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What Antifreeze Does My Car Need? How to Choose Antifreeze With Confidence

What Antifreeze Does My Car Need? How to Choose Antifreeze With Confidence

Whether you’re preparing for the frigid UK winters or the sweltering summers, you know your car needs antifreeze to keep it running smooth. But what antifreeze does my car need? We’re going to help you choose antifreeze with confidence in this guide so you can give your vehicle the care it deserves!

It’s as simple as resorting to the specific recommendations for your specific make and model. This can be found in your owner’s manual or a quick search online. That being said, we’ll also discuss the role of driving conditions/climate and help you distinguish between the different types of antifreeze.

But no matter what antifreeze you need for your car, one thing remains true: you can trust Jennychem to provide the most efficient, reliable antifreeze for cars in the UK!

What Antifreeze Does to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smooth

Before we discuss what antifreeze to use in your vehicle, why is this fluid so essential? It performs several crucial functions that go beyond just preventing your engine's coolant from freezing. 

Temperature Regulation: A Year-Round Priority

The primary role of antifreeze, or engine coolant, is to carry heat away from the engine to the radiator, where it is dissipated into the air. This process is vital for preventing overheating and maintaining optimal operating temperatures regardless of external conditions. 

Antifreeze achieves this through its high boiling point and low freezing point, ensuring fluidity in a wide temperature range. The specific boiling and freezing points can vary depending on the concentration of antifreeze to water, with a common mixture being 50/50, which can handle temperatures from -37°C to 129°C.

You may be wondering…is antifreeze the same as coolant? Not necessarily. We wrote a complete guide on the subject if you want to learn more. That being said, let’s look beyond this fluid’s role in temperature regulation.

Corrosion Prevention: Ensuring Engine Longevity

Engine coolant also plays a significant role in preventing corrosion within the engine and cooling system. 

Quality antifreeze formulations include additives that create a protective layer over the metal parts of the engine and its components. This protective barrier is essential for preventing rust and corrosion, which can lead to leaks, engine block damage, and cooling system failure. 

The inclusion of inhibitors in antifreeze formulations specifically targets the protection of metals such as aluminum, cast iron, and copper found in various engine parts.

The benefits of these protective properties are evident in the longevity of the engine and the cooling system components. High-quality antifreeze can significantly extend the life of your vehicle's engine by reducing the wear and tear on these parts, ultimately leading to fewer repairs and lower costs over time.

That being said, does it matter which antifreeze I use?

Does it Matter Which Antifreeze I Use?

The short answer is yes, it absolutely matters which antifreeze you use. The choice of antifreeze is crucial for both the compatibility and overall health of your engine.

Compatibility and Engine Health

Antifreeze comes in different types, each formulated to work with specific engine materials and cooling system components. Using the wrong type can lead to chemical reactions that may damage internal parts. 

For example, some modern engines are constructed with a high amount of aluminum and require an antifreeze that includes additives to protect against corrosion specific to aluminum parts. 

Choosing an antifreeze compatible with your car's engine materials is critical to prevent corrosion, scaling, and a variety of other issues that can impair engine performance and longevity.

The Risks of Mismatched Antifreeze

The consequences of using the wrong antifreeze can be significant. Here are some risks associated with using mismatched antifreeze:

  • Corrosion: Wrong antifreeze types can lead to accelerated corrosion within the cooling system, particularly if the coolant is not formulated to protect the metals in your engine.
  • Gelling: Incompatible coolants can react with each other, leading to gel formation that clogs the cooling system, affecting heat dissipation and potentially causing engine overheating.
  • Reduced Lifespan: The use of incorrect antifreeze can reduce the overall lifespan of the engine and cooling system components due to increased wear from chemical imbalances.
  • Warranty Void: Many manufacturers stipulate the use of a specific type of antifreeze. Use of an alternative type may void your vehicle’s warranty.
  • Cooling System Failure: In extreme cases, incorrect antifreeze can cause complete cooling system failure, leading to expensive repairs or even engine replacement.

As you can see, this isn’t something to take lightly. So what antifreeze does my car need? Don’t stress over the risks we’ve just described, as we’ll help you avoid them altogether with a thorough breakdown of how to choose antifreeze correctly below!

What Antifreeze Does My Car Need? 

Understanding the specific needs of your car is paramount when it comes to maintaining your vehicle's performance and extending the life of its engine. This is even more pronounced when selecting the right antifreeze. 

Antifreeze isn't just a one-type-fits-all solution, the variety is as vast as the models of cars on the road. So, let’s talk about the different styles and guide you through what antifreeze to use.

The Different Types of Antifreeze

Antifreeze is primarily classified into four main types based on their additive technologies:

  • IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology): This is the traditional green-coloured antifreeze that has been used in older vehicles. It contains silicates and phosphates that offer excellent protection against corrosion but usually has a shorter service life, requiring more frequent changes.
  • OAT (Organic Acid Technology): Typically found in an orange or red colour, OAT antifreeze has a longer life and is free from silicates and phosphates. It uses organic acids to prevent corrosion and is often used in newer models of cars.
  • HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology): This is a combination of IAT and OAT technologies and is often dyed yellow or turquoise. It provides the rapid protection of IAT with the extended life of OAT antifreeze.
  • Si-OAT (Silicated Organic Acid Technology): A variant of OAT with added silicates for extra protection, common in many European vehicles.

Now with a better understanding of the main types of antifreeze you’ll come across, it’s just a matter of choosing the right one for your vehicle. And you won’t have to look far, your vehicle’s manufacturer makes this information easily accessible.

Deciphering Manufacturer Recommendations

The manufacturer's recommendation is the first place to look when determining what antifreeze to use in your car. The vehicle's owner's manual will specify not just the type of antifreeze but also any industry standards it should meet, such as ASTM, SAE, or OEM-specific standards. 

It's crucial to follow these guidelines as they are based on extensive research and testing by the manufacturer for optimal engine performance and longevity. If you lost your vehicle’s manual a quick internet search for your specific make and model is the next best thing.

Or, you can always reach out to us directly here at Jennychem. Our expert customer service team is a click or call away ready to help you choose the right antifreeze!

Assessing Your Driving Environment

Consider the climate in which you drive. Antifreeze needs to have excellent freezing point depression to avoid freezing in the engine's cooling system in extremely cold environments. Conversely, the boiling point elevation property of the antifreeze is critical to prevent overheating in hotter climates.

The good news? Here at Jennychem you’ll gain access to antifreeze rated for as low as -70 degrees! Your vehicle is safely protected from these harsh UK winters.

Now That You Know How to Choose Antifreeze, Get the Right Solution at Jennychem!

Selecting the right antifreeze is non-negotiable when it comes to the health and efficiency of your vehicle's engine. Jennychem stands out in the market for several compelling reasons:

  • Advanced Inhibitor Technology: Our products are formulated with advanced inhibitor packages that ensure your engine runs smoothly for years. With a 5-year life for our Red Antifreeze and a 3-year package for the Blue variant, you're investing in long-term performance.
  • Global Standards Compliance: We pride ourselves on meeting stringent global standards like ASTM D3306. This ensures that our antifreeze is not only effective but also kind to the vital components of your engine.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Jennychem takes the lead with eco-friendly formulations that minimize ecological footprints without compromising on engine protection.

You can leverage our expert customer service on standby ready to help you feel confident choosing the right antifreeze for your make and model, too. 

And, you’ll find all your other vehicle maintenance essentials in our catalog as well. That includes snow foam, screenwash, car shampoo, ad blue for sale, air freshener, and more.

We’ve talked about what antifreeze to use in general, and we hope you feel a bit more confident in choosing the right type. But let’s get more specific - what antifreeze does my car need from Jennychem?

Red Coolant & Antifreeze: The Long-Term Protector

Ideal for:

  • Vehicles that originally contain red antifreeze.
  • High-performance engines, including turbo-charged petrol and diesel engines.
  • Owners looking for extended protection with a 5-year inhibitor package.
  • Environments where a high-grade anti-corrosion requirement is needed for aluminum components.
  • Blue Coolant & Antifreeze: The General Duty Expert

    Ideal for:

  • Light-duty automotive applications.
  • Passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles.
  • Drivers seeking an effective, general-purpose antifreeze with a 3-year life cycle.
  • Conditions requiring broad temperature operational capabilities.
  • Pink Coolant & Antifreeze: The Hybrid Specialist

    Ideal for:

  • OEMs requiring a blend of organic technology and traditional mineral technology.
  • Both petrol and diesel engines seeking an extended life antifreeze with 5 years or 250,000 km efficacy for passenger vehicles (1,000,000 km for commercial vehicles).
  • Operators looking for environmentally friendly options without borates, phosphates, nitrites, and amines.
  • Engines, that require superior corrosion protection (especially aluminum engines)
  • Tips on Using Your Antifreeze

    Now that you know what antifreeze to use, here are a few quick tips on using it correctly:

    • Dilution Ratios: Dilute Jennychem coolants according to the provided guidelines to achieve optimal freeze protection and corrosion inhibition. For instance, a 1:1 dilution ratio of the Red Antifreeze provides protection up to -40 degrees Celsius and is recommended for most user scenarios.
    • Water Quality: Use distilled or deionized water when diluting your antifreeze to prevent the introduction of impurities and minerals that can diminish the efficacy of the coolant and lead to build-up in the cooling system.
    • Storage: Store your Jennychem antifreeze in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Ensure the storage container is sealed tightly to prevent contamination and evaporation. Suitable storage materials include mild steel, lacquer-lined, or HDPE containers.
    • Mixing: Never mix different types of antifreeze without consulting a professional. Mixing can cause chemical reactions that reduce the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors and can lead to coolant system damage.
    • Regular Checks: Check the coolant level regularly and inspect the system for leaks. A low coolant level can indicate a leak, which should be addressed promptly to avoid engine overheating and damage.
    • Maintenance Schedule: Follow the recommended replacement schedule for your chosen Jennychem coolant to maintain optimal engine performance and protection. Over time, coolant can become acidic and lose its ability to protect your engine from corrosion and overheating.
    • Disposal: Dispose of old antifreeze in accordance with local environmental regulations. Do not pour it down the drain or onto the ground as it can contaminate water sources and harm wildlife.

    Explore our blog for more resources on antifreeze and car maintenance in general. We’ve written articles like can you put antifreeze in screenwash, how to unfreeze screenwash in car, what happens if you don't dilute screen wash, how much adblue to add, where to put screenwash, how much screen wash a car holds, windscreen washer not working, how to dry car after washing, how to use snow foam with pressure washer, and more.

    At this point, though, it’s time we brought our conversation on what antifreeze to use to a close.

    Closing Thoughts on What Antifreeze to Use

    That concludes our guide on how to choose antifreeze. So, what antifreeze does my car need? 

    • Blue: general-purpose, light-duty automotive vehicles.
    • Pink: petrol and diesel engines.
    • Red: petrol and diesel engines (including turbo engines)

    In selecting the right antifreeze for your vehicle, you're not just choosing a product; you're investing in the health and efficiency of your engine. 

    Whether you go for the long-term resilience of Jennychem's red coolant & antifreeze, the reliable performance of the blue, or the advanced hybrid technology in the pink, you're ensuring your vehicle operates at its peak in all conditions.

    From snow foam or car shampoo to the best car screenwash, the best drying towel for cars, the best air freshener for car, weed killer, de-icing salt, and a whole lot more - you can trust Jennychem with your chemical needs.

    Your engine is the heart of your vehicle. Protect it with Jennychem's range of antifreezes, where quality meets innovation to keep you moving. Trust in our formulas to safeguard your vehicle against the rigors of temperature extremes and the threats of corrosion!

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