To keep your engine from overheating in cold weather, you can add some colored fluid called antifreeze into the radiator or coolant reservoir. The antifreeze moves from the radiator to the engine blocks, regulating the engine’s operating temperature in response to changes in both the engine and the surrounding environment.
What type of antifreeze does my car take?
Like I said previously, IAT coolants work in cars made before 1994, but OAT works in cars made after 1994. The HOAT, in contrast, combines elements of both the IAT and OAT coolants. Cars from Asia and Europe, as well as newer models from Chrysler, primarily use it.
It doesn’t say whether you need antifreeze or coolant, but it does try to point out that your automobile needs coolant.
The radiator of most automobiles already contains antifreeze or coolant, as is standard equipment. For the life of the car, use only this brand and color of coolant. Additionally, the owner’s manual will list the type of coolant that your car manufacturer recommends.
Your dealership should be able to tell you what kind of coolant is recommended if you are unable to find it online.
![](https://mechanictimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/what-type-of-antifreeze-does-my-cartake-1.jpg)
Antifreeze Types
The market shelves are stocked with various varieties of antifreeze. We’ll explain what each one is and why you should think about coolant color when choosing antifreeze. First, there is full-strength antifreeze and 50-50 antifreeze.
Before adding full-strength antifreeze to your radiator or coolant reservoir, make sure to mix it with distilled water. An antifreeze and water mixture known as coolant, or 50-50 antifreeze, is already combined.
You can adjust the antifreeze blend percentage according to the weather. When it comes to defending against winter temperatures of about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, a 50/50 blend is perfect. Alternatively, a 60-40 ratio of distilled water to antifreeze should be used in areas where winters are exceptionally harsh.
- IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology)
- OAT (Organic Acid Technology)
- HOAT ( Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)
![](https://mechanictimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/what-types-of-antifreeze-does-my-car-take.jpg)
Conclusion
By now, you probably don’t need me to tell you what kind of antifreeze my car uses. We have covered the most popular kinds of antifreeze and which vehicles work well with them.
Antifreeze, though, isn’t made for just any old car. To ensure that specific engine types continue to function normally even in the most severe weather, antifreeze is manufactured with care.
In conclusion, the coolant that was originally installed in your vehicle is the antifreeze that is necessary for it. This data is also available at your dealership or in the owner’s handbook. You can rest assured that the necessary antifreeze will be sold to you by your dealership. Following that, you are free to use the antifreeze that was sold to you by the dealership.