How to Choose the Best Antifreeze for Your Vehicle
Antifreeze colors aren’t meant to be confusing, but with so many options and so little information differentiating your options, it can be tough to choose. We put together a few tips to help explain what antifreeze does, why there are so many colors of antifreeze, and how to pick the right antifreeze for your vehicle.
What Is Antifreeze?
Antifreeze is a chemical compound that lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of water. Automotive antifreeze is typically made from compounds. Both types of antifreeze are used in other applications as well, including HVAC chillers and other refrigeration equipment. The two different types of antifreeze are:
Ethylene glycol - The most cost-effective compound, ethylene glycol is used in most automotive antifreeze applications.
Propylene glycol is less toxic but doesn’t provide the same degree of protection in extreme heat or cold. It is used primarily in applications that risk ingestion, such as food processing equipment.
What Does Antifreeze Do?
In car engines, it prevents water in the cooling system from freezing in cold weather and boiling in hot weather. Frozen water expands, which risks serious damage. Boiling water is equally harmful, as it can cause the engine to overheat.
Most antifreeze products also include additives that prevent corrosion in the cooling system.
Antifreeze vs. Coolant: So Are They The Same Thing?
Practically speaking, antifreeze is a coolant component. Technically speaking, antifreeze is the chemical added to water to prevent freezing and overheating. Coolant is the mixture of antifreeze and water circulating in your engine’s cooling system.
Does Antifreeze Color Matter?
Yes, different types of antifreeze formulations offer better protection for different kinds of engines. That said, the color is only used to identify different formulations; think of antifreeze colors as quick-reference labels for each formulation.
How to Choose the Right Antifreeze
Consult your owner’s manual to find the best antifreeze for your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Most antifreeze manufacturers offer antifreeze color charts to help you find the right antifreeze.
You should definitely check your manual, but here’s a quick look at antifreeze colors by the manufacturer in most cases:
Can You Mix Antifreeze Colors?
Not unless you’re absolutely sure they’re compatible - and most aren’t. Mixing different colors of antifreeze can lead to several potential issues, including:
Decreased performance
Gelling and sludge
Deposit buildup
Corrosion
Overheating
If you aren’t sure what antifreeze is in your vehicle, it’s best to bring it into Garfield Auto for a coolant flush. Cooling flushes remove old coolant so you can be sure you have the right antifreeze, without mixing compounds.
Find the Right Antifreeze and Coolant Flushing in Traverse City
For over fifty years, we’ve offered our northern Michigan neighbors reliable, affordable coolant services and expert advice on antifreeze, motor oil, and other automotive decisions. Our highly trained technicians always provide trustworthy recommendations and dependable service.
Schedule an appointment with us today.