#Auto coolant color crack#

It’s typically used in older cars manufactured before the mid 1990s ( Domestic vehicles from ’20s to ’90s, GM, Ford, Chrysler) Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Usually found in a bright green color, it is recommended to be flushed out of the cooling system every 30,000 miles or every 2 years. This contains silicates and phosphate corrosion inhibitors to protect metal parts such as the radiator and engine. There are 3 types of coolants: Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT)Ĭommonly used in the cars produced in USA between 19. Colors include blue, yellow, green, red, pink, turquoise, orange and purple.īecause a vehicle can pretty much run any type of coolant which is safe for aluminum, you should consider the type depending on the kind of protection you’re seeking from it(prevents corrosion and preserves the metals and aluminum parts) and also depending on how often you desire to flush your coolant system. We will break it down for you to better understand why this liquid comes in a multitude of colors. This can be confusing for people who don’t know what each color indicates. How many types of coolant liquids are available?Ĭoolant (Antifreeze) can be found in more than 1 color. Another option is just to simply ask the mechanic to test your coolant efficiency before winter settles in. This can be found at any car shop/parts store or online. One should not forget to change their coolant because in the winter time, the engine can suffer irremediable damage.Ĭoolant (Antifreeze) liquid is tested using a device called an Antifreeze/Coolant Tester. This is in theory, however in real world conditions, regardless of it’s quality, coolant (antifreeze) should be changed once every 2-5 years (average time after which it loses much of its benefits, unless specifically formulated as ‘lifetime’ on the bottle). Theoretically it should be good for an indefinite period. How often should the coolant liquid be changed? If foam appears, the cooling system’s efficiency might be reduced) (Coolant has special additives in it that prevents foam from forming. (Prevents limestone deposits and others similar to it which could reduce the cooling system’s efficiency) (The fluid will not attack the metals it comes in contact with and it won’t destroy it over time) However, besides these well known benefits, there are also others worth mentioning: Also protects the engine from freezing during winter. Has the role of helping the engine to cool in the summer time (it keeps the engine from boiling over). Coolant in the summer time works as an anti-boil and protects the system components from corrosion, which is a big deal especially with aluminum components. It lowers the freeze point of the coolant to protect it from freezing, even in the worst winter conditions. This is the reason coolant is mixed with distilled water in a minimum 50/50 proportion.

#Auto coolant color crack#

Also in wintertime, water solidifies (freezes) and expands in volume which can crack your engine block, radiator and heater cores. In the summer time, cooling can be obtained using plain water in an emergency situation although not recommended much beyond this since it’s much easier to boil over as well. If an engine is used without coolant (antifreeze), it can suffer extended damage especially during winter. Not many know the importance of the different colors that are available today. “The coolant is one of those fluids that everyone ignores and ends up being forgotten and used for years and years in the car’s cooling system.