Antifreeze, also known as engine coolant, is a vital fluid that ensures your vehicle runs efficiently in both hot and cold conditions. Whether you're navigating city traffic or heading on a long road trip, the role of this substance in regulating your engine temperature, preventing corrosion and improving performance cannot be overstated.
In this guide, we explore the types of antifreeze available, how to use them properly and common mistakes to avoid, so that the safety of your car and the value of your comprehensive car insurance is secured.
Types of antifreeze available
Not all antifreeze is the same. The type you choose must be compatible with your vehicle's engine and materials. Here are the most commonly used ones:
1. Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT)
- Typically green in colour
- Used in older vehicles
- Reuires freuent changes (every 2–3 years)
2. Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
- Often orange or red
- Longer life (up to 5 years)
- Designed for newer engines
3. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
- Yellow or turuoise
- Combines properties of IAT and OAT
- Offers balanced performance and protection
Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual or consult a professional before selecting the type.
Importance of using the right antifreeze
Choosing the correct antifreeze isn't just about preventing overheating or freezing. It also:
- Prevents corrosion inside the engine and radiator
- Lubricates the water pump, enhancing engine efficiency
- Maintains proper temperature regulation, improving fuel efficiency
- Extends the life of engine components, saving future repair costs
How to choose the right antifreeze for your vehicle?
There are certain things that should be kept in mind before using an Antifreeze for your car. These include the following:
1. Difference between coolant and antifreeze
Most cars use a liuid-based cooling system and water serves as the liuid, which helps to keep the engines cool by absorbing the heat through a specially designed system. However, water can freeze in the coolant pipes as the temperature outside plunges. This is where antifreeze and coolants help. They lower the freezing temperature of water, increase its boiling point and slow its response to outer temperature.
Antifreeze is a glycol-based concentrated liuid that needs to be diluted with water before use. Whereas, coolant comes pre-mixed with water.
2. Need to periodically flush out coolant
Like every other fluid used in your car, the coolant also loses its effectiveness over time. The only solution is to replace it after some time. The vehicle owner’s manual that comes with your car contains detailed guidelines in this respect.
A general rule of thumb to follow in this regard is to change the coolant after your car has travelled 32,000 kilometres or every two years. Although nowadays coolants come with a longer shelf-life, it is better to be safe than sorry.
3. Antifreeze types
While you go to the market to get antifreeze or coolant for your vehicle, you will come across a lot of different varieties. It is important to point out that irrespective of whether it is a red, green, or orange coolant, all are made up of the same base chemical, ethylene glycol. What differentiates one variant from the other is the additives and dyes that are added to make them fit for vehicles with different mileage. When it comes to selecting the best coolant for your car, you should always follow the recommendation of the manufacturer.
4. Deciding the amount
The maxim ‘excess of anything is bad’ holds true in the case of car coolant as well. While using antifreeze is useful in preventing water from freezing and protecting against corrosion, it is important to use it in the right amount.
There is a dilution guideline that is present on the packaging of most antifreeze brands. While using antifreeze for your car, you should follow the dilution chart and dilute the antifreeze to the recommended level.
5. Safety
Ethylene glycol, which is the main ingredient of the antifreeze, is a highly toxic chemical. It can cause damage to the heart, brain and kidneys and is potent enough to cause fatalities when ingested.
It is important to store antifreeze in a safe place away from children and pets. A bitter agent is added to the antifreeze, to prevent consumption, but as it is often said ‘prevention is better than cure’, it should be kept away from unsuspecting individuals.
You should always wear gloves while cleaning antifreeze, as absorption of the solution through the skin can cause severe internal damage. Even inhalation of the fumes can cause dizziness.
You can also opt for another antifreeze that has propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol as its base. This variant is relatively less toxic and can be used as an alternative.
Key factors to consider before buying antifreeze
Before you buy antifreeze, keep these in mind:
- Colour coding: Though not standardised, it can guide you- green for IAT, orange/red for OAT, and yellow/blue for HOAT.
- Dilution ratio: Some products are pre-mixed (ready-to-use), while others are concentrates that need mixing with distilled water (usually 50:50).
- Compatibility: Look for OEM-approved coolants or those that meet international specifications (ASTM D3306, BS6580).
- Shelf life: Store in a cool, dry place because antifreeze can degrade if not used within a few years.
Tips for using antifreeze correctly
Follow these tips to ensure that you are using antifreeze properly-
- Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot since it can cause burns.
- Use only distilled water to dilute concentrated antifreeze, preventing mineral deposits.
- Flush old coolant from the system before adding new antifreeze to avoid contamination.
- Monitor coolant levels regularly, especially before long drives or during seasonal changes.
Common mistakes to avoid with antifreeze
Using antifreeze incorrectly can harm your engine, so it's important to avoid these common mistakes.
- Mixing incompatible antifreeze: This can lead to gelling or poor heat transfer.
- Using tap water: Minerals in tap water can corrode engine components.
- Ignoring low coolant warnings: This could result in overheating and engine damage.
- Overfilling or underfilling: Both can disrupt optimal engine temperature.
Such mistakes, while often minor in appearance, can lead to major engine repairs and may not always be covered under car insurance if negligence is proven.
Environmental impact and safe disposal of antifreeze
Antifreeze is toxic to both humans and animals and should never be poured down drains or onto the ground. Here’s how to dispose of it safely:
- Use sealed containers to store used antifreeze.
- Take it to a certified recycling centre or service station.
- Avoid mixing it with other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
Conclusion
Antifreeze may seem like just another fluid in your vehicle, but its role is crucial to your engine’s health and performance across seasons. From choosing the right type to using it correctly and disposing of it safely, antifreeze is an essential part of responsible car ownership.
Make antifreeze care a routine part of your maintenance checklist, just like renewing or checking the status of your car insurance online. When it comes to your car, prevention is always better than expensive repairs.
FAQs
1 Can I use water instead of antifreeze?
Water alone lacks the anti-corrosive and anti-boiling properties of antifreeze. Use only as an emergency solution.
2 How often should I change antifreeze?
It depends on the type, every 2-3 years for IAT and up to 5 years for OAT and HOAT. Always refer to your car’s service manual.
3 Does comprehensive car insurance cover coolant-related damage?
Yes, but only if the damage is sudden and not caused by negligence. Always maintain your vehicle as per the manufacturer's guidelines.
4 How do I know if my antifreeze needs changing?
If the coolant appears rusty, murky or has floating particles, it’s time to flush and replace.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or conseuences resulting from the use of this outdated information.