Car engines are complicated pieces of machinery that require proper care. After all, they work hard. You might not pay much attention to what’s happening under the hood, but it’s a busy place with a lot of moving parts.
Your engine gets hot very fast. That’s why engine coolant is so important for keeping your engine from overheating as you drive from one place to another.
Believe it or not, there are different types of coolant, each designed for different cars and different purposes. This article takes at types of antifreeze to help you decide what type of antifreeze is best for the car you drive. Keep reading for important information to keep your engine running cool throughout the year.
Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT)
This type of coolant is green. It’s produced with ethylene glycol, along with silicate and phosphates in order to prevent corrosion to your engine.
IAT is not as efficient as some newer engine coolants, so if your car uses IAT, be sure to flush the engine prior to use.
Here is a resource where you can learn about PEAK OET coolants.
Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
OAT is made with a propylene glycol base and is typically orange in color. It’s generally compatible with GM, VW, and Saab cars, but always read your owner’s manual before adding this coolant to your automobile.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
This is one of the three primary categories of engine coolants and is divided into several subcategories.
HOAT is typically yellow in color, though you can also find it in yellow, pink, blue, green, and orange. Thus you’ll need to refer to the brand name rather than the color.
HOAT is made with both silicates and organic acid, which helps to protect the engine from corrosion.
Most Fords, Chryslers, and European cars use HOAT coolant.
Phosphate-Free HOAT
This type of coolant is typically turquoise. It’s made with ethylene glycol and features organic and inorganic corrosion inhibitors.
Phospate-free HOAT is also designed to protect your car’s gaskets and seals. It’s most often used in Tesla, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, VW, Saab, and Jaguar cars.
Silicated HOAT
This type of coolant is identifiable by its vibrant purple color. Silicated HOAT uses silicates and organic acids to help prevent corrosion in your engine and is free of nitrates, nitrites, borates, phosphates, amines, and imidazole.
This coolant is often used in Audi VS, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, and Bentley cars.
Phosphated HOAT
Phosphated HOAT is generally either blue or pink. This type of coolant is typically recommended vehicles manufactured in Asia due to heat transfer issues.
It’s made with carboxylates and phosphates in order to inhibit corrosion in engines.
Choosing the Right Engine Coolant for Your Car
It’s important to pay close attention to the requirements of your engine. This includes the type of engine coolant you use. Fortunately, the information contained here will help you be a more informed consumer and car owner.
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