
Top Brands
- Zerex. Zerex is a brand that specializes in antifreeze and other car-care products. Zerex always has the best antifreeze ratings, which is why Valvoline acquired it in 1994.
- Evans. Evans holds the record as the best antifreeze brand since it’s the only manufacturer of waterless antifreeze coolants.
- Star Brite. Star Brite is a leading manufacturer of car polishes, waxes, motor oils, fuel additives, and coolants, among other car-care products.
- Maxima. Maxima Racing Oils is a manufacturer of high-performance oils, lubes, and coolants suitable for heavy-duty race cars.
- Valvoline MaxLife Engine Antifreeze : Best Multi-purpose Antifreeze.
- Shell Rotella ELC Nitrite Free Antifreeze : Best Antifreeze for Diesel Engines.
- EVANS Cooling Systems High-Performance Waterless Engine Coolant : Best High-Performance Coolant.
Who makes the best antifreeze?
“Having a broad spectrum of options available enables GRC to deliver the best immersion cooling solution ... Intel and GRC will research and develop new, even better coolant fluid formulations, testing them to make sure that they meet stringent standards ...
What is the best antifreeze to use?
- Limited use: Best to use in vehicles Dex-Cool was designed for
- Lower lifespan compared to high-performance formulas
- Budget friendly
What is the best antifreeze coolant?
- Made for Audi, Volkswagen, Seat & Skoda (Can be used in more)
- Ethylene-Based Coolant
- OEM G13 Audi Coolant
- Freezing & Boiling Protection
- Lubricates Seals & Gaskets
- Lubricates moving parts
- Can be mixed with G12 plus, G12 and G11 Coolant
- Can be mixed with the most coolants (Ethylene-Based)
- Aluminum Compatible
What is the best antifreeze for a car?
- Best for older engines with metal parts
- Best suited liquid for American or European make vehicles predating 2001
- Anti-corrosion formula
- Low-silica count

Is Prestone a good antifreeze?
Yes. Prestone is an OAT coolant/antifreeze but also contains anti-corrosion ingredients to protect your cooling system. It can be used in all cars effectively, offering the same levels of protection, and without any damage.
Does it matter what brand of antifreeze I use?
Well, you use the coolant that is specified in your owner's manual. If you just need to top it up, the recommendation is still the same, however it is unlikely to cause any serious problems if you add a litre of a different type of coolant, as long as you follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
Which brand of coolant is the best?
Editor's Pick: EVANS Cooling Systems High Performance Waterless Engine Coolant. ... Best Budget Option: ProLine Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant Full Strength. ... Best Diesel Option: Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant. ... Recochem OEM Pink Premium Antifreeze Concentrate. ... Zerex Original Green Antifreeze/Coolant, Concentrated.More items...•
What is the longest lasting coolant?
Orange coolants are formulated using Organic Acid Technology and have additives that act as corrosion inhibitors. Orange coolants also last three years longer than green coolants.
Are all brands of antifreeze the same?
Mixing different antifreeze or coolant brands may lessen corrosive properties and put your engine at risk. There will be instances where you have no choice but to use different antifreeze or coolant brands.
Is all antifreeze the same?
There are varieties for every type of vehicle, from diesel engines to American, Asian and European vehicles. Each one is specifically formulated to keep its designated engine type running in extreme temperatures. It's important to know the differences so you get the correct antifreeze for your vehicle.
Is it better to use 50/50 antifreeze?
A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water is the standard recommendation for most applications because it provides the best all-round cooling protection and performance for most applications. Premixed antifreeze is 50/50 and takes the guesswork out of correctly mixing antifreeze and water.
Is synthetic coolant better?
A synthetic coolant will last longer than a soluble oil and is much easier to reclaim and recycle. The performance of synthetic coolants is superior than semi-synthetics and will cool the work-piece and tool more effectively.
What is the lifespan of engine coolant?
The lifespan of traditional coolant is about two years. OAT: Organic Acid Technology is used today because it offers silicate-free protection of all metals, and for a longer period of time: it's the long life (LLC) or extended life (ELC) coolant and has a service life of five years or 150,000 miles.
Is red coolant better than green?
When compared with green antifreeze and other older versions of antifreeze compounds, red antifreeze is more stable and it improves the water pump life.
Is universal antifreeze good?
STP® Universal (All Season) Antifreeze/Coolant is a superior quality ethylene glycol-based engine coolant with a low silicate corrosion inhibitor package. This product protects coolant system metals, including heat-rejecting aluminum, against pitting caused by cavitation and corrosion.
What is the most important criterium for antifreeze types?
But, if we want to cast the widest net, and cover as much as possible, the most important criterium for antifreeze types is the mix of ingredients inside the bottle, or at least the active, dominant type of ingredient.
What is pink antifreeze?
It is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) designed to service Lexus, Toyota, and Scion vehicle models made from 2004 onwards. The coolant comes in pure form in a 1-gallon container.
What is universal antifreeze made of?
While they can be mostly made of IAT, HOAT or OAT, universal antifreeze solutions are premixed, in a 50/50 ratio of active agent and demineralized water. Out of all antifreeze types, the universal solution makes the smallest impact on the rubber and plastic parts of the cooling system, but they also contain the least silicates that play an important role in water tank protection and rust prevention.
How to tell if it's time to change coolant?
Often times, somewhere on the original coolant box, there will be a stripe of color representing fresh antifreeze color. Use this method and compare the antifreeze in your car’s cooling system to the default color. If it’s off, the chances are it is time for a change.
What temperature does the boiling point of a coolant mixture go up?
Now, the number of degrees the freezing and boiling point will move from the standard 32° F and 212° F depends on the type of antifreeze, and on the amount of antifreeze in the mixture.
Why use antifreeze in car?
Another benefit of using quality antifreeze is, as the name suggests, freezing prevention. As soon as outside temperature drops and winter chill hits, the water in the cooling tank will start to solidify. By mixing an antifreeze solution with the water, you prevent it from freezing, thus enabling engine cooling at extremely low temperatures. Putting the right amount of antifreeze is a winterizing tip for cars.
How to prevent engine from freezing?
By mixing an antifreeze solution with the water, you prevent it from freezing, thus enabling engine cooling at extremely low temperatures. Putting the right amount of antifreeze is a winterizing tip for cars. Additionally, there is another benefit to freezing prevention.
Who makes the best antifreeze?
Evans . Evans holds the record as the best antifreeze brand since it’s the only manufacturer of waterless antifreeze coolants. OEMs and companies such as Rotax, Noble, Honda World MX Team, and Kubota use Evans coolants. One of its prime products is the Evans High-Performance Waterless Engine Coolant.
What is organic antifreeze?
Organic Antifreeze. Organic antifreeze is manufactured using Organic Acid Technology (OAT). Phosphates and silicates are eliminated from the liquid body, and the liquid is further formulated with corrosion inhibitors to prevent rust. This type of antifreeze is available in dark green, orange, pink, blue, and red.
What additives are used in antifreeze?
A common additive is demineralized water that is formulated as a 50/50 mix. Ethylene glycol is also a popular additive, as it has a low freezing point and is cheap to produce. Silicates, phosphates, and propylene glycol are also non-toxic additives that prevent corrosion to the vehicle’s cooling system.
How hot should antifreeze be?
Typically, they should remain stable at temperatures of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The coolant should also prevent engine ice, even at temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is antifreeze liquid?
Antifreeze liquid typically comes as a mixture of water and glycol chemicals that act as lubricants and anti-corrosion agents to keep your radiator in good condition. Read on for our breakdown of some of the best antifreeze the market has to offer. A water-free coolant that prolongs engine life and reduces corrosion.
Why is antifreeze neutral?
Most antifreeze liquids, on the other hand, stay neutral despite temperature changes to prevent the freezing or overheating of critical engine parts. Extend the life of engine components. Antifreeze liquids prevent electrolysis that leads to the erosion of metal components.
Where is Maxima Coolanol 50/50?
This road-racing brand has over 30 years of experience in the motorsport industry, and its headquarters are in Southern California. The Maxima Coolanol 50/50 Blend Coolant has a loyal following as it is a good ethylene glycol antifreeze for aluminum engines.
What is 50/50 prediluted coolant?
A 50/50 prediluted product, many customers prefer this type of product designed specifically for their brand of car. Ultimately, it is the type of product that does what you would expect of a good-quality coolant, which is a good endorsement. Key Features.
What is hybrid coolant?
Hybrid coolants involve mixing antifreeze technologies to make custom coolants for varying cars. Depending on dilution and antifreeze knowledge, these hybrids can work both negatively and positively. Water is considered the original universal coolant and is the base for the production of many antifreezes.
Is Zerex antifreeze good?
Zerex maintains quality throughout its products, and the Original Green Antifreeze/Coolant is no exception. This is Zerex’s most affordable coolant, and the ready-to-use original formula makes it the most time-efficient coolant at a reasonable price that provides the basic protection needed for any cooling system.
Does antifreeze help with engine cooling?
Antifreeze lowers the freezing temperatures of engine cooling system liquids and raises the boiling point of said liquid to prevent overheating and evaporation. Coolants have the added use of lubricating other important parts of a car engine for greater efficiency.
Can you use antifreeze all year round?
You can use it all year round for protection including anti-freeze, anti-boil, and corrosion resistance. The product comes already pre-mixed in a 50/50 split of coolant and distilled water. A bittering agent is also to be found within this product. Key Features. Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant.
Is nitrite good for diesel engines?
The formula is suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines. It contains nitrite to prevent cavitation in cylinder liners in diesel engines and has reduced silicate and a lower pH. It is efficiently phosphate-free, making it suitable for all metal car cooling systems, protecting them from corrosion. Key Features.
Is a sanitizer safe for freshwater?
The formula is non-toxic and 100 percent biodegradable, so it’s safe even for freshwater systems. It works by lowering the freezing point of water down to -50 degrees so the pipes don’t burst during the colder months. Besides your RV, you can also use it in your pool, boat, and even your home’s plumbing system.
Why is antifreeze important?
Antifreeze/ coolants play an important function in ensuring that your car engine runs smoothly and doesn’t encounter any problems due to extreme internal and external temperatures. These fluids also keep your engine safe from damage due to rust and corrosion.
What is Mercedes Benz engine coolant?
Mercedes Benz Engine Coolant/Antifreeze. Yet another specially formulated antifreeze for specific car brands is the Mercedes Benz Engine Coolant/Antifreeze, which, as you might have guessed, is designed for Mercedes Benz vehicles and automotives, as well as for motorcycles and marine crafts that bear the brand name.
Why is engine coolant important?
This is because diesel and gasoline engines have different requirements on what types of properties the coolant should have.
What is Ford Fluid Orange?
Well, don’t you worry, here is the Genuine Ford Fluid Orange Pre-Diluted Antifreeze/ Coolant, the best antifreeze solution for Ford vehicles. It comes as a ready to use pre-diluted formulation that’s really convenient since you don’t have to measure out water and antifreeze prior to use.
Is ethylene glycol better than propylene glycol?
For example, ethylene glycol is more efficient and works better under lower temperatures.
Can plain water be used as coolant?
In many cases, plain water is used as a car engine coolant, but it doesn’t have the same temperature regulating capabilities that antifreeze has, so it doesn’t hold well in extremely hot and cold climates where high combustion temperatures and extreme outdoor temperatures are a constant issue.
Is engine ice coolant safe?
You might also want to try the Engine Ice TYDS008 High Performance Coolant, which is another safe and environmentally friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice on quality and performance. In fact, it’s so great that it’s often used by many racers around the globe.
Table of contents
1. Editor's Pick: EVANS Cooling Systems High Performance Waterless Engine Coolant
1. Editor's Pick: EVANS Cooling Systems High Performance Waterless Engine Coolant
EVANS Cooling Systems High Performance Waterless Engine Coolant lands on our top 10 list because it’s water-free. Eliminating water from the coolant equation helps to reduce corrosion, prolonging engine life and potentially saving you money on maintenance or repairs.
4. Recochem OEM Pink Premium Antifreeze Concentrate
Recochem’s OEM pink antifreeze was designed for Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models, but may work for non-Toyota vehicles as well depending on the vehicle’s cooling requirements.
8. Engine Ice Engine Coolant
If you live in areas that are prone to extreme temperatures, this high-efficiency coolant is just what you need. This non-toxic, phosphate-free antifreeze has a more robust profile than other options on the market, and we feel that it has revolutionized the coolant industry.
What's the Difference Between Coolant Types?
There are three types of coolant on the market today: Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT).
So How Do I Know Which Coolant is Right for my Vehicle?
Most manufacturers will include what type of coolant to use within your vehicle’s user manual. We’d suggest following the manufacturer’s guidance, especially if it’s a newer vehicle.
What do the Different Colors Mean?
While not all manufacturer’s follow a color-coded guide for their coolants, IAT type coolants are almost always green.
What is Ford Gold Concentrated Antifreeze?
Ford Gold Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant. This is a yellow-colored ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant for use in gasoline and diesel engines. Ford lends its brand to it, along with the Motorcraft name.
What is the best coolant for aluminum?
8. Royal Purple Purple Ice Super Coolant. This is a 2-in-1 corrosion inhibitor and wetting agent that is said to provide enhanced protection of aluminum. According to the seller, it reduces the surface tension of the coolant, allowing heat to transfer outside the radiator for more horsepower.
Does it matter what type of coolant you are testing?
It also allows a visual inspection of the antifreeze while you test it. As a rule, it does not matter what type of coolant one is testing, this thing should work just fine. However, watch for cross-contamination if testing multiple cars. 8.
