Receiving Helpdesk

what is universal antifreeze coolant

by Mrs. Domenica Hauck DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

STP® Universal (All Season) Antifreeze/Coolant is a superior quality ethylene glycol-based engine coolant with a low silicate corrosion inhibitor package. This product protects coolant system metals, including heat-rejecting aluminum, against pitting caused by cavitation and corrosion.

Full Answer

What is in antifreeze that makes it harmful?

  • Oral ulcers/sores on the mouth
  • Salivation or drooling
  • Swollen and painful kidneys
  • Collapse
  • Coma

What is antifreeze and what does it do?

Simply put, antifreeze is an ethylene glycol-based solution used to help regulate the temperature of your car’s engine. This means that while antifreeze does help keep your engine from freezing during the frigid winter weather, it is also vital in helping to prevent overheating.

What is the best brand of antifreeze?

  • Formulated to replace the OEM fluid in Asian make vehicles such as Toyota , Lexus , Scion and others requiring a red, silicate free HOAT antifreeze/coolant
  • 5 year/150, 000 mile . Silicate-free, long-life, phosphate Hybrid Organic Acid Technology chemistry
  • The long life formula provides protection for all cooling system metals from rust and corrosion. ...

What you should know about antifreeze?

What are 10 common causes of overheating?

  • Too little or no coolant. Driving without proper levels of coolant/antifreeze may cause a coolant system failure.
  • Cooling system leaks.
  • A broken water pump.
  • Radiator issues.
  • Oil too low.
  • Thermostat failure.
  • Issues with the belts and hoses.
  • Heater core is plugged up.

Is it okay to use universal coolant?

Even so, universal coolants are formulated to mix with virtually any coolant. The makers of these product say their antifreeze can be safely used in any year, make or model of vehicle.

What does universal antifreeze mean?

Recently, many antifreeze suppliers have introduced “universal” or “global” one-size-fits-all coolants that are claimed to be compatible with any new vehicle cooling system as well as older vehicles.

Is there a universal coolant for cars?

Several coolant manufacturers claim their coolant works in all makes and all models. In other words, they want you to think their product is a universal coolant/antifreeze. I've got news for you; there's no such thing. There CANT be because the metal alloys, plastics and seals are different in every engine.

What is universal coolant made of?

Universal Liquid Most conventional green or blue coolants use an inorganic (IAT) technology to prevent corrosion, that is, they are ethylene glycol or propylene glycol based.

Can universal antifreeze be mixed with antifreeze?

You can't simply go by the color of the dye in the coolant because two coolants with similar colors may have different chemistry, and two coolants with different colors may have similar chemistry. What's more, colors can change if somebody tops off the system with a different coolant.

Is yellow antifreeze universal?

Majestic Yellow Universal Antifreeze / Coolant is a premium quality antifreeze / coolant that is compatible with all automotive and light duty truck antifreeze / coolant products. In automobiles, this antifreeze should provide service life in excess of 5 years or 150,000 miles.

Is blue antifreeze universal?

Quantum Blue concentrate Antifreeze & Summer Coolant is an economical, proprietary blend of corrosion inhibitors and additives in glycol that provides all year round protection for both diesel and petrol engines from the build up of rust and scale, freezing and overheating.

What happens if you use the wrong coolant?

Using the wrong coolant can lead to corrosion and other damages to the radiator, water pump, radiator hoses, cylinder gasket, and more. The best way to ensure you get the correct coolant is to have your vehicle maintenance performed by a professional auto technician.

Can you mix universal antifreeze with orange?

This is one of those questions usually asked after the fact, and usually engine damage has already occurred. The green and orange coolants do not mix. When mixed together they form a gel-like substance that stops coolant flow, and consequently, the engine overheats.

What color is AutoZone universal antifreeze?

YellowAutoZone Antifreeze/Coolant Universal Yellow 50/50 PREMIXED *5 Year/150K Mile Protection* 1 Gallon.

Is green and yellow antifreeze the same?

Usually (but not always) dyed orange or yellow so you could tell the difference between OAT and IAT, this coolant has similar corrosion protection as the green stuff, however they are designed to be slower acting, hence the extended-life moniker.

What color is Prestone universal antifreeze?

Prestone is yellow, but many other coolant manufacturers use different colours. “These days, there's no real reason for a coolant manufacturer to use a certain colour, so it's not easy for you to know what chemicals are in the coolant just by seeing whether it's blue, green, yellow or orange.

What coolant is used to prevent corrosion?

Most conventional green or blue coolants use an inorganic (IAT) technology to prevent corrosion, that is, they are ethylene glycol or propylene glycol based. But what about universal coolants, or those formulations that claim to be good for any year, make, and model of car?

What is OAT in car?

Several factors make them universal, most notably organic-acid technology (OAT), a uniquely concentrated single-component, multi-metal corrosion inhibitor. These contain proprietary organic acids, including carboxylate, to provide broad-spectrum protection. Many mechanics and car club members have used this newer technology without incident.

Is there a universal coolant?

These days, however, there are universal coolants on the market that provide a broad spectrum of protection.

What is universal coolant?

The basic idea behind universal coolants is to eliminate all the confusion about colors and chemistry and have one basic product that works in any vehicle regardless of year, make or model.

How long does universal coolant last?

It remains five years or 150,000 miles. If a universal coolant is added to an older vehicle that has traditional green antifreeze in the cooling system, the service interval is also the same as before: two to three years or 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

Why can't you go by the color of the coolant?

You can’t go by the color of the dye in the coolant because two coolants with similar colors may have different chemistry, and two coolants with different colors may have similar chemistry. What’s more, colors can change if somebody tops off the system with a different coolant. Advertisement.

How long does antifreeze last?

It remains five years or 150,000 miles. If a universal coolant is added to an older vehicle that has traditional green antifreeze in the cooling system, the service interval is also the same as before: two to three years or 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Advertisement.

What is an OAT coolant?

OAT-based extended-life coolants. OAT stands for Organic Acid Technology, and includes such ingredients as sebacate, 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2-EHA) and other organic acids, but no silicates or phosphates (except in the case of Toyota’s pink extended-life coolant, which adds a dose of phosphate to its extended-life OAT-based antifreeze).

Why flush a cooling system with universal coolant?

If a cooling system is being refilled with a universal coolant, the cooling system should be flushed to remove all traces of the old coolant. This is necessary to remove contaminants and to maximize the service life of the new coolant. If only the radiator is drained, up to a third of the old coolant can remain in the block.

What is green antifreeze?

Traditional North Americangreen” antifreeze, the original “universal” formula that everybody used until the introduction of today’s extended-life coolants. The fast-acting silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors provide quick protection for bare iron and aluminum surfaces, and have a proven track record of providing trouble-free service in ...

What is universal coolant?

The basic idea behind universal coolants is to eliminate all the confusion about colors and chemistry and have one basic product that works in any vehicle regardless of year, make or model. What could be simpler?

Why flush a cooling system with a universal coolant?

If a cooling system is being refilled with a universal coolant, the cooling system should be flushed to remove all traces of the old coolant. This is necessary to remove contaminants and to maximize the service life of the new coolant. If only the radiator is drained, up to a third of the old coolant can remain in the block. If the old coolant is traditional green coolant, the new universal coolant will be diluted and won’t be able to extend protection much beyond that of the original coolant.

What coolant is compatible with all cooling systems?

Makers of universal coolants say their products are formulated to be compatible with all cooling systems (foreign or domestic) and all coolant types (traditional green, OAT and OAT-hybrid with silicate). The new universal coolants use unique OAT-based corrosion packages with proprietary organic acids (such as carboxylate) to provide broad spectrum protection.

How long does an OAT coolant last?

Consequently, OAT coolants typically have a recommended service life of five years or 150,000 miles. OAT corrosion inhibitors provide excellent long term protection for aluminum and cast iron, but may not the best choice for older cooling systems that have copper/brass radiators and heater cores. It depends on the formula.

What is an OAT coolant?

OAT-based extended life coolants. OAT stands for Organic Acid Technology, and includes such ingredients as sebacate, 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2-EHA) and other organic acids, but no silicates or phosphates (except in the case of Toyota’s pink extended life coolant which adds a dose of phosphate to its extended life OAT-based antifreeze). OAT-based coolants are usually (but not always) dyed a different color to distinguish them from traditional North American green antifreeze. GM’s OAT-based Dex-Cool is orange. Volkswagen/Audi uses a similar product that is dyed pink. But Honda has an extended life OAT coolant that is dyed dark green and does not contain 2-EHA.

What are the different types of coolants?

There are orange coolants, green coolants, blue coolants, red coolants, yellow coolants, even pink ones . The proliferation of different coolant types has created a great deal of chemical confusion with motorists and technicians about what type of antifreeze should be used to top off or refill late model cooling systems.

How many types of coolants are there?

There are essentially three basic types of coolants:

What color is antifreeze?

If you are unsure what antifreeze is in your system, the antifreeze is brown, an off-color from what is recommended, or what has been put in is an HOAT “all makes” antifreeze, the best option is to plan a flush as soon as possible. Lastly, we need to discuss water, because it’s actually not the easy part!

What is antifreeze made of?

Traditional antifreeze (the old green stuff) is known as IAT antifreeze, which refers to Inorganic Acid Technology. It was fortified with silicates and phosphates, which were used primarily to keep corrosion down within the system.

What Are “All Makes” Coolants?

So what exactly are the “all makes” coolants? They are HOAT – Hybrid Organic Acid Technology. This is an Antifreeze where manufacturers use Nitrates to literally make a “tweener” antifreeze – that’s something in between IAT and OAT – meaning, it’s a jack of all trades, and a master of none. It works, and is a great alternative in a pinch, but there are better methods and options for the customer if their vehicle requires a specific antifreeze – like the Pentosin and Peak manufacturer-specific antifreezes on the market. Mixing traditional IAT (green) antifreeze with an OAT antifreeze can also cause a world of problems. In the late 90’s, Dexcool, GM’s new OAT Antifreeze suffered this wrath and for a while, garnered a horrible reputation because unknowing customers were mixing traditional green IAT antifreeze into their Dexcool systems, eventually creating a brown nasty sludge over time that many consumers faulted Dexcool for. Dexcool was not the problem.

How long does antifreeze last?

The life of IAT antifreeze breaks down heavily around 36,000 miles in the system, causing massive corrosive issues once the coolant begins to break down. It breaks down so bad, that it can even begin to conduct electricity through electrolysis and begin eating your system from the inside!

What is coolant made of?

This was especially important when the primary item that coolant was protecting from was rust in cast iron in engine blocks, heads, and other engine components in the cooling system made from iron.

What happened to IAT antifreeze?

Phosphates on the other hand, over time, dried and corroded anything rubber – like water pump seals. The life of IAT antifreeze breaks down heavily around 36,000 miles in the system, causing massive corrosive issues once the coolant begins to break down. It breaks down so bad, that it can even begin to conduct electricity through electrolysis and begin eating your system from the inside! Because of this, European and Japanese manufacturers began working on OAT, or Organic Acid Technology Antifreeze.

What is Toyota coolant?

Toyota's coolant is pink/orange. .not red, not green. The main ingredient in Toyota's coolant is actually ethylene glycol, but with additives and no silicates, best for an aluminum radiator and heads/block. It's OAT, Organic Acid technology.

What is the difference between orange and green coolant?

Technology. This is the major difference between a green coolant and an orange antifreeze. One utilizes Inorganic Additive Technology, while the other uses Organic Acid Technologies. This type of engine coolant features anti-corrosion additives.

What happens if you use the wrong antifreeze?

Subsequently, question is, what happens if you use the wrong color antifreeze? Mixing different engine coolants or using the wrong coolant canimpair the performance of the special additive packages; this canresult in increased corrosion to the radiator. Using the wrongengine coolant cangradually lead to corrosion and damage to the water pump, radiator, radiator hoses and cylinder gasket.

Do green and orange coolants mix?

This is one of those questions usually asked after the fact, and usually engine damage has already occurred. The green and orange coolants do not mix. When mixed together they form a gel-like substance that stops coolant flow and consequently the engine overheats.

Can you mix Dexcool with universal?

Mixing universal with Dexcool antifreeze will almost guarantee the mixture will gel and sludge in your cooling system.

Can you mix two different coolant colors?

You can mix two different colors of the same kind of coolant without any problem whatsoever. But if you mix a significant amount of one type in with the other type, you're weakening your corrosion inhibitors (it happened to my brother, and look at the condition he's in now).

Can you mix universal coolant with antifreeze?

Even so, universal coolants are formulated to mix with virtually any coolant. The makers of these product say their antifreeze can be safely used in any year, make or model of vehicle.

What is universal coolant?

Universal coolant is a chemical that is commonly used in vehicles to keep the engine at an optimal temperature. It’s often combined with Dexcool Antifreeze, which helps protect your car from rusting and corrosion. If you are unsure about what type of chemicals work best for your vehicle, consult with your mechanic or call up a local auto parts store to see if they can help you out.!

What is engine coolant?

What is engine coolant? Coolant (once in a while alluded to as liquid catalyst or radiator liquid) is utilized to manage your motor temperature and keep it from overheating. Is simply mixing Dexcool and universal antifreeze together safe?

What Exactly Is Dexcool Coolant?

During the 1990s, GM presented a motor coolant called Dexcool. It should last 5 years or 150,000 miles, yet there have been issues with this coolant. The cooling framework is specially designed to work against corrosion when the coolant level gets low and oxygen is allowed to enter the framework.

Can I Use Universal Coolant Instead Of Dexcool?

Yes. But make sure when you take your vehicle to a shop, have the universal antifreeze depleted completely on the off chance that you have blended in different coolants. Non-DexCool coolants will cause Dexcool to gel and become muck, which will prompt an assortment of motor issues.

What Happens If You Don’t Flush Coolant?

A corroded shading demonstrates that the rust inhibitor in the coolant has separated and it can no longer control rust and scale development. Cleaned and flush the radiator with a crisp 50/50 blend of coolant to maintain proper operation.

Why does antifreeze go bad?

Change the antifreeze on the off chance that it smells consumed. Additionally, change the inside regulator. It’s gone bad since if the car is overheating. Overheating harms the bi-metallic spring that opens and shuts the indoor regulator valve.

Can you mix Dexcool with a 1998 engine?

Most cars made before 1998 may run cooler with Dexcool coolant, while those manufactured after 1998 only use the universal stuff. If you mix both types of chemicals together and put them in your old car with a pre-1998 engine, it might cause damage to the radiator (the radiator is also not designed for such a mixture).

Does the Corolla have antifreeze?

The Corolla had a Pink antifreeze....There was some nasty/crusty BS that would form around the coolant reservoir that has gone away since the switch to Dexcool. YMMV

Is Peak 10x coolant good?

Peak 10x is a good universal coolant. Of course, nothing wrong with PGL, either.

Is Prestone 10 year coolant compatible with all modern coolants?

The Prestone 10 year coolant is compatible with all other latest modern coolants, at least going by what I have read about it. If info contrary to that, I would be interested to read/watch it.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9