Vehicles create energy through combustion inside its internal combustion engine. This process powers cars to run, but at the same time, it also causes heat. Too much heat results to overheating, which can damage a car engine. This is why car manufacturers use coolant systems in both the car’s engine and radiator to avoid this kind of problem. This system uses coolant to cool the engine. Coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water, and it is used by vehicles to cool down metal car parts. At the same time, coolants also keep vehicles from freezing in cold weather (winter) as antifreeze includes ingredients that don’t freeze in ice cold temperature. But how do you get the right coolant? What is the best type of engine coolant for your car? Let’s take a closer look at engine coolants.

The Best Type of Engine Coolant

Every once in a while, a vehicle may run out of coolant faster than it can be replaced by car mechanics during regular car maintenance checkup. Fortunately for car owners, coolants are readily available in auto parts shops, mechanics, retail stores, manufacturer websites, or even at Walmart. Also, though there are hundreds, if not thousands of choices out there (different brands selling different variety of products), car manufacturers often stick to one type of coolant for most, if not all of its vehicles. This means the best type of engine coolant is the one that your manufacturer suggests.

Different Types of Engine Coolants

There are three basic types of engine coolants in today’s market, and each type is especially to provide slightly better benefits in particular areas. Basically, a vehicle can run on any type of engine coolant, but there are important things that should be considered before purchasing one for your car. Some of these factors includes; the type of additives that help preserve the metal in your engine and prevent corrosion, and of course, how often you feel comfortable flushing them out from your engine.

IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology)

Commonly used in 1920s to late 1990s, this coolant contains phosphate and silicate corrosion inhibitors, which helps protect the car’s engine and radiator. It is recommended that this coolant is flushed out of the car’s system every 30,000 miles or roughly every 2 years. This coolant is dyed in bright green.

OAT (Organic Acid Technology)

Dyed in dark green, this coolant doesn’t have phosphate and silicate protection. However, it can last much longer than IAT. Of course, it can cause wear down to the engine over time. Some manufacturers however, include special additives to prevent corrosion and rust. This coolant should be flushed out every 150,000 miles or every 5 years.

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

Available in different colors (orange and yellow), HOAT is quite a unique coolant. It contains some silicates to help prevent corrosion, along with some additives. Like OAT, this should be flushed out of a car every 150,000 miles.

Choosing the Right Coolant for Your Car

As said earlier, car manufacturers choose particular type of coolant for their vehicles. This makes choosing the right coolant for your vehicle so much easier. It is always stick to follow your manufacturer’s advice.