Complete Guide to Coolant Mixing Ratios: 33%, 50%, 60%, and 100%

Keeping your engine at the right temperature is important, and coolant helps make that happen. It stops your engine from overheating, freezing, and rusting. But to get the best protection, you need to use the right coolant mixing ratio, whether it’s 33%, 50%, 60%, or 100%. 

Each ratio works differently based on your engine and the weather you drive in. At Fubex Lubricants, we offer high-quality coolants to keep your engine safe and running smoothly. Enjoy fast shipping, a price match guarantee, and easy returns. Need help picking the proper coolant for your car? Call us at +971 50 544 9614 — our friendly team is here to help!

Awais I., Sales Director, says: “Fubex coolants are made to keep your engine safe in every condition. They prevent overheating, protect against rust and corrosion, and help your engine run smoothly. No matter the weather, the right coolant mix keeps your engine performing reliably and lasting longer.”

In this guide, we’ll explain how coolant works, why mixing ratios matter, and how to choose the right one to keep your engine safe

What Does Coolant Do?

Coolant plays a very important role in keeping your engine healthy. It helps your vehicle in many ways. First, coolant stops your engine from getting too hot, especially in warm or sunny weather. Without coolant, the engine can overheat and get damaged.

Coolant also has antifreeze inside it. This helps your engine in cold places by stopping the cooling system from freezing when temperatures drop below zero. Many modern coolant formulas work well even in very extreme hot or cold conditions.

Most importantly, coolant protects your engine from rust and corrosion. It has special additives like phosphates, silicates, and carboxylates. These ingredients help keep the inside of the engine clean and make it last longer.

Benefits of Engine Coolant

Engine coolant helps your car in many important ways. Some of the main benefits include:

• Keeps the Engine Cool: Coolant carries heat away from the engine. This stops the engine from overheating and helps it run safely even at temperatures up to 129°C.
• Prevents Freezing: Coolant lowers the freezing point of the liquid in your engine. It can stay liquid even around –37°C, and even lower with special mixtures. This protects the engine block from cracking in very cold weather.
• Reduces Engine Wear: Coolant has additives that stop rust and corrosion. This helps keep the cooling system clean and prevents damage inside the engine.
• Lubricates Parts: Coolant provides light lubrication for moving parts in the water pump. It also helps protect rubber and plastic parts from wearing out too quickly.
• Protects the Whole Cooling System: The engine’s cooling system helps prevent damage by controlling heat. A coolant temperature sensor keeps track of the coolant’s temperature. The driver can see this on the dashboard through a warning light or a temperature gauge.

Is Antifreeze the Same as Coolant?

People often think antifreeze and coolant are the same, but they are a little different. Both liquids are made with a base called glycol. Antifreeze is pure, undiluted glycol. Coolant, on the other hand, is a mix of antifreeze and water. So when you add water to antifreeze, it becomes coolant.

They also work a bit differently in your engine. Coolant helps raise the boiling point and lower the freezing point of the liquid in the engine. This keeps the engine from overheating or freezing. Coolant also protects the engine from rust and corrosion, helping it last longer.

The antifreeze part of the mixture contains special chemicals called corrosion inhibitors. These chemicals stick to the metal inside the cooling system and create a thin protective layer. This layer helps stop rust and other damage.

Most of the time, antifreeze is mixed with water in a 50/50 ratio before being added to the engine. But it’s important to check your vehicle’s manual because different engines may need different types of antifreeze. In the past, you could tell types apart by their color, but today color is not always reliable.

Different Types of Coolants

There are several kinds of car engine coolants. Each type has a different use and lasts for a different amount of time.

Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT)

IAT coolant is one of the oldest types used in cars. It contains phosphates and silicates. It was made to protect metals like:

• Cast iron
• Brass
• Copper
• Aluminum

Today, IAT is not used much in modern cars because engines now use newer materials and technology. IAT coolant usually lasts 2–3 years or about 44,000–45,000 miles.

Organic Acid Technology (OAT)

OAT coolants use organic acids and corrosion fighters. They solve some of the problems that older IAT coolants had. OAT lasts longer—about 5 years or almost 150,000 miles.

However, OAT does not protect copper or brass. Some diesel engines need nitrate-free OAT. Brands that use OAT include Volkswagen, Audi, Saab, Honda, GM, and Dodge/Chrysler.

Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)

HOAT coolants mix OAT organic acids with IAT silicates. This blend makes them great for aluminum engines. HOAT coolants can last up to 10 years or around 180,000 miles.

Phosphated HOAT (P-HOAT)

P-HOAT coolants are common in many Asian cars such as Hyundai, Nissan, KIA, Toyota, Subaru, and Honda. Like OAT coolants, they last about 5 years or 150,000 miles.

Silicate HOAT (SI-OAT)

SI-OAT coolants are used by many European brands like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen. They protect engines for about 5 years or 155,000 miles. For heavy-duty vehicles, they need to be changed every 3 years or 310,000 miles.

NAP-Free HOAT

These coolants do not contain nitrites, amines, phosphates, or silicates. They are great for heavy diesel engines. They have a very long lifespan—up to 10 years, 1 million miles, or 20,000 hours. Brands like BMW, Tesla, Volvo, and MINI recommend NAP-free HOAT.

Nitrate OAT (NOAT)

NOAT coolants are also used for heavy-duty diesel engines. They contain nitrates and special inhibitors. NOAT coolants last up to about 60,000 miles or 12,000 hours of use.

How Different Engine Types Affect Coolant Mixing Ratios

Not all engines are the same, so they don’t all use the same coolant mix. Different engines have different needs. For example, aluminum engines often need coolants with special corrosion protectors. Diesel engines run hotter, so they sometimes need stronger coolant formulas made for heavy-duty use.

Turbocharged engines create even more heat. Because of this, some car makers suggest using a slightly stronger coolant mix, like 60% coolant and 40% water, for better protection.

Older engines may work fine with simpler mixtures, but it’s still important to check the car’s manual to know the right ratio. Some hybrid and electric vehicles use special coolants because their cooling systems are different from regular gasoline engines.

So, the common 50/50 mix is not always the best choice for every engine. It’s always smart to match your coolant mix to your engine type to keep your car running smoothly for a long time.

Expert Tips for Keeping Your Engine at the Right Temperature

Having the right coolant mix is important, but it’s not the only thing your engine needs. Here are some easy tips to help keep your cooling system working well:

• Check your Coolant Level Often: Don’t wait for a warning light. Keeping the coolant full helps stop overheating and freezing problems.
• Flush the Cooling System Every Few Years: This removes dirt and old coolant so your engine stays protected.
• Look at the Hoses And Radiator: Check for leaks, cracks, or drips. Even a small leak can turn into a big and expensive problem.
• Use a Coolant or Antifreeze Tester: This tool helps you check the freeze and boil protection so your car stays safe in hot or cold weather.

It’s a good idea to keep a small testing kit in your car or garage. It gives you peace of mind. If you’re unsure about anything, a mechanic can do a coolant pressure test. This helps find hidden leaks before they cause engine trouble.

Top Coolants by Fubex: Best Picks for 2025

Looking for the best coolants for your car in 2025? Here are our top Fubex choices that help keep your engine cool, protected, and running smooth all year.

Fubex Glacia 100% Coolant

Fubex Glacia 100% Coolant is one of our strongest formulas. It keeps your engine cool, even in tough conditions, and stops it from overheating. It also fights rust so your engine parts stay in good shape for a long time. 

This coolant works well in all kinds of engines, including ones made with aluminum. Since it’s premixed, it’s easy to use and recommended by many car brands. Keep your engine safe and steady with Glacia 100%.

Fubex Glacia 50% Coolant

Fubex Glacia 50% Coolant is another great choice. It’s ready to use and protects your engine from rust and everyday wear. This coolant is perfect for cars, trucks, off-road vehicles, and even boats. It gives long-lasting protection and keeps your cooling system healthy.

The formula is gentle on rubber parts, works well with hard water, and saves you money because you don’t need extra additives. Choose Glacia 50% for smooth and reliable performance.

Fubex Glacia 60% Coolant

Fubex Glacia 60% Coolant is a popular pick among drivers. It protects your engine from rust, cooling system damage, and harsh conditions. This coolant is great for cars, trucks, off-road vehicles, and boats that need strong freeze protection.

Its smooth formula helps rubber parts and water pump seals last longer. It also prevents build-up and works well with coolants like OAT or NOAT. For extra power and peace of mind, Glacia 60% is a top choice.

Fubex Glacia 33% Coolant

Last on our list is Fubex Glacia 33% Coolant. This coolant keeps your engine cool and shields every part of your cooling system from rust and wear. It’s perfect for everyday cars, off-road rides, and engines that run hotter than normal.

It’s gentle on water pump seals and rubber parts, controls hard water, and stops build-up. You can also mix it safely with other high-quality coolants—no extra additives required. Glacia 33% helps your engine stay strong, safe, and long-lasting.

Final Takeaways

Choosing the right coolant is one of the best ways to keep your engine healthy and running smoothly. Whether you need strong freeze protection, rust control, or long-lasting performance, Fubex Glacia coolants are designed to give your engine the care it deserves. 

With the right coolant and regular maintenance, your car stays cooler, safer, and ready for every drive. Trust Fubex Lubricants to keep your engine protected all year long.

FAQs

Q1: Can I mix different coolant brands?

It’s not a good idea. Different brands can react badly when mixed. This can cause clogs, rust, or damage inside your cooling system. Stick to one brand and one type unless the label clearly says it’s safe to mix.

Q2: How often should I change or flush my coolant?

Most vehicles need a coolant change every 2 to 5 years. It depends on your car and the type of coolant you use. Always check your owner’s manual to be sure.

Q3: Do I really need to use distilled water when mixing coolant?

It’s not required, but it’s better. Distilled water has no minerals, so it helps prevent scale, corrosion, and buildup inside your engine. This makes your cooling system last longer.

Q4: What happens if I add too much water to the coolant mix?

Too much water can make your coolant overheat in summer or freeze in winter. That’s because the boiling point drops and the freezing point rises. Always follow the correct mix ratio.

Q5: Can I reuse old coolant by just topping it up?

No, topping up old coolant isn’t safe. Old coolant loses the protective additives your engine needs. It’s always better to fully replace it with fresh coolant.