Chances are you’re already well aware that your vehicle needs antifreeze to run smoothly in all climates - from scorching heat to freezing cold. It also protects your engine and other vehicle components from corrosion.
But what you may not know is which of the various antifreeze types is right for your car and climate. Wait, are there different types of antifreeze for cars? Indeed, there are. This can be a source of confusion and stress for many vehicle owners, but we’re here to help.
There are two ways you can differentiate the various types of car antifreeze - by technology or colour. Some of the most common are:
We’ll help you determine which is right for you below. After all, Jennychem is your trusted choice for car antifreeze regardless of your vehicle’s requirements and your specific climate. Keep reading below to learn more, or better yet, reach out now for a personalised recommendation!
Before we get into the different types of antifreeze for cars let’s take a step back and explain why this fluid is so essential in keeping your car on the road for the long haul. Why do I need to put antifreeze in my car?
Antifreeze circulates through the cooling system and absorbs excess heat from the engine before dissipating it through the radiator. It does this to prevent overheating.
But antifreeze also safeguards your engine against freezing temperatures, keeping the coolant circulating even if your car is parked outside in the frigid winter chill. Freezing would cause expansion in the engine and other components, which could cause damage.
So, what is antifreeze made of? It typically utilises either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol as the base, both of which lower the freezing point and raises the boiling point of the liquid. This is what makes it useful across all temperature extremes.
Modern antifreeze formulations also include additives like corrosion inhibitors to protect metal components from rust and scaling. This extends the life of your cooling system and saves you costly repairs down the road.
It’s clear you need antifreeze, but, are there different types of antifreeze for cars just as there are different engine oil formulations? Yes, there are - which can add to the uncertainty of maintaining your vehicle.
The need for variances in antifreeze formulations can be attributed to different materials used in engines, the evolution of automotive technology, and the environmental standards that manufacturers aim to meet.
Today’s engines are crafted from components like aluminium, which is more susceptible to corrosion than older materials. Antifreeze formulations now contain advanced corrosion inhibitors for this reason.
Newer engines operate at higher temperatures and pressures than their dated counterparts, too. Traditional antifreeze wouldn’t be able to handle these conditions without breaking down.
Of course, environmental factors also play a role. The conditions a vehicle is subjected to in Scotland differ greatly from what a vehicle would need to withstand in the Isles of Scilly.
All of this is to say, yes - there are many unique antifreeze types you have at your disposal. We’ll get into the most common below in order to help you pick the perfect formulation.
Each of the different types of antifreeze for cars is formulated with unique additives and corrosion inhibitors to align with a specific engine technology, material, and climate. Here’s a breakdown of the various antifreeze types you’ll come across:
This traditional formula is primarily used in older vehicles and identified by its green colour in North America or blue here in Europe and Asia.
Its silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors provide quick-acting protection for metals commonly found in older engines, such as copper, steel, and cast iron.
However, IAT antifreeze needs to be replaced much more frequently. So, how long does antifreeze last in a car with this type? Replacement is typically necessary after 40,000 kilometres or roughly every two years.
This type of antifreeze is usually orange or dark green. It’s formulated with organic acid-based inhibitors that provide long-lasting corrosion protection. We usually recommend it for modern engines, especially those containing aluminium and lighter alloys.
OAT antifreeze lasts far longer than IAT, typically up to 240,000 kilometres or five years. But, it’s not ideal for older vehicles since it lacks the rapid-acting inhibitors needed to protect traditional metal engine parts.
HOAT antifreeze combines the benefits of IAT and OAT for the best of both worlds: immediate and long-term corrosion protection. You’ll find it in yellow, pink, or blue.
HOAT is compatible with many engine materials, including aluminium, although it’s usually specified for European and Asian vehicles. This technology also provides a long lifespan of around 240,000 kilometres or five years. It’s a versatile option for a range of makes and models.
This specialised type of HOAT antifreeze is enhanced with stabilised silicates for better protection of aluminium engines under high-performance conditions. It’s commonly purple or pink in colour.
We see Si-OAT most frequently recommended for European brands like Volkswagen, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. These cars are known for producing high temperatures and their advanced engine materials need more advanced protection.
While each of these antifreeze types serves a specific purpose, there are some that work well across a variety of conditions - these are known as universal or “all makes” antifreeze.
They blend elements from multiple antifreeze technologies for compatibility across various engine types and materials. They’re usually yellow or clear.
This style is practical for mixed fleets or emergency top-ups. But there’s more to that “universal” label than meets the eye. We still advise you to check vehicle specifications, as not all engines will perform optimally with a one-size-fits-all solution.
You may be wondering, what colour is antifreeze? This is actually another way you can differentiate between antifreeze types. While it shouldn’t be the sole indicator in choosing your solution, it can help guide you in the right direction.
For example, green can signify IAT in some markets, while it might represent HOAT in others. Similarly, orange is often used for OAT antifreeze but may also denote certain hybrid formulas.
So, which engine coolant for my car? We’ll help you find out below.
There you have it, all the different car antifreeze types you can rely on for your vehicle. But you don’t want to mix different types. Only one is ideal for your car. Which is it? Here are some tips to steer you in the right direction.
The best place to start is the owner's manual for your vehicle, as it’ll specify the manufacturer’s recommended antifreeze type. Always fall back on this advice.
Using the wrong antifreeze can cut into your vehicle’s cooling system performance, create corrosion issues, or lead to sludge formation within the cooling system. All of these issues can damage your engine over time.
If the manual isn’t available, checking with a dealer or trusted mechanic can help ensure you’re using a compatible product. You can also run a lookup for your vehicle’s make, model, and year online.
Compatibility with your vehicle is just one aspect to consider. Your climate and driving conditions come into play as well.
You might need an antifreeze with a lower freezing point and specific additives that enhance performance in freezing temperatures if your region experiences harsh winters.
On the other hand, those who drive in hotter climates - or frequently tow/drive under heavy loads - will need an antifreeze that maintains optimal cooling capacity at higher temperatures.
What about vehicle owners who experience both extremes, though? You’ll want something that offers balanced protection. That will likely be HOAT or OAT antifreeze for year round protection.
We know that choosing among all the different types of car antifreeze can be overwhelming and stressful. You don’t want to cause more harm than good. That’s why we encourage you to reach out to the experts at Jennychem.
You’ll gain access to the best antifreeze selection online in the UK - but more importantly, you can lean on our expertise to help you pick the perfect formulation. No need to play the guessing game! Here are the different options at your fingertips in our catalogue:
You can also count on us for everything from screen wash to ad blue and even car cleaning products like snow foam! So, shop now or get in touch for guidance on the ideal types of antifreeze for your vehicle.
Switching antifreeze types isn’t always necessary, but if you’re moving to a new type to meet updated vehicle recommendations or climate needs, you need to take care in avoiding mixing two car antifreeze types.
Start by fully flushing the cooling system to remove all traces of the old antifreeze. This prevents chemical reactions that lead to sludge, corrosion, or decreased effectiveness. Simply drain old coolant, refill with distilled water, and circulate the engine briefly before draining again.
After a full flush, you can safely introduce the new antifreeze type. Our blog has resources on topics like where does antifreeze go a car, how much coolant should I put in my car, and how to dispose of antifreeze if you need more guidance.
You can also learn about the nuances between antifreeze vs coolant, how much is antifreeze, putting antifreeze in screenwash, and more. At this point, though, we want to leave you with a few final thoughts on the various types of car antifreeze.
That does it for our breakdown of the different antifreeze types for cars. While there are quite a few options at your disposal, we hope this guide has left you feeling confident and clear about which is right for you.
But if you still have any lingering doubt or simply want a personalised recommendation based on your climate, vehicle make and model, and driving conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We have all the different types of antifreeze for cars and can point you in the right direction.
So, what are you waiting for? Weigh your options at Jennychem or get in touch today to keep your engine safe in any season with Jennychem’s premium antifreeze products!
