always best to check the products mixed are compatible before doing it. Otherwise, you may damage your coolant system.
Plus, it offers 5-year protection or 150,000 miles before it needs to be changed.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1 gallon.
- Five years or 150,000 miles protection.
- Protection against cavitation with nitrite solution.
- Approved for Ford, Chrysler and Mercedes heavy duty diesel engine.
- Concentrated formula.
- Low silicate and phosphate free formula.
What We Like
- Compatible with other anti freeze formulas.
- Cleaning additives for preventing deposits.
- Long interval between every time you need to change the coolant.
- HOAT.
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for older vehicles.
- Contains toxic ethylene glycol.
Summary
Overall, we’re convinced that this is one of the best antifreeze brands out there on the market today.
HOAT and corrosion inhibitors are going to help your engine regulate its temperature in any environment, and prevent damage.
The fact that it’s approved by Ford, Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz also means this product will especially appeal to drivers of these vehicles. Yet, it’s not a formula that’s suitable for older vehicles, only the newer models.
In addition, if you’re looking for a family-friendly product, this may not be the one for you. It’s well known that ethylene glycol is toxic, and you might not want this lying around your house or garage.
To know a bit more about this product, you can follow the link below.
Zerex Original Green Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated

This green antifreeze is also from the popular brand Zerex, part of the Valvoline family.
It’s automaker approved for GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles – meaning you know you’ll be getting a trusted product, and it’s suitable if you own one of these cars.
It contains ethylene glycol and is suitable for gasoline and diesel engines.
It offers a lower temperature protection than a lot of other products on our list, and will work in temperatures as low as minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, this antifreeze offers protection from boil-overs.
It also contains a patented organic acid corrosion inhibitor that may help protect your engine, as well as prevent rust and corrosion developing over time.
In addition, the quality defoamer that’s included will help prevent the damage that foam can cause on your coolant system.
You won’t have to worry about changing your antifreeze for a while, as this product should work for up to five years or 100,000 miles. You can enjoy peace of mind however far you’re traveling this year!
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1 gallon.
- Five years or 100,000 miles protection.
- Approved for GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles.
- Concentrated formula.
- Low silicate green formula.
What We Like
- Operates well at extremely low temperatures.
- Approved by trusted car manufacturers.
- Contains patented organic acid corrosion inhibitor.
- Long lasting protection.
What We Don’t Like
- Some people prefer a ready-to-use product.
- Contains toxic ethylene glycol.
Summary
Taking everything into consideration, this is a good antifreeze for diesel or gasoline engines.
It’s approved by major automakers, which is a great sign of trustworthiness, and you can drive up to 100,000 miles before you have to think about antifreeze again.
The one thing you may not like about this product is that it’s concentrated. This means that you have to dilute it with water by yourself before putting any of it into your car. It you’re in a rush, or just want to “top up” what’s already in the engine, it may not be the best option for you.
You might also not be a fan of having ethylene glycol around your home or garage, particularly near young children or pets. We don’t blame you if that’s the case, as this ingredient is toxic.
To learn more about this product, check this link.
Ford Genuine Fluid VC-3DIL-B Orange Pre-Diluted Antifreeze/Coolant

You may feel more confident with a product that’s specifically been designed for your vehicle, as that way, you know you’re choosing a trusted antifreeze. If you own a Ford, we’d recommend this product in that case.
This option comes pre-diluted and ready to use, which is useful if you need to top up the liquid when you’re on the road or away from home.
This formula operates well even at extreme temperatures. It offers your coolant system protection from as low as minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit, and all the way up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit. In practice, this means year-round protection from freezing and boil-overs, as well as rust and corrosion prevention.
This is the only product on our list to include a bittering agent, too. This is a good feature since the formula includes ethylene glycol, which is toxic, since that makes the antifreeze smell bitter and should deter pets or children from getting close to this poisonous substance.
Of course, it’s still recommended to keep it out of their reach anyhow, as it’s highly toxic, so don’t just rely on this agent to do the safety work for you!
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1 gallon.
- Pre-diluted and ready to use.
- Recommended by Ford Motor Company.
- Year-round formula.
- Orange-colored and contains ethylene glycol.
- Suitable for gasoline and diesel engines.
What We Like
- No mixing necessary
- Ford’s endorsement
- Protection against corrosion.
- Protection in extreme low and high temperatures.
- This coolant contains bittering agent.
What We Don’t Like
- Isn’t compatible with other antifreeze products.
- Not suitable for all vehicles alike.
Summary
If you drive a Ford car, you may very well choose to go with this product. After all, it’s going to protect your engine from damage and corrosion, and it works great at all temperatures.
Even though it does contain ethylene glycol, which is toxic, it does include a bittering agent to help minimize the chances of young kids or pets getting anywhere near it. If you prefer to use a non-toxic product, though, then this isn’t it.
It should also be noted that this formula is especially designed to work with Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, so it won’t suit everyone.
In addition, like a lot of similar products, this one isn’t compatible with other types of coolant, which can harm your vehicle’s cooling system if not used as intended.
You can find out if this is the best option for your vehicle by clicking the following link and learning more about it.
MaxLife Valvoline Universal Antifreeze/Coolant

This product has all the qualities you need to make sure your engine is healthy, preventing freeze-up and boil-overs throughout the year.
It’s especially effective for protecting higher mileage vehicles. The OAT chemistry is effective in warm and cold temperatures, as well lubricating gaskets and seals.
The good news is that it’s already diluted with water so it’s ready to use straight away. Plus, it provides protection for up to five years or 150,000 miles.
What makes this product unique is the inclusion of Valvoline’s proprietary Alugard Plus, which is an additive that may help increase the product’s overall effectiveness. In short, it enhances the protection and further helps keep your engine in top condition.
A problem you see with a lot of coolant brands on the market today is that they claim their product works on all makes and models of cars, but they use a formula that doesn’t contain silicate.
The problem is that when different products like these are combined, they might not be at all effective at protecting your cooling system from corrosion.
Of course, with the inclusion of Alugard Plus, this is where the MaxLife antifreeze excels. This special additive makes sure different formulas can work together and protect the coolant system from rust and corrosion.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1 gallon.
- Five years or 150,000 miles protection.
- Contains Alugard Plus to maximise protection.
- Suitable for most vehicle makes and models.
- Pre-diluted and ready to use.
- Makes sure gaskets and seals are lubricated.
What We Like
- Suitable for many car makes.
- Long-lasting protection.
- Doesn’t need to be mixed with water as it’s pre-diluted.
- Inclusion of Alugard Plus.
- Can be mixed with other types.
What We Don’t Like
- Only approved by a handful of vehicle manufacturers.
Summary
With the inclusion of Alugard Plus, this is a versatile choice that’s suitable for many different vehicles.
This additive also means it can be mixed with other types, and it’s effective at regulating the temperature of the engine in all climates.
It’s particularly recommended for high-mileage vehicles, and with up to 150,000 miles protection, you won’t need to invest in another antifreeze in a hurry. In other words, you can enjoy value for money with this product.
You can view this product at the link below for more details.
OEM Recochem 86-324BOEME Blue Premium Antifreeze

If you’ve got a European vehicle, you may want to consider this original equipment manufacturer (OEM) antifreeze. It’s been approved by car giants BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes Benz, which demonstrates its efficacy.
The formula is suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines, so you don’t have to worry you’re choosing the wrong one.
The ethylene glycol and additives are going to help regulate the operating temperature of your engine. It’s an OAT option with low silicate; it’s also a nitrite-, amine-, and phosphate-free formula.
In particular, ingredients like phosphate are known to settle in the radiator and clog it. Over time, this will prevent the engine from cooling effectively and cause damage. So, that’s something you no longer have to worry about with this option.
Instead, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your cooling system is going to run smoothly. It’s protected from freezing during the harsh winters and boil-over during the hot summers, and corrosion or rusting won’t be a problem either.
This product is available in both pre-diluted and concentrate versions, so you can choose whichever you prefer working with.
The good thing about the pre-diluted version is that it uses deionized water. This is cleaner and doesn’t require you to go to the additional expense of buying distilled or deionized water on your own.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1 gallon.
- Suitable for gasoline and diesel engines.
- OAT formula.
- Specially formulated for BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Smart and Volvo.
- Protection from corrosion with low silicate, and free from nitrite and phosphates.
- Pre-diluted or concentrated options.
- Protection for up to 150,000 miles.
What We Like
- Suitable for imported European vehicles.
- Protects against boil over and freezing.
- Corrosion protection.
- Five years or 150,000 miles protection.
- Buyers can choose between diluted or concentrated formulas
What We Don’t Like
- Contains toxic ethylene glycol.
- Isn’t compatible with other formulas.
- Not suitable for some makes or for older European models.
Summary
What we like about this OEM antifreeze is that it’s manufacturer-approved for several popular European car makes, giving you peace of mind when using it without invalidating your vehicle’s warranty.
It’s very effective at high and lower temperatures, too. With a range of minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit to 254 degrees Fahrenheit, you don’t have to worry about your engine during extreme weather conditions.
As of this writing, this is an affordable choice that delivers good efficiency. It also offers corrosion protection for up to 150,000 miles.
Make sure it’s compatible with your make/model of car before purchase, though. It’s not to be mixed with coolants that are silicate based or high pH, for example.
You can check the current price and more information about it here:
Engine Ice TYDS008 High Performance Coolant

Do you happen to drive a high-performance vehicle? If so, this may be a good option for you to consider. It’s specifically designed to deliver improved horsepower and a better driving experience by regulating the temperature of your engine.
You won’t lose any power through overheating, as it functions from minus 26 degrees Fahrenheit to 256 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether it’s a freezing cold winter or a boiling hot summer, your engine will be protected from damage. It won’t overheat, nor will it freeze.
For those who like to race, it’s worth noting that it’s approved for both CCS and ASRA road racing. This is due to its ability to reduce operating temperatures and make sure optimum performance can be enjoyed.
It’s all ready to use since it’s a diluted formula for quick and easy filling up as well. Also, it’s diluted with deionized water. By using deionized water, this may help remove impurities from the coolant system in your vehicle.
This product from Engine Ice contains propylene glycol, which helps eliminate water pump gasket and seal failures. This also means it’s non-toxic, and safer than many other options on the market today when used or stored around children and pets.
If you’re trying to be kind to the environment (something we should all strive to do with any car related products we use), you’ll also be pleased to hear that it’s biodegradable.
Another good thing about this product is that it can prevent corrosion in a variety of cooling systems. This includes those made from aluminum, steel, cast iron and copper. It can even be used for motorcycle engines!
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- Half gallon.
- Contains propylene glycol.
- Non-toxic formula without ethylene glycol.
- Encourages an average reduction in engine temperature of 10 degrees.
- Safe for use with most metals, including aluminum.
- Biodegradable formula.
- Legal in CCS and ASRA road racing.
What We Like
- Environmentally friendly.
- Great for high-performance and racing cars.
- Protects against boil over and freezing.
- Prevents corrosion.
- Ready to use.
- Uses deionized water.
What We Don’t Like
- Half-gallon bottle isn’t exactly everyone’s definition of economical.
Summary
All in all, we’d say that this is a good choice for high-performance vehicles. If you want to protect your engine from high temperatures and get the most horsepower, consider this one.
It offers corrosion inhibitors and protection from freezing too, all while using a formula that’s non-toxic, with the inclusion of propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
One of our favorite features about the Engine Ice antifreeze is the fact that it’s phosphate free, which makes it environmentally friendly, too.
With all that being said, one drawback you might want to consider is that the container is half the size of other options on this list, so that might not suit everyone’s budget.
To see if this is the right product for you, click here.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve reached the end of our guide, you should have a much better understanding of what antifreeze can do for your vehicle, and just how important it is.
Who knew that such a colorful liquid could improve the quality and performance of your engine all that much? It has a very important job in lubricating the components, regulating temperature and preventing corrosion – so don’t neglect using it whenever needed!
We’ve included different options for you in our recommendations list, and you can have a more detailed look at each of these products yourself, so you can choose what you think will be the best antifreeze liquids for your automotive care needs.
Always remember to check your user manual first before choosing any of these products, though, just to ensure it’s compatible!
FAQs
Which is the best brand antifreeze? ›
- Best Antifreeze for All Vehicles—Prestone Antifreeze/Engine Coolant. ...
- Best for Asian Vehicles—Peak Original Equipment Technology Antifreeze (Green) ...
- Best for GM-Approved Vehicles—Prestone DEX-COOL Antifreeze/Coolant. ...
- Best for BMW Owners—BMW Coolant Antifreeze (Gray)
Emtex Lubricants are the best coolant manufacturers in India having Coolant manufacturing experience of more than 4 decades. Emtex Coolant are ideal for all kinds of petrol and diesel engine driven passenger cars, jeeps, vans, commercial vehicles, and stationary engines operating with water as a cooling medium.
What is the best coolant for high performance cars? ›PROPYLENE GLYCOL COOLANT – BEST COOLANT FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE CARS.
Does it matter what brand of antifreeze you use? ›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 litre of a different type of coolant, as long as you follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
Does it matter what antifreeze I buy? ›The right mixture of antifreeze and water matches car performance levels and ensures the heat does not get the better of your vehicle system. Vehicles require different coolants that suit their engine, without which air in the system can cause the engine to overheat.
What coolant is best for aluminium radiator? ›Do Aluminum Radiators Need Special Coolant? The key to maximizing the life of an aluminum radiator is not so much the radiator coolant brand as it is the water type. All coolants sold today will protect aluminum radiators.
Which color antifreeze is best? ›The principal reason for the different anti-freeze colours is that green is commonly used to identify the older type of antifreeze and orange the newer long-life or extended-use antifreeze.
How many years does engine coolant last? ›“Replace your coolant after the first 210,000 km (140,000 miles) or 120 months, then every 30,000 km (20,000 miles) or 24 months to keep the engine at optimal performance.”
What is the life expectancy of engine coolant? ›Depending on the vehicle and the coolant, the average time between flushes is two years or 30,000 miles for silicated coolants and up to five years or 100,000 miles for an extended drain coolant. You can tell which type of coolant you have by the color.
What is top 1 coolant for car? ›TOP 1 POWER COOLANT is the ideal year-round radiator protection for tropical and sub-tropical climates. TOP 1 POWER COOLANT is an ethylene glycol-based coolant designed for use in radiator coolant systems.
What is the best antifreeze mix for cooling? ›
Generally speaking, a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze is a good place to start. However, when speaking in terms of climate, you may want to take temperature into consideration. For example, 50/50 may work best in more moderate climates where the temperature gets below 32 only on occasion.
What is highly effective coolant for a car engine because? ›Water is a highly effective coolant for a car engine because water has very high specific heat capacity.
Should I use full strength or 50 50 antifreeze? ›A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water is the standard recommendation for most applications because it provides the best all-round cooling protection and performance for most applications. Premixed antifreeze is 50/50 and takes the guesswork out of correctly mixing antifreeze and water.
How do I choose car antifreeze? ›Your car's owner's manual provides a wealth of information. It will tell you what type of coolant is best to use in your vehicle. If you don't have a copy of your owner's manual, you can most likely find the information you need online.
What is the least toxic antifreeze? ›Propylene glycol antifreeze is considered non-toxic and will NOT poison your beloved pet.
What are three 3 different types of antifreeze? ›There are three types of antifreeze available: Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT).
What color antifreeze can you not mix? ›Can You Mix Orange and Green Antifreeze? It's never a good idea to mix two different colors or types of antifreeze. Mixing two formulas won't cause any dangerous reactions or explosions, but it could turn your coolant into a sludgy chemical mixture that won't be able to flow properly through your cooling system.
Is it OK to mix two different antifreeze? ›Some people believe that they can mix the two. This is a mistake and can lead to expensive repairs. The two coolants should never be mixed together as they do not react well. When mixed together they can form a thick, jelly-like substance that can completely stop all coolant flow which can lead to overheating.
Is Prestone 50 50 safe for aluminum engines? ›Prestone ® HD 50/50 Prediluted NITRITE FREE Extended Life (ELC) Antifreeze/Coolant is intended for use and compatible with ANY nitrite free HD Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant in ANY diesel-powered commercial vehicle engine or stationary engine with aluminum or other engine metals.
What is better 3 row or 4 row aluminum radiator? ›It can be difficult for a vehicle to dissipate excess heat in these conditions – this is where you might benefit from a larger radiator with more rows. Summary: as a general guide, 3+ radiator rows stands to benefit a high performance or heavy duty vehicle.
What kind of antifreeze do you use in a copper radiator? ›
Types of Antifreeze
Yellow-colored Antifreeze is used in European cars. It's not compatible with aluminum and should only be used in engines that have copper radiators. Pink-colored Antifreeze can be used in Asian cars. It's not compatible with aluminum and should only be used for engines with copper radiators.
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.
Is there a universal antifreeze? ›STP® Universal (All Season) Antifreeze/Coolant is a superior quality ethylene glycol-based engine coolant with a low silicate corrosion inhibitor package. This product protects coolant system metals, including heat-rejecting aluminum, against pitting caused by cavitation and corrosion.
What color is universal coolant? ›There are essentially three basic types of coolants: Traditional North American “green” antifreeze, the original “universal” formula that everybody used until the introduction of today's extended-life coolants.
What happens to coolant after 5 years? ›The coolant can become more acidic over time and lose its rust-inhibiting properties, causing corrosion. Corrosion can damage the radiator, water pump, thermostat, radiator cap, hoses and other parts of the cooling system, as well as to the vehicle heater system. And that can cause a car engine to overheat.
Can old coolant go bad? ›Yes, engine coolant does go bad. Older fluid may cause acid buildup, may become contaminated by rust or scaling, and may have reduced resistance to boiling and freezing. Deteriorated coolant/antifreeze may cause your engine to run hotter than normal or keep the engine from starting in colder temperatures.
Can flushing a radiator cause problems? ›Can a radiator flush cause problems? Yes and no. Yes, because a radiator flush is going to flush out any corrosion, debris, rust, and other contaminants. If the flush isn't thoroughly to clear all of that out, it can loosen up those things which could clog up the cooling system, including the radiator.
Do engines lose coolant over time? ›Providing that the engine is running well, with no leakages or damage, you can expect a coolant loss of 0.25% every four to six months. This means a loss of two to three ounces a year is completely normal.
How do I know when my coolant needs replacing? ›Vehicle Overheating and High Temperature Gauge
The primary role that coolant plays in your vehicle's functioning is keeping your engine temperatures low. If you find that your temperature gauge is always high and your engine is frequently overheating, chances are that you need a coolant flush.
A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water is the standard recommendation for most applications because it provides the best all-round cooling protection and performance for most applications. Premixed antifreeze is 50/50 and takes the guesswork out of correctly mixing antifreeze and water.
Which antifreeze is best for winter? ›
- Zerex Original Green Antifreeze/Coolant, Concentrated. ...
- Valvoline MaxLife Universal Antifreeze/Coolant. ...
- ShellZone Pre-Diluted 50/50 Antifreeze/Engine Coolant. ...
- Engine Ice Engine Coolant. ...
- Zerex DEX-COOL Antifreeze/Coolant, Concentrated. ...
- Zerex Heavy Duty Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant.
Assuming a fixed amount of circulating fluid and radiator capacity, running 100 percent water would be the most efficient coolant in terms of its ability to conduct heat with minimal temperature rise.
Why not use full strength antifreeze? ›Pure antifreeze lacks sufficient heat capacity to keep the engine cool. In fact, if you put pure antifreeze into the cooling system, the heat-transfer capabilities are lowered by 35%, and it could really damage on the engine, especially in hot weather.
Is it OK to use full strength antifreeze? ›There are a few mechanics who will say using straight antifreeze is just fine, but other vehicle experts will say pure antifreeze could cause some significant damage to your vehicle. We agree with the latter opinion—you should never use pure antifreeze in your vehicle.
Should you use 50 50 antifreeze in winter? ›Generally, a 50/50% mixture of antifreeze and water is recommended, which protects against freezing down to -34 degrees and protects up to 263 degrees. Plain water would freeze in your radiator, and stop everything from working.
Are some coolants better than others? ›Older coolants with Inorganic Additive Technology were blue or green and usually had to be changed every two years, or every 60,000 miles. Organic Acid Technology (OAT) or hybrid coolants are typically orange and offer better protection with an extended coolant life, up to 150,000,miles.
What happens if you don't use distilled water in coolant? ›If you use only tap water inside the radiator, your engine and radiator can start building up deposits of minerals from the water that can damage it. Distilled water is safer but it can also rust and corrode from the water, mineral or tap. This will eventually lead to serious engine and radiator damage.
Is it OK to mix different types of antifreeze? ›It's never a good idea to mix two different colors or types of antifreeze. Mixing two formulas won't cause any dangerous reactions or explosions, but it could turn your coolant into a sludgy chemical mixture that won't be able to flow properly through your cooling system.
Does antifreeze make AC work better? ›Your A/C system uses a type of refrigerant (commonly called Freon) to cool the interior of your vehicle. Having a coolant flush performed will not help your A/C stay cool, or visa versa.
Is synthetic coolant better? ›A synthetic coolant will last longer than a soluble oil and is much easier to reclaim and recycle. The performance of synthetic coolants is superior than semi-synthetics and will cool the work-piece and tool more effectively.