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Protect your engine in the cold with the right antifreeze

Protect your engine in the cold with the right antifreeze


Buying the right antifreeze is more than just matching the color of your old coolant, you need antifreeze designed specifically for your engine.
Types of antifreeze
Most antifreeze are actually liquids and mixtures of coolant and antifreeze. Most engines are designed to use a specific type of antifreeze, so check your owner’s manual to use the best antifreeze for your vehicle.
Inorganic Acid Technology ( IAT ): Most cars built between the 1920s and 1990s use IAT . This antifreeze contains silicates and phosphates that help prevent metal corrosion, making IAT an effective antifreeze to use in radiators. Although transparent in nature, it is dyed bright green for easy identification and must be cleaned every 48,000 km.
Organic Acid Technology ( OAT): All General Motors, Volkswagen, Honda and Toyota vehicles all use antifreeze. It does not have the anticorrosiveness of IAT antifreeze , mostly because antifreeze is used in engines with aluminum radiators, but it lasts longer. OAT antifreeze is green to red in color and must be cleaned every 42,000 km.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology ( HOAT ): This antifreeze uses the same compounds as OAT antifreeze , so it lasts longer than IAT antifreeze , but nitrates and silicates have been added to help prevent corrosion. Most automakers in Asia and Europe use HOAT deflectors , as well as newer Chrysler vehicles. It is usually yellow or orange and must be scanned every 240,000 km.
Tips for using antifreeze

  • Do not mix two or more antifreezes together. Instead, clean the antifreeze completely before using a new type. Antifreeze should only be mixed with water to make it less viscous and more effective.
  • Antifreeze compounds are very sensitive and can react with any additional chemicals in the water.
  • Use distilled water for best results.
  • Never use HOAT or OAT antifreeze on older cars that originally used IAT antifreeze because they can damage the engine.

Factors to consider when buying antifreeze
These additional factors must be considered when buying antifreeze.

  • Propylene glycol or ethylene glycol: Antifreeze is either made of propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol transfers heat less efficiently, and more is needed to obtain lower freezing temperatures, but it is more viscous and less toxic than ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is more efficient and found in lower temperatures, but it is very toxic and can irritate the skin.
  • Diesel or Gas Engine: Diesel engines require a special antifreeze with supplemental coolant additive ( SCA ) to protect against cylinder wall corrosion. SCA also helps neutralize acids and can extend the life of your diesel engine.
  • The correct antifreeze is sent down to the vehicle manufacturer depending on the type of engine and weather. Always use antifreeze rated below the lowest temperature in the area and never mix it with other antifreezes.

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