There are so many essential fluids that keep your vehicle running reliably - the fuel itself, engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, even car screen wash can’t be overlooked. Let’s not forget antifreeze, though.

This vital fluid regulates the cooling system temperature to prevent freezing in harsh winter weather and safeguard against overheating in the scorching summer or in intense driving conditions. These days it’s also equipped with anti-corrosive properties.

But given all the antifreeze types you have at your disposal it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Today, we’re going to highlight one of the most common types: organic acid technology, or OAT. So what is OAT antifreeze exactly, and is it the right option for your vehicle?

This style contains additives that extend the time between flushes. Learn all about the OAT antifreeze meaning below including a comparison with other styles and how to mix it properly. 

Or, simply head over to Jennychem for the best selection of antifreeze in the UK. Give your vehicle the care it deserves and enjoy peace of mind every time you hit the road!

Quick Overview of Antifreeze and Coolant

First, let’s touch on what antifreeze is - and what the term coolant means as well. After all, these are commonly used interchangeably. 

So is coolant the same as antifreeze? Not quite. Antifreeze is a concentrated liquid that then gets mixed with water to form coolant - which is what actually goes in your vehicle. 

The reason you need antifreeze is primarily for engine temperature regulation. It prevents freezing in sub-zero conditions which could cause expansion of the engine block and subsequent cracks - which would be costly to repair. 

But it also shields against overheating during warmer months, while towing heavy loads, or driving on long road trips. It maintains the status quo so your engine performs optimally.

Meanwhile, it contains additives that inhibit corrosion, protect vital engine components, and guarantee efficient heat transfer. It’s one of the most important protective fluids for this reason.

Different formulations are designed to meet the needs of specific engines, so which engine coolant for my car? Is it OAT antifreeze? Let’s find out below. 

What is OAT Antifreeze?

So what is OAT antifreeze? As we said from the start the OAT antifreeze meaning stands for Organic Acid Technology. As the name suggests, this modern type of engine coolant is formulated with organic acid-based inhibitors.

This is distinct from traditional antifreeze. So what is antifreeze made of typically? It relies on inorganic additives like silicates and phosphates. On the other hand, OAT antifreeze provides long-term corrosion protection for the metal components within your vehicle's cooling system.

OAT is most powerful in vehicles with aluminium and other lightweight alloys - both of which are commonplace in today’s engines. But the real benefit comes from its incredibly long life. 

Depending on the manufacturer, OAT can last up to 5 years or 250,000 kilometres for passenger vehicles. This means you can go much longer between coolant flush and fills, saving time, money, and stress without putting your vehicle at risk.

Its silicate-free composition minimises scale deposits as well to keep the cooling system cleaner and functioning optimally. Whether it’s right for you or not is something we’ll take a closer look at below - but what colour is OAT antifreeze usually? 

What Colour is OAT Antifreeze?

OAT antifreeze is typically orange, red, or sometimes pink, depending on the manufacturer. There’s a reason for this colour-coding system: it helps you differentiate between types if you aren’t sure which is in your coolant reservoir.

But while colour is a helpful visual cue, it’s not a definitive indicator of compatibility. Different brands may use similar colours for varying formulations. That’s why it’s always best to consult your vehicle’s manual or product specifications to confirm you’re using the correct coolant type. 

After all, choosing the wrong antifreeze can lead to corrosion, cooling system damage, or reduced performance. Don’t worry - we’re here to help you avoid these concerns. 

We have a more detailed guide addressing the general question, what colour is antifreeze? There, you’ll learn all about the corresponding colours for each of the main antifreeze types. Speaking of which, let’s weigh your options below.

Comparison With Other Antifreeze Types

We know you came here to learn about the OAT antifreeze meaning, but whether or not it’s the right style for you is all dependent on your specific vehicle make and model - along with your preferences for time between flush and fills or corrosion protection.

IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology)

This is the traditional formula used in older vehicles. It relies on inorganic additives like silicates and phosphates to prevent corrosion and is very effective in the short term.

This comes at the cost of longevity, though. IAT antifreeze requires more frequent replacement - usually every 2 years or 50,000 kilometres. 

Moreover, the additives can break down over time and leave scale deposits that can clog cooling systems. IAT is best reserved for older engines with cast iron and copper components.

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

The best of both worlds between IAT and OAT. This style combines both organic acids and inorganic additives like silicates for enhanced protection, serving as a middle ground between longevity and immediate corrosion prevention.

HOAT antifreeze typically lasts 3 to 5 years or up to 250,000 kilometres, depending on the specific formulation. It’s not always compatible with vehicles requiring pure OAT antifreeze though, so always check your manual.

Universal Antifreeze

Want to eliminate the guesswork of choosing an antifreeze? A universal formulation might be best. These are designed to work across a wide range of vehicles in place of OAT, HOAT, or IAT. 

However, they say a jack of all trades is a master of none, and this is a good example of it. Universal antifreeze may not provide the same level of protection for specific engine types. It’s convenient for mixed fleets, though. 

So Which is Right For You?

Only you can determine which antifreeze is best for you based on your engine’s material, age, and manufacturer recommendations. As a general rule of thumb, OAT is best for modern vehicles with aluminium components and those requiring extended coolant life.

But if you car is older or has specific corrosion protection needs, IAT or HOAT may be more suitable. The only way to know for sure what you need is consulting your vehicle’s owner’s manual or running a search online.

There is technically an easier way, though - you can always reach out to our customer service experts here at Jennychem for a personalised recommendation. After all, we’re your trusted choice for the best antifreeze in the UK!

Shop Jennychem, the UK’s Trusted Source for Antifreeze Today!

Jennychem has earned the trust of both individual vehicle owners and businesses with large fleets across the UK. We provide high-quality products backed by world-class customer service along the way, allowing for the most seamless antifreeze shopping experience online.

With decades of experience, we pride ourselves on offering products that meet rigorous standards so you can rest assured that you’re giving your car the protection it deserves. You can also count on us to provide an accurate assessment of which is best for you:

• Blue Anti-Freeze (BS6580): A reliable option for older vehicles with 2 years of corrosion protection and compatibility with traditional engine materials.
• Red Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Long-life OAT formulation designed for modern engines, providing up to 5 years of corrosion resistance and optimal performance.
• Pink Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Combines OAT and silicate technology for extended life protection, ideal for mixed-metal engines and high-performance vehicles.
• Universal Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Versatile and compatible with both older and modern engines, offering excellent heat transfer and corrosion protection in extreme conditions.

We have all the other essentials for keeping your car in tip-top shape, too - including windscreen de icer, bulk adblue, and professional car cleaning products UK vehicle owners love such as our traffic film remover, snow foam, Vikan brush, and so many more.

So, secure the optimal antifreeze today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle is protected for the long haul. Before wrapping things up here are some quick tips on mixing OAT antifreeze.

Tips on Mixing OAT Antifreeze and Filling Your Vehicle

So can you mix antifreeze on your own? Definitely! It will save you a good chunk of change at the auto shop, and it’s easier than you think. However, it’s important to take careful steps to get the job done right, as the last thing you want is to cause more harm than good.

Improper ratios cause inefficient cooling, corrosion, or even engine damage. The standard mix is typically a 50:50 ratio of OAT antifreeze and distilled water for optimal freezing and boiling protection.

But, you should take into account your driving conditions as well. For example, our Pink Antifreeze should be mixed with 2 parts water for every 1 part antifreeze down to -20°C. On the other hand, it can be used neat for protection down to -70°C.

How to Mix and Fill

Once you have the right product on hand and know the proper dilution ratio, it’s time to figure out where to put antifreeze in car and how much coolant to put in car. Here are some quick tips on getting the job done:

• Preparation: The engine must be cool before starting. While you wait, check the owner’s manual for specific guidelines on your vehicle’s coolant system.
• Mixing: If using a concentrated OAT antifreeze, measure equal parts antifreeze and distilled water (unless driving in more frigid conditions). Use a clean container to mix them thoroughly. Pre-mixed formulations skip this step.
• Filling: Open the coolant reservoir cap and carefully pour the mixture into the tank, filling to the recommended level. Avoid overfilling since this can cause pressure imbalances.
• Bleeding Air: Start the engine after filling and let it run briefly to circulate the coolant and remove air bubbles. Check the level again and top up if necessary.

Couple of other things to note here. For one, you should only use distilled water to avoid introducing impurities that may cause scaling or corrosion. 

You also need to take care to avoid mixing OAT antifreeze with other types (IAT or HOAT), as this can reduce effectiveness and lead to gelling. Of course, you should always wear gloves and goggles to prevent skin or eye contact with antifreeze, since it’s technically toxic.

When to Replace OAT Antifreeze

There you have it, mixing OAT antifreeze is fairly simple! But how often should this be done? OAT typically lasts up to 5 years or 240,000 kilometres. 

That being said, you should learn how to check coolant level in car to make sure you’re replacing it earlier if needed. Watch out for discolouration, sediment, or reduced coolant levels. It’s a good idea to always flush the system when switching to a new type of antifreeze, too.

Our blog has additional resources on how much is antifreeze, at what temperature does a car need antifreeze, does the car need to be running when adding coolant, how to drain coolant from car, how to dispose of antifreeze, and more.

At this point, though, it’s time we left you with a few parting thoughts on the OAT antifreeze meaning and wrapped this guide up.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to the OAT Antifreeze Meaning

So, what is OAT antifreeze? In closing, this long-lasting antifreeze concentrate provides protection against corrosion and maintains optimal engine performance. It’s one of the most popular for modern engines today. 

Our blog has additional resources on windscreen washer not working, what salt works best to melt ice, homemade deicer, how to deice car windows, screenwash frozen, why they spread salt on the roads in winter, and more.

But from the best deicer for car to the best snow foam, the best car polish, the best car windscreen cleaner, and even the best OAT antifreeze, Jennychem has everything you need to keep your car looking and performing its best.

So, protect your vehicle with our trusted antifreeze solutions at Jennychem, designed to perform under all conditions and deliver peace of mind for every journey!