Buyer's Guide: Coolant
4 min read
RideBuilder
Coolant Buyer's Guide
Coolant, also called antifreeze, is the fluid that circulates through your engine and radiator to manage engine temperature and protect the cooling system. This guide covers how coolant works, the different types, and how to choose the right one for your vehicle.
How Coolant Works
Coolant is a mixture of ethylene glycol (sometimes propylene glycol), water, and various additives. The glycol allows your coolant system to operate safely across a wide range of temperatures by both raising the fluid's boiling point and lowering its freezing point. Meanwhile, the additives protect the various metal components in your cooling system from rust and corrosion.
Coolant is circulated through your engine by the water pump where it absorbs heat. The fluid then travels to your radiator where it dissipates this heat and the cycle continues. The thermostat regulates when coolant is allowed to flow to the radiator.
Coolant Types
Your vehicle will determine the type of coolant that should be used. Coolant types should never be mixed. There are three main families:
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IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology): The traditional coolant, typically green in color. IAT uses silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors. Standard on vehicles built before the mid-1990s. Typically lasts 2 years or 30,000 miles.
