For example, Toyota has green and red, but it depends on the year and model of the vehicle as to which kind is needed. Various aftermarket companies and vehicle manufacturers use different colors. You can also check with your (manufacturer) dealership parts department. Check in your owners manual to see exactly which type of coolant to add to your vehicle. However just because it’s the same color doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the same type. Typically orange or yellow.Īs a quick guide, if your topping up the coolant levels, use the same color as is in the vehicle already. This has silicates and has an extended life lasting up to 5 years. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)- A mix of the above two types of coolant.Provides high-temperature protection for aluminum. Organic Acid Technology (OAG)- Found in most newer cars, does not contain silicates or phosphates but has azoles and neutralized organic acids (corrosion inhibitors).Lasts around 2 years. Usually bright green. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAG)-Typically used in older cars up until the mid-90s in the U.S, contains phosphates (corrosion inhibitors) and silicates.They do however recommend multiple brands of green and red types of antifreeze.Coolant colors yellow and red 3 main types of coolant You might also note Cummins, Cat and Detroit do not recommend orange antifreeze at all. Currently, orange has been made safe for all radiator types. It was death to copper radiators, and that's where half the confusion lies. Orange antifreeze (Dex-Cool) has historically been used by GM in aluminum radiators only. Where as the Ford, Chevy and Dodge Antifreeze isnt nearly as backwards compatible with Cat, Cummins and Detroit engines. One thing I did notice is pretty much all the Heavy Engine Manufactures Coolant's will work in the next engine. While reading through the Coolant Matrix chart, and everything becoming clear as mud. Footnote 13 contains a link "Coolant Matrix" Scroll to the footnotes at the very bottom. I found a pretty good link from WIKI on this subject. You regularly use test strips to monitor conditions of your cooling system, and use pre-charged coolant cartridges as required. Water only will ALWAYS lead to catastrophic engine failure if operated for an extended period.ģ. Any color antifreeze is ALWAYS going to be a much better bet than letting it go dry or filling with water. For a non healthy engine, any antifreeze will do as youll probably be draining, flushing and replacing the entire volume ASAP. In that case you are headed to a heavy truck dealer for parts or a repair shop that "knows" what coolant is compatible with your heavy truck engine. Topping off is only necessary once or twice a year, and it would not affect SCA or other additives in a negative way.Ģ. If not, the coolant system is not healthy and should be serviced. A radiator should never need refilled unless done intentional as an act of regular service maintenance. Topping off is not the same as refilling. I would revise that and say it would be safer (in a pinch) to top off "any color antifreeze" with green.ġa. In that case as stated in the Matrix (see link below) its ok to top off with any color as long as you dont go over 10% of total volume. Your engine is in good shape, and your just topping off the coolant system. Click to expand.In regards to my first post, it was assuming a few things:ġ.
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