To determine the correct type of coolant for your car, the most reliable source is your vehicle's owner's manual, which specifies the recommended coolant type and often the brand to use. There are three main types of engine coolant commonly used in vehicles today:
- IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology): Usually green, this older type was common in cars made before around 2001. It requires more frequent changes, typically every 2 years or 24,000 miles
- OAT (Organic Acid Technology): Typically orange, yellow, red, or purple, OAT coolants are designed for newer vehicles (often GM, Saab, VW) and last longer, about 5 years or 50,000 miles before needing replacement. They use propylene glycol and are less harmful environmentally
- HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology): Combining benefits of IAT and OAT, HOAT coolants are often orange or yellow but can come in various colors. They are common in Chrysler, Ford, and many European cars, with change intervals similar to OAT (5 to 10 years). Variants include phosphate-free HOAT for BMW, Volvo, Tesla, and phosphated HOAT for many Asian brands like Toyota and Honda
Color alone is not a reliable indicator of coolant type; always check the specifications and compatibility for your specific vehicle
. Summary:
- Check your owner's manual for the exact coolant type recommended.
- If your car is older (pre-2001), it likely uses green IAT coolant.
- Newer cars often require OAT or HOAT coolants, which last longer and protect modern engine materials.
- Using the wrong coolant can cause engine damage, so follow manufacturer guidance strictly.
If you do not have the manual, you can identify the coolant type by your car's make, model, and year and select the corresponding coolant type accordingly
