GoMechanic
Use Code BLOG50 on the
app and get upto 50% OFF
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeFeatured ArticlesWhich Is The Right Coolant For Your Car? | Coolant Colours Explained

Which Is The Right Coolant For Your Car? | Coolant Colours Explained

Coolant is one of the most critical automotive fluids. It plays an important role in making sure that your car’s engine cooling system is working well. The coolant reduces wear and tear, corrosion thereby checking the damage to the engine block. The automotive coolants come in a range of colours. We can find them in say, purple, blue, green, yellow or orange in the market.

Read: 10 Most Googled Questions On Car Coolant

All coolants might not be compatible with all cars. The anti-freeze mixture you use would vary with the car you drive. It would also depend on when and where your car was made. While picking the right coolant, check with the manual and try to get the one the automaker recommends for your model. If in doubt you can always make use of a service centre.

Here are the 3 different kinds of engine coolant-

  1. Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT)

    Prevent engine overhrating
    Green Coolant

    This coolant comes in a green colour. But nowadays, it won’t be a surprise if you encounter a blue IAT. Inorganic Additive Technology coolant demands more frequent changing compared to modern coolants. You might need a coolant change every two years or so. Along with ethylene glycol, they also use silicates in the manufacturing process of IAT coolant. The silicates deter corrosion.

    If there is any such thing as an across-the-board coolant, it would be this one. This is because we can use this coolant on just about any vehicle. Besides, it is relatively more affordable as well!

    Why not buy Green Coolant from GoMechanic at ₹119 only? We’ll make sure you get the best at the best price as well! 

  2. Organic Acid Technology (OAT)

    While IAT coolants are made with ethylene glycol, OAT coolants on the other hand use propylene glycol. And another point of distinction between the two is that while IAT is mostly used in earlier models, OAT is suited for the current ones. OAT coolants only need to be flushed in around every 5 years. Because of this, they are Extended Life Coolants (ELC).

    OAT coolants are usually orange. But in rare cases, we might come across a deep green OAT coolant (Honda manufactures dark green OAT coolant). OAT coolants might even come in red, pink, yellow or purple colours.

    As the name suggests Organic Acid Technology coolants are made using organic acids. It is devoid of any phosphates and silicates. GM’s DexCool is an OAT coolant.

  3. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)

    In the olden days, HOAT used to be the yellow coolant. But now things have changed and we can find HOAT in a spectrum of colour from blue to orange. Phosphate-free HOAT can come in turquoise. The anti-corrosive properties of HOAT can be credited to silicates and organic acids present in them. Thus, we can say that HOAT is a mix of OAT and IAT formulation.

    Download the GoMechanic App Now!Banner

    With Hybrid Organic Acid Technology coolants, you can go an extended period of time without a complete coolant change. Just like OAT coolants, you can use HOAT for 5 years or more. However, if you are looking to buy HOAT coolant make it a point to read the label. Don’t glance at the colour and decide that it is the one for you.

    We can further classify HOAT as follows-

  • Phosphated HOAT (P-HOAT)

    Pink Coolant
    (1)

    This coolant comes in pink or blue colour. Phosphated HOAT uses phosphates along with organic acids to prevent corrosion. This coolant is compatible with the models from carmakers like Hyundai, KIA and Honda.

  • Silicated HOAT (Si-OAT)

    If you see a purple coolant somewhere, you know you are probably looking at silicated HOAT. Along with organic acids, this coolant uses silicate instead of phosphate to protect the car engine from corrosion. This coolant is compatible with cars from premium auto manufacturers like Mercedes, Porsche and Audi.

Bear these in mind

Water instead of Coolant | Common Car Maintenance Mistakes

  • Just because two cars are from the same brand it doesn’t mean they both use the same coolant.
  • It is generally advised not to mix two coolants together. However, you can go ahead if the brand you use says it’s okay to do so with their product.
  • All yellow coolants are not HOAT. Neither are all orange coolants OAT. The take away is this; don’t judge a coolant by its hue. Read the label.
  • Coolants from some manufacturers need to be diluted. But not others. So, we’ll reiterate; read the label.
  • Periodic vehicle maintenance, servicing and coolant change can do wonders to your car

You should choose the coolant that is compatible with your car. Remember that hybrid cars and EVs do not have a conventional cooling system. Therefore, only use the coolants that are recommended by the carmaker – particularly- in these vehicles.

Coolants
Coolants

Gone are the days you can tell the composition of the coolant by its colour. You should not let colour be the only basis for choosing the anti-freeze mixture you want to use. Check out the description on side of the container the coolant comes from. We have said it a million times and we’ll say it again; read the label!

You can purchase Golden Cruiser’s Coolant Red. We’ll deliver them to your doorsteps no matter where you live in the country! Download the GoMechanic Spares App for more. 

GoMechanic Blog on Google News

Read: Engine Oil Grades Explained | Know Your Car Engine Oil

Kavitha Nambiar
Kavitha Nambiarhttps://gomechanic.in/blog
Foodie. Always up for a challenge. Enjoys reading and writing.

14 COMMENTS

  1. Which coolant will be best ( green ,blue or red ) and what ratio of water will be added in coolant I’m my HONDA AMAZE. Which manufacturers brand can be used

  2. Regarding OAT, you did mentioned it’s Silicates free but you didn’t mentioned the influence of Silicates on seals and o-rings, it might shorten the rubber elements life and this is why some manufacturers (KTM for example) requires Silicates free coolant

  3. Required A Ready to Use Green Colour Coolant for Maruti Suzuki BS III Swift Vxi – 2009 (Petrol – Engine) – 1 Litre / 3 Litre.
    If Available, Please Forward the Link to Buy & Deliver Online Under Free Delivery / No Shipping charges. Pin Code – 410210. Kharghar – Navi Mumbai – Maharashtra.

  4. Hi, Karan, I have a question,
    I came to know that, my VW Vento 1.6 TDI, 2012 was filled with OAT green colour coolant (the first owner of my car did that), now can I change (after coolant flush) it to Si-OAT type G12/13-grade coolant which is suggested by Volkswagen? and the problem is VW original G12/G13 coolant come with purple colour.

    • Hi Rakesh,

      The only thing to remember is that one should not mix two different coloured coolants. You can go ahead with your plans; there would be no issue using the recommended grade, no matter the colour.

  5. Hi i have 2009 model pajero sfx. Which coolant i should go for, pls note i stay in mumbai but go to himacgal from months of feb to april, pls advise with how much quantity required.

    • Hi Raman,
      it is not recommended to use coolant in its actual form as it’s a pure chemical and might damage parts. We would advise you to mix 30% water with the Coolant to create the perfect blend.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending Articles