Pink Engine Coolant
06-15-2010 | 08:18 AM
#11
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 53
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From: Bradenton, FL
06-16-2010 | 02:56 AM
#14
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,796
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From: Midwest City, OK
Kevin, you should read the link I posted earlier in this thread. The short answer is, yes, coolants are different and it can result in problems should you mix different types.
06-16-2010 | 03:00 AM
#15
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,796
Likes: 366
From: Midwest City, OK
Keep it near the min line if you plan on duplicating such feats of daring do.
06-16-2010 | 03:56 AM
#16
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,191
Likes: 5
From: Boston, MA
stolen from h ttp://howtomatthew.blogspot.com/2009/05/types-of-coolant-and-antifreeze.html
IAT coolants are the "traditional green" variety used in virtually all American vehicles from the late 1920s to the mid to late 1990s. Like all antifreeze, it is naturally clear; its color comes from dye. Unlike the other types of antifreeze, it uses silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors to protect the metal parts of the engine and cooling system. However, these inhibitors wear out quickly, so IAT type coolants need to be flushed every two years or 30,000 miles.
OAT coolants typically do not use silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors. Different manufacturers use different chemical additives to battle rust and corrosion, and they all dye their coolants different colors. GM's ubiquitous DEX-COOL coolant is an OAT antifreeze dyed orange. Toyota, Volkswagen, and Audi all use their own formulas that happen to be dyed pink. Honda uses a dark green dye. OAT coolants have longer service lives than IAT coolants, needing to be flushed every 5 years or 150,000 miles.
HOAT coolants use different additives than OAT, but also use some silicate to protect aluminum surfaces. Modern Ford, Chrysler, and most European vehicles use their own HOAT coolant formulas. Ford's is dyed yellow and Chrysler's is orange (not to be confused with DEX-COOL). Both use the marketing name of GO-5. HOAT coolant has the same service interval as OAT (5 years or 150,000 miles).
Review the chart below for a quick guide to coolant types.
Summary
* IAT - Used in early to mid-late 90's Domestic vehicles
* OAT - Used in late 90's GM and most Asian vehicles
* HOAT - Used in 2000's Fords, Chryslers, and most European vehicles
Coolant Cocktails?
Although you can mix coolant types without harm, it is highly recommended against. If you mix an OAT or HOAT with an IAT, you will lose the extended service life of the OAT or HOAT coolant. Some people say that if you mix these types of coolant it can result in the coolant gelling, but if you keep your cooling system well maintained, this should not be a problem. In general, do not make coolant cocktails!
IAT coolants are the "traditional green" variety used in virtually all American vehicles from the late 1920s to the mid to late 1990s. Like all antifreeze, it is naturally clear; its color comes from dye. Unlike the other types of antifreeze, it uses silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors to protect the metal parts of the engine and cooling system. However, these inhibitors wear out quickly, so IAT type coolants need to be flushed every two years or 30,000 miles.
OAT coolants typically do not use silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors. Different manufacturers use different chemical additives to battle rust and corrosion, and they all dye their coolants different colors. GM's ubiquitous DEX-COOL coolant is an OAT antifreeze dyed orange. Toyota, Volkswagen, and Audi all use their own formulas that happen to be dyed pink. Honda uses a dark green dye. OAT coolants have longer service lives than IAT coolants, needing to be flushed every 5 years or 150,000 miles.
HOAT coolants use different additives than OAT, but also use some silicate to protect aluminum surfaces. Modern Ford, Chrysler, and most European vehicles use their own HOAT coolant formulas. Ford's is dyed yellow and Chrysler's is orange (not to be confused with DEX-COOL). Both use the marketing name of GO-5. HOAT coolant has the same service interval as OAT (5 years or 150,000 miles).
Review the chart below for a quick guide to coolant types.
Summary
* IAT - Used in early to mid-late 90's Domestic vehicles
* OAT - Used in late 90's GM and most Asian vehicles
* HOAT - Used in 2000's Fords, Chryslers, and most European vehicles
Coolant Cocktails?
Although you can mix coolant types without harm, it is highly recommended against. If you mix an OAT or HOAT with an IAT, you will lose the extended service life of the OAT or HOAT coolant. Some people say that if you mix these types of coolant it can result in the coolant gelling, but if you keep your cooling system well maintained, this should not be a problem. In general, do not make coolant cocktails!
