How to Know Which Coolant is Right for Your Car
If you thought all coolants were the same, think again. Just as there are different engine oils to suit different vehicles, the same applies with coolants.
In choosing a coolant you need to take several factors into account, such as the make and age of your vehicle. And once you find the right coolant, stick with it. Mixing different coolants is not advisable.
Why OAT Coolant is a Great Choice
Just to make it a little more confusing, coolants range from IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology) and HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) to OAT coolant (Organic Acid Technology).
Remember, the coolant is there not only to cool your engine, but also to protect it against freezing in colder climes. So, as well as containing antifreeze, it also includes additives, to protect against corrosion.
One great feature about OAT coolant is its versatility. It can be used for all diesel and gasoline vehicles, for both on-road and off-road use.
Safer, and More Environmentally Friendly
It is also phosphate-free, nitrite-free, silicate -free, and borate-free. Why is this good? For starters, it means the coolant will last longer, which is great for your vehicle, and your wallet.
Being phosphate-free also meets the requirements of European and North American OEMs – or original equipment manufacturer. Being nitrite, silicate, and borate free meets the requirements of Asian OEMs.
And of course, being non-toxic, the coolant is biodegradable, and better meets environmental and occupational health and safety requirements.
Extend Service Intervals and Safe Money
OAT coolants can deliver reliable cooling system protection for an amazing 1,000,000 miles of on-road use – without the use of Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCAs). This will extend your service intervals and reduce maintenance costs.
In choosing the best coolant for your vehicle, you’re looking for one that is as chemically stable as possible. Therefore OAT coolants fit the bill perfectly.
Coolant also needs to be compatible with your vehicle, resist sedimentation, be suitable for hard water, and prevent corrosion. Again, OAT coolants are ideal.
Essential for Hot and Cold
One thing is for sure – all vehicles need coolant. In very cold weather, if you don’t use antifreeze, you could be in all sorts of trouble. Remember, water expands when it freezes. If this happens inside your vehicle’s cooling system, expect severe engine damage.
OAT coolants also work by keeping your engine cool in hot weather. Engines have got smaller and smaller over time – and the smaller it is, the hotter it will get.
Believe it or not, the amount of heat generated can be the same as the heat required to warm a house in freezing conditions!
Make Life Easier with Prediluted Coolant
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the more coolant you add, the better protected your vehicle will be. Coolant/antifreeze needs water to work efficiently. The recommended ratio is 50:50. Never use more than 60% coolant.
The type of water you mix with the coolant is important, too. One easy solution is to use a prediluted OAT coolant, that is 50% coolant and 50% de-ionized water.
Choosing the correct coolant for your vehicle, and renewing it as per manufacturer’s instructions, all comes down to good maintenance. And the better you maintain your vehicle, the better it will perform, and the longer it will last.