Does It Matter What Coolant Color I Use?

The truth is, color is not a reliable predictor for what type of coolant you have.

Does the color of coolant really matter?

Dye is used to color the antifreeze for identification and marketing purposes only. So if you were used to the tried-and-true green coolant and just opened a jug full of orange fluid, don’t be alarmed. Time was when coolants were one color: green. Then came extended-life antifreeze.

Can I use any color of coolant?

As a quick guide, if your topping up the coolant levels, use the same color as is in the vehicle already. However just because it’s the same color doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the same type. Check in your owners manual to see exactly which type of coolant to add to your vehicle.

What colour coolant should I use?

Green coolant is the conventional coolant (Ethylene Glycol base) and is the most popularly used coolant. Red coolant typically has a base of Organic Acid Technology which is designed to be more suitable for aluminium radiators.

What happens if you use the wrong color antifreeze?

Using the wrong engine coolant can gradually lead to corrosion and damage to the water pump, radiator, radiator hoses and cylinder gasket. This can lead to damage to the engine in the worst case.

Can wrong color coolant cause overheating?

If you do mix different-coloured coolants they generally do not mix well and some can form a gel-like substance. This will halt coolant flow, causing blockages that can lead the engine to overheat, as well as damage to the radiator, water jackets and heater core.

Can I drive with mixed coolant?

Mixing antifreeze is a bad idea that can cause serious damage to the engine and your car in general.

What happens if you use green coolant instead of orange?

You’ll probably overheat. Water is what cools the engine. Coolant mixture contains various chemicals to stop the water boiling or freezing, to lubricate the pump and to prevent the water from causing rust in the engine. That’s why you need a mixture of both.

Can I put any coolant in my engine?

Different vehicles require different coolants. 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.

What coolant colors can you not mix?

While it’s a good idea not to mix coolants at all, never mix pink with blue coolant, red with orange, or green with yellow. Making this mistake will also cost you a lot of money as you either need to flush or replace the cooling system.

How do I choose the right coolant?

Your car’s owner’s manual provides a wealth of information. It will tell you what type of coolant is best to use in your vehicle. If you don’t have a copy of your owner’s manual, you can most likely find the information you need online.

What is the correct coolant for my car?

Cars made after 1998 normally need antifreeze that uses silicate-free, organic acid technology (OAT). These types of antifreeze offer better corrosion protection so that parts don’t need to be changed as often. Cars made before 1998 usually need antifreeze that isn’t OAT-based and does contain silicate.

Why are coolants different colors?

Typically, Valvoline says, coolant comes in green. But there are other colors available: orange, blue, purple, even yellow and pink. However, they’re not different colors for appearance’s sake. Each manufacturer designs its engines around a specific coolant or antifreeze standard with different additives.

Can I add new coolant on top of old coolant?

If I am refilling the coolant in my car and there is still some left, is it okay to mix them? If it comes to mixing different brands there is no problem, when it comes to old versus new, its okay to mix old and new as long as they are of the same type.

What happens if I pour too much coolant in my car?

Most of the time, excess coolant is expelled from an overflow hose. You’ll likely see a puddle of coolant beneath your car if this has happened. In worst case scenarios, overfilling your antifreeze tank can lead to electrical damage if overflow comes into contact with engine wiring.

Is it OK to add new coolant without draining the old?

Is It Ok To Add New Coolant Without Draining The Old? There is no problem with just topping up the coolant. You can add the coolant without flushing out the old. However, with time, the older coolant becomes acidic.

Does it matter if coolant is green or orange?

The principal reason for the different anti-freeze colours is that green is commonly used to identify the older type of antifreeze and orange the newer long-life or extended-use antifreeze. Both use ethylene glycol, which is toxic, for a base so be careful when disposing of it.

Can green coolant go in any car?

Green engine coolants are designed for use in older cars (think pre-2000), ones that contain a lot of steel and copper components in the cooling system.

What cars use orange coolant?

Prime Orange antifreeze+coolant is designed to work with these specific vehicles: All GM ^® vehicles 1995 & newer/GM approved (GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Saturn, Oldsmobile, Hummer), most Ford ^® vehicles 2011 – 2018 (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury) and most Chrysler ^® vehicles 2013 & newer (Ram, Dodge, Jeep,

What color is universal coolant?

green
Traditional North American “green” antifreeze, the original “universal” formula that everybody used until the introduction of today’s extended-life coolants.

Is it OK to top up coolant with water?

Can you top your coolant up with water? Coolant should only be topped up with water in case of an emergency when the coolant liquid level is lower than it should be. While topping up with water will help you get safely to the nearest garage and identify any issues, it shouldn’t be relied upon.