5 Common Types of Coolant and Their Uses

Haven't you ever had a question about how a car keeps on working even on the hottest summer days? The secret of your car never throwing a temper tantrum is because of the savior coolant! 

It's no less than a magic liquid for a car enthusiast. Antifreeze of coolant is like a spa treatment for your car's engine. It allows it to cool the system and improve its working efficiency. However, with so many products in the market, how would you know which one is best for you?

In this guide, we are going to review the coolant types and the other key factors that you ought to be aware of!

What is Coolant?

So, before we learn about the types that are available in the market. Let us first understand what a coolant is. It is a liquid that is needed to regulate the temperature of the car’s engine. It helps in keeping the temperature balanced, ie, not too hot in the summers and not too cold in the winters. 

Why Choosing the Right Coolant Matters

Now, comes the most important question. Why do you even require a coolant? Alright, imagine this: Your car engine is dealing with corrosion, engine wear and tear, and decreased efficiency, making your car a burden to you! Proper coolant prevents all these problems and keeps the car in perfect condition.

The 5 Common Types of Coolant

1. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) Coolant

   Best for: Older vehicles (pre-2000 models)

   IAT coolant is the original green-colored antifreeze your dad may have had in his garage. Silicates and phosphates are in it to reduce rust and corrosion.

2. Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Coolant

   Best for: Modern cars, GM, VW, Honda, Toyota

   The second coolant in the list is OAT. It is normally in orange, red, or dark green color. Made of organic acids, hence it lasts for 5 years or 150,000 miles. One of the most considered products of HELLA is Coolant Advance Concentrate 1:3 1L purple for car engines. Compatible with almost all types of vehicles, it is the number one choice of car owners.  

3. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) Coolant 

   Best for: Chrysler, Ford, European brands (BMW, Mercedes)

   As the name itself indicates, HOAT is a combination of both IAT and OAT coolants. HOAT has taken the best out of both these coolants by providing long corrosion protection and not being harsh on engine parts. 

   HOAT coolant is usually colored yellow, orange, blue, or pink and lasts between 5 years or 150,000 miles.

4. Phosphate-Free Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT) Coolant

   Best for: European and Asian vehicles

   What makes P-OAT coolant a perfect choice is that it is free of silicate and phosphate. It can be used for high performance, especially for European and Asian vehicles with minimum deposits in the cooling system. It usually comes in blue or pink shades and can last 10 years or 150,000 miles.

5. Silicated Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (Si-HOAT) Coolant

   Best for: European vehicles (Audi, Porsche, VW, Mercedes)

   Si-HOAT coolants have silicates for improved protection of aluminum, which makes them suitable for engines needing high performance. It's frequently purple or pink and has the same extended lifespan features as HOAT coolants.

Benefits of Choosing the Right Coolant

1. Outstanding Cooling

   A good coolant will absorb and dissipate heat efficiently, thus keeping the engine from getting overheating.

2. Fully OAT-Based Coolant

   Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants are durable and offer greater protection against rust and corrosion.

3. Anti-Scale and Anti-Foam Properties

   An excellent coolant suppresses scaling in the radiator and minimizes foaming, providing good heat transfer and smooth functioning of the cooling system.

4. Excellent Corrosion Protection

   A corrosion-protection coolant with high protection prevents metal parts from degrading, thus increasing their lifespan.

5. Safe for Rubber and Engine Parts

   A well-formulated coolant is gentle on these components, maintaining their flexibility and preventing leaks, thus ensuring the long-term health of your vehicle’s cooling system.

Bonus Tips for Coolant Maintenance

 Don't mix coolants; it may form sludge and lower performance.

• Monitor coolant levels on a regular basis; low levels may cause overheating.
• Drain your cooling system per the owner's manual instructions (usually about every 50,000 miles).
• Use distilled water when combining coolant tap water carries minerals that are likely to deposit.

Also Read: 2025 KTM 390 Adventure Review: A Big Step Forward

Final Thoughts

At last, you might feel you can also find an alternative to coolant and keep your car in working condition. But before that thought crosses your mind, make sure you are making the right choice. The coolant might not be an exciting car component, but it's a need for the car. 

Next time, make sure to be grateful for the right coolant, which is doing a lot more work for your car than you can imagine! 

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