Antifreeze is critical to the performance of your vehicle’s engine. From sustaining horsepower to preventing overheating and freezing, it’s pretty much the superhero under your hood.
Whether you’re familiar with the workings of antifreeze or have no clue what it is and does, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about antifreeze, as well as review some of the best antifreeze and coolants on the market today.
Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for Best Antifreeze and Coolants
- Valvoline Zerex G-05 Coolant
- This one wins our vote on account of being compatible with other antifreeze, good for 150,000 miles between changes, and great in aluminum radiators.
- Zerex Original Green Coolant
- Our top pick for car owners who live in colder climates.
- Genuine Ford Fluid VC-3DIL-B Orange Pre-Diluted Coolant
- Specially made for Ford vehicles and contains a bittering agent that helps to keep kids and pets away from it.
- MaxLife Valvoline Universal Antifreeze/Coolant
- This coolant contains Alugard Plus to maximize protection, offers five years or 150,000 miles of protection, and is suitable for most makes and models of vehicle.
- OEM 86-324BOEME Premium Antifreeze
- Suitable for both gas and diesel engines and designed for use in imported European vehicles.
- Engine Ice TYDS008 High-Performance Coolant
- The best option out there for high-performance vehicles…and biodegradable to boot.
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
- 1 Best Antifreeze and Coolant Products — Our Top 6 Recommendations
- 1.1 Valvoline Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate
- 1.2 Zerex Original Green Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated
- 1.3 Ford Genuine Fluid VC-3DIL-B Orange Pre-Diluted Antifreeze/Coolant
- 1.4 MaxLife Valvoline Universal Antifreeze/Coolant
- 1.5 OEM Recochem 86-324BOEME Blue Premium Antifreeze
- 1.6 Engine Ice TYDS008 High Performance Coolant
- 2 What Should I Look for in Coolant Products?
- 3 What Different Types of Antifreeze Are There?
- 4 What Type of Antifreeze Do I Need for My Car?
- 5 FAQs
- 6 Wrapping It Up
Best Antifreeze and Coolant Products — Our Top 6 Recommendations
What is the best antifreeze and coolant product you can choose for your car? To help you with this, we’ve put together this list of some of the most popular products on the market.
Valvoline Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate
This solution from Valvoline is not just compatible with gasoline and diesel engines, but it’s also approved by Ford, Chrysler, and Mercedes-Benz. If it’s authorized by these auto giants, you know it’s doing something good.
It’s a HOAT product, which means that it’s going to be ideal for vehicles that have an aluminum radiator. It also has lower silicate levels and reduced pH, which means it has the added benefit of protecting your coolant system from becoming corroded over time.
This product contains the highest quality virgin ethylene glycol, which can raise water’s boiling point and lower its freezing point. This makes sure that your engine functions well all year round, even in the height of summer and the lows of winter.
This product may be compatible with similar formulas as well, which means that you can simply top up the coolant without risking damage to your engine. Plus, it offers 5-year protection or 150,000 miles before it needs to be changed.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1 gallon.
- Five years or 150,000 miles protection.
- Protection against cavitation with nitrite solution.
- Approved for Ford, Chrysler, and Mercedes heavy-duty diesel engines.
- Concentrated formula.
- Low silicate and phosphate-free formula.
What We Like
- Compatible with other coolant formulas.
- Cleaning additives for preventing deposits.
- Long interval between every time you need to change the coolant.
- HOAT.
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for older vehicles.
- Contains toxic ethylene glycol.
Summary
Overall, we’re convinced that this is one of the best antifreeze brands out there on the market today.
HOAT and corrosion inhibitors are going to help your engine regulate its temperature in any environment and prevent damage.
The fact that it’s approved by Ford, Chrysler, and Mercedes-Benz also means this product will especially appeal to drivers of these vehicles.
Yet, it’s not a formula that’s suitable for older vehicles, only the newer models. And if you’re looking for a family-friendly product, this may not be for you. Ethylene glycol is toxic, and you might not want this lying around your house or garage.
Zerex Original Green Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated
This product is also from the popular brand Zerex, part of the Valvoline family, and is automaker-approved for GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles. It contains ethylene glycol and is suitable for gasoline and diesel engines.
It offers a lower temperature protection than a lot of other products on our list and will work in temperatures as low as minus 34 °F. In addition, this product offers protection from boil-overs.
It also contains a patented organic acid corrosion inhibitor that may help protect your engine, as well as prevent rust and corrosion. The quality defoamer that’s included will also help prevent the damage that foam can cause to your car’s coolant system.
Importantly, you won’t have to worry about changing the antifreeze solution in your vehicle’s cooling system for a while, as this product should work for up to five years or 100,000 miles.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1 gallon.
- Five years or 100,000 miles protection.
- Approved for GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles.
- Concentrated formula.
- Low silicate green formula.
What We Like
- Operates well at extremely low temperatures.
- Approved by trusted car manufacturers.
- Contains patented organic acid corrosion inhibitor.
- Long-lasting protection.
What We Don’t Like
- Some people prefer a ready-to-use product.
- Contains toxic ethylene glycol.
Summary
This is a solid product for diesel or gasoline engines. It’s approved by major automakers, which is a great sign of trustworthiness, and you can drive up to 100,000 miles before you have to think about refilling again.
However, as it’s concentrated, you’ll have to dilute it before putting it into your cooling system. If you’re in a rush, or just want to “top up” what’s already in the cooling system, it may not be the best option for you. You might also not be a fan of having ethylene glycol around your home or garage, particularly near young children or pets.
Ford Genuine Fluid VC-3DIL-B Orange Pre-Diluted Antifreeze/Coolant
Feel more confident with a product that’s specifically been designed for your vehicle? If so, and you own a Ford, this is the one for you!
This option comes pre-diluted and ready to use, which is useful if you need to top up the liquid when you’re on the road.
This formula operates well even at extreme temperatures. It offers your coolant system protection from as low as minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit, and all the way up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit. In practice, this means year-round protection from freezing and boil-overs, as well as rust and corrosion prevention.
This is the only product on our list that includes a bittering agent, which helps to deter kids and pets from getting close to the product, which contains toxic chemicals.
If you’re in the market for an embittered coolant but want something that works in all vehicles, this Mopar coolant is a good alternative: Mopar 10-Year Coolant Concentrate.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1 gallon.
- Pre-diluted and ready to use.
- Recommended by Ford Motor Company.
- Year-round formula.
- Orange-colored and contains ethylene glycol.
- Suitable for gas and diesel engines.
What We Like
- No mixing necessary
- Ford’s endorsement
- Protection against corrosion.
- Protection in extreme low and high temperatures.
- Contains a bittering agent.
What We Don’t Like
- Isn’t compatible with other coolant products.
- Not suitable for all vehicles alike.
Summary
If you drive a Ford car, this is a great option. It protects your engine from damage and corrosion, works great at all temperatures, and even though it does contain ethylene glycol, it includes a bittering agent to help minimize the chances of young kids or pets getting anywhere near it.
It should also be noted that this formula is specially designed to work with Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles, so it won’t suit everyone. In addition, this one isn’t compatible with other types of engine coolant, which can harm your car’s cooling system if not used as intended.
MaxLife Valvoline Universal Antifreeze/Coolant
This product has all the qualities you need to make sure your engine is healthy by preventing freeze-up and boil-overs throughout the year and is especially well suited for higher-mileage vehicles.
The good news is that it’s already diluted with water so it’s ready to use straight away. Plus, it provides protection for up to five years or 150,000 miles.
What makes this product unique is the inclusion of Valvoline’s proprietary Alugard Plus, which is an additive that may help increase the product’s overall effectiveness. In short, it enhances the protection and further helps keep your engine in top condition.
Where the MaxiLife really excels is its versatility. The inclusion of Alugard Plus means it can be mixed with other formulas and still provide good protection against rust and corrosion in the coolant system.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1 gallon.
- Five years or 150,000 miles protection.
- Contains Alugard Plus to maximize protection.
- Suitable for most vehicle makes and models.
- Pre-diluted and ready to use.
- Makes sure gaskets and seals are lubricated.
What We Like
- Suitable for many makes of car.
- Long-lasting protection.
- Doesn’t need to be mixed with water as it’s pre-diluted.
- Inclusion of Alugard Plus.
- Can be mixed with other types.
What We Don’t Like
- Only approved by a handful of vehicle manufacturers.
Summary
With the inclusion of Alugard Plus, this is a versatile choice that’s suitable for many different vehicles. This additive also means it can be mixed with other types, and it’s effective at regulating the temperature of the engine in all climates.
It’s particularly recommended for high-mileage vehicles, and with up to 150,000 miles of protection, you won’t need to invest in another bottle in a hurry.
OEM Recochem 86-324BOEME Blue Premium Antifreeze
If you’ve got a European vehicle, you may want to consider this original equipment manufacturer (OEM) antifreeze. It’s been approved by car giants BMW, Jaguar, and Mercedes Benz, which demonstrates its efficacy.
The formula is suitable for both gas and diesel engines, so you don’t have to worry you’re choosing the wrong one. The ethylene glycol and additives are going to help regulate the operating temperature of your engine. It’s an OAT option with low silicate; it’s also a nitrite-, amine-, and phosphate-free formula.
In particular, ingredients like phosphate are known to settle in the radiator and clog it. Over time, this will prevent the engine from cooling effectively and cause damage. So, that’s something you no longer have to worry about with this option.
Instead, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your cooling system is going to run smoothly. It’s protected from freezing during the harsh winters and boil-over during the hot summers, and corrosion or rusting won’t be a problem either.
This product is available in both pre-diluted and concentrated versions, so you can choose whichever you prefer working with.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1 gallon.
- Suitable for gas and diesel engines.
- OAT formula.
- Specially formulated for Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Smart, Volvo, and BMW engines.
- Protection from corrosion with low silicate, and free from nitrite and phosphates.
- Pre-diluted and concentrated options.
- Protection for up to 150,000 miles.
What We Like
- Suitable for imported European vehicles.
- Protects against boil-overs and freezing.
- Corrosion protection.
- Five years or 150,000 miles protection.
- Diluted and concentrated formulas available.
What We Don’t Like
- Contains toxic ethylene glycol.
- Isn’t compatible with other formulas.
- Not suitable for some makes or for older European models.
Summary
What we like about this OEM product is that it’s manufacturer-approved for several popular European car makes, giving you peace of mind when using it without invalidating your vehicle’s warranty.
It’s very effective at high and lower temperatures, too. With a range of minus 34°F to 254°F, you don’t have to worry about your engine during extreme weather conditions.
This is an affordable choice that delivers good efficiency, and it also offers corrosion protection for up to 150,000 miles.
Make sure it’s compatible with your make/model of car before purchase, though. It’s not to be mixed with coolants that are silicate-based or high pH, for example.
Engine Ice TYDS008 High Performance Coolant
Do you drive a high-performance vehicle? If so, this may be a great option for you. It’s specifically designed to deliver improved horsepower and a better driving experience by regulating the temperature of your engine.
You won’t lose any power through overheating, as it functions from minus 26 degrees Fahrenheit to 256 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether it’s a freezing cold winter or a boiling hot summer, your engine will be protected from damage. It won’t overheat, nor will it freeze.
For those who like to race, it’s worth noting that it’s approved for both CCS and ASRA road racing. This is due to its ability to reduce operating temperatures and make sure optimum performance can be enjoyed.
It’s all ready to use since it’s a diluted formula for quick and easy filling up as well. Also, it’s diluted with deionized water, which may help remove impurities from the coolant system in your vehicle.
This product from Engine Ice contains propylene glycol, which helps eliminate water pump gasket and seal failures, and is also non-toxic, meaning it’s safer when used or stored around children and pets. If you’re trying to be kind to the environment, you’ll also be pleased to hear that it’s biodegradable.
Another good thing about this product is that it can prevent corrosion in a variety of cooling systems. This includes those made from aluminum, steel, cast iron, and copper. It can even be used in motorcycle engines!
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- Half gallon.
- Contains propylene glycol.
- Non-toxic formula without ethylene glycol.
- Encourages an average reduction in engine temperature of 10 °F.
- Safe for use with most metals, including aluminum.
- Biodegradable formula.
- Legal in CCS and ASRA road racing.
What We Like
- Environmentally friendly.
- Great for high-performance and racing cars.
- Protects against boil-overs and freezing.
- Prevents corrosion.
- Ready to use.
- Uses deionized water.
What We Don’t Like
- Small, half-gallon bottle.
Summary
This is a good choice for high-performance vehicles if you want to protect your engine from high temperatures and get the highest horsepower possible. It offers corrosion inhibitors and protection from freezing too, all while using a formula that’s non-toxic.
One of our favorite features about the Engine Ice coolant is the fact that it’s phosphate-free, which makes it environmentally friendly, too.
One drawback you might want to consider is that the container is half the size of other options on this list, so that might not suit everyone’s budget.
What Should I Look for in Coolant Products?
To simplify the selection process for you, there are a few features you should be looking for when you’re trying to choose the best coolants possible.
The following is a list of the key elements you should consider:
Protection From Low and High Temperatures
Be sure to choose something that does a good job of preventing your engine’s cooling system from both freezing and overheating. To be sure about this, look out for an product that lists the lowest and highest temperatures that it will be effective under. This way, you can choose one that suits your local weather conditions.
Corrosion Inhibitors
You ideally want corrosion inhibitors included in the formulation you’re buying. This is going to protect your engine from wear and tear, boost the performance of your vehicle, prevent leaks, and clean the metal components.
A Long Shelf Life
While you should definitely do your best to stock up on the best antifreeze/coolants you manage to get a hold of, this isn’t a product that’s going to last forever. It does have a shelf life, and that’s why it’s best to look for one that’s going to last you a long while.
Some products will last for three years, while there are others that will last up to 10 years. Check out the product information to make sure before you buy.
What Different Types of Antifreeze Are There?
There are many different brands of antifreeze on the market, but that’s not all there is to it.
Let’s first look at the two broadest categories, concentrated and diluted antifreeze, then move on to organic coolants (OAT and HOAT).
Concentrated
As the name suggests, this is a product with concentrated oils and chemicals.
There isn’t any water mixed in already, so you’ll need to dilute the solution by yourself before putting it in your car.
This is normally done at a ratio of 50% water and 50% antifreeze, but this isn’t always the case, so read the instructions carefully.
Important: Tap water shouldn’t be used to dilute the mixture, except in an emergency and if you absolutely have no other choice. Mix with distilled water instead or, better yet, deionized water.
Diluted
Diluted antifreeze is ready to go directly into the coolant system of your vehicle as it is. A lot of drivers choose this option because it’s great for topping up the fluids quickly.
Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT)
Antifreeze that uses inorganic acid technology (IAT) is typically suitable for older vehicles. It usually contains ethylene glycol, as well as silicates, phosphates, and borates. These are all ingredients that work to keep copper and brass radiators in working order. Vehicles that use IAT antifreeze only require it to be changed every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
With all that being said, chances are that unless you’ve got an older car, you won’t use IAT antifreeze. This is mainly because, unlike the other types, it doesn’t have corrosion inhibitors for modern engines.
Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
Often referred to as extended-life antifreeze (or long-life antifreeze), these products use organic acid technology (OAT).
This is mostly used in vehicles manufactured from around 1996 onwards, which aren’t compatible with IAT. OAT products are an option for cars with aluminum or cast-iron radiators.
OAT antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitor properties which protect the engine from wear and tear, and doesn’t contain silicates or phosphates that can be damaging.
In general, this type should be changed approximately every 5 years or 100,000 miles.
It should be noted that OAT shouldn’t be used in older engines if they contain brass or copper.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
Hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT) is usually found in coolants that are suitable for most modern cars and aluminum radiators.
It’s usually a mix of silicates and OAT corrosion inhibitors and often used in European vehicles, but the Japanese tend to use phosphates instead of silicates.
HOAT antifreeze is extremely long-lasting and can be changed after about 10 years or 180,000 miles.
What Type of Antifreeze Do I Need for My Car?
Most of us won’t know what type we need off the top of our heads.
To find out what’s the best antifreeze for your vehicle, you should check your owner’s manual. This will detail the exact product that works best in your car’s radiator and do a good job of protecting your engine.
If you don’t have the owner’s manual, you can ask at the car dealership or look up your vehicle’s specs online and find out for yourself.
FAQs
What Is Antifreeze?
Antifreeze is a liquid that usually comes in a variety of different bright colors, such as green, orange, blue, and pink.
It has a few specific and important jobs to do. At the most basic level, though, it’s a liquid that is mixed with water in order to cool your engine.
Water on its own can’t stop your engine from overheating, because water freezes at low temperatures and boils at high temperatures. It reacts to the temperatures, instead of helping regulate them. So can you use water as a coolant? Only in an emergency, but it’s not recommended.
And this where antifreeze can help. The best engine antifreeze coolant products out there are able to decrease water’s freezing point and increase its boiling point effectively. This means that the water won’t turn to ice or to steam vapor as quickly as it does without antifreeze.
What If I Use the Wrong Type of Antifreeze?
If you use the wrong type for your vehicle or mix coolants, it may not be the biggest problem in the world, but it’s best to err on the side of caution. The best thing you can do if this happens is flush the coolant system in your car as soon as possible. This may help you avoid possible engine failure later on.
When you top up or refill with the wrong antifreeze, this could create a damaging mixture. The result could be that liquids stop flowing, causing the engine to overheat.
This video walks you through how to perform a flush.
What Different Colors Are There for Antifreeze?
Many years ago, a lot of manufacturers would use different colors to identify different types of antifreeze. Nowadays, you can’t reliably use the color of antifreeze to identify its type, as manufacturers can use whatever color they want for their product regardless of its type. This being so, be sure to read the information on the bottle before buying.
What Is Antifreeze Made Of?
Usually, it’s made of a base product plus additives. The base product is usually methanol or ethylene or propylene Glycol.
Methanol is a colorless liquid that is found in a range of car products. This includes antifreeze, de-icers, and windshield washer fluid. It’s able to effectively lower the freezing point of water, but it’s important to remember that it’s toxic.
Ethylene Glycol is a popular substance found in antifreeze. One of its main benefits is that it’s not going to damage the metal in the radiator of your car. However, like methanol, ethylene glycol coolant is also highly toxic to humans and animals.
If you’re looking for a non-toxic option, choose one that contains propylene glycol. This is commonly used in non-toxic formulas instead of ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol is also great for heat transfer and will help to protect your engine from corrosion.
What’s the Difference Between Antifreeze and Coolant?
One of the most common questions we come across is whether antifreeze and coolant are the same thing because the terms are often used interchangeably.
Antifreeze is a combination of chemicals that work to cool your engine when mixed with water. Once it’s diluted, antifreeze becomes a coolant.
Concentrated antifreeze, on the other hand, needs to be added to water before it becomes a car coolant. Only then will it work to lower the temperature of your engine. On its own, concentrated antifreeze will not act as a coolant.
When you hear someone refer to engine coolants, they are referring to antifreeze that is either pre-diluted or has been manually added to water.
Can Different Types of Engine Antifreeze Be Mixed Together?
It’s not recommended to mix together different types of antifreeze. With all of the different chemicals they contain, mixing them could cause a bad reaction, which might ultimately seriously damage your engine.
In particular, you shouldn’t combine IAT and OAT products. This is because these formulas are normally used in antifreeze products for different types of radiators. IAT is suitable for brass radiators, while OAT is used for aluminum. You risk damaging your engine if you mix them together, or use one while your car needs the other.
Some products are specifically made to be compatible with other formulas. These ones can usually be used safely as a top-up and are usually dubbed “universal coolant”. Always be sure to read the bottle or instructions properly before mixing, however, to avoid unnecessary damage and repairs.
Wrapping It Up
You should now have a much better understanding of what coolant can do for your vehicle, and just how important it is.
We’ve included different options for you in our recommendations list, and you can have a more detailed look at each of these products yourself, so you can choose what you think will be the best antifreeze liquids for your automotive care needs.
Always remember to check your user manual first before choosing any of these products, though, just to ensure it’s compatible!
