Understanding Anti-Freeze Coolants: Types, Colors & Best Uses

Anti-freeze coolant, also called engine or radiator coolant, is a special liquid that keeps your engine at the right temperature. It stops your engine from overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter. Coolant is made from a mix of water, ethylene or propylene glycol, and special chemicals that help your engine run efficiently and last longer. 

Without the right coolant, engines can overheat, which may warp cylinder heads or blow gaskets, freeze in cold weather, causing cracked engine blocks, or suffer from corrosion that damages the radiator, water pump, and hoses. 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: “Our antifreeze coolants are made to keep engines safe and efficient in all conditions. They prevent overheating, stop freezing, protect against rust, and keep your engine running smoothly. With Fubex coolants, your engine stays reliable and lasts longer, whether it’s scorching hot or freezing cold.’’

This guide will explain the different types of antifreeze, their colors, how to use them, and their pros and cons, helping you choose the best coolant for your car.

How Anti-Freeze Coolant Works

Anti-freeze coolant helps keep your car engine at the right temperature. It moves through different parts of the engine to stop it from getting too hot or too cold.

Here’s how it works:

• Engine Block: The coolant absorbs heat from the engine.
• Radiator: It releases that heat into the air so the engine can cool down.
• Water Pump: This keeps the coolant moving through the system.
• Thermostat: It controls the coolant temperature and opens or closes when needed.

Main Jobs of Coolant:

• Takes Away Heat – Pulls heat away from the engine and keeps it running smoothly.
• Stop Freezing – When mixed properly, it doesn’t freeze even at -34°F (-37°C).
• Stops Boiling – It can handle high heat and doesn’t boil until 265°F (129°C) or more.
• Prevents Rust – Protects metal and rubber parts from rust and damage.
• Lubricates – Helps the water pump parts move smoothly.

Types of Anti-Freeze Coolants

There are different types of coolants, and each one is made for certain cars. Here’s an easy breakdown:

A. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) Coolant

• Best for: Older cars (made before 2000)
• Color: Mostly green, sometimes yellow or blue
• Additives: Silicates and phosphates
• Lifespan: About 2 years or 30,000 miles

Pros:

• Works well in old engines
• Easy to find and not expensive

Cons:

• Doesn’t last long
• Silicates can build up and clog the cooling system

B. Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Coolant

• Best for: Many modern GM, VW, and some Asian cars
• Color: Orange, red, or pink
• Additives: Organic acids (no silicates or phosphates)
• Lifespan: Up to 5 years or 150,000 miles

Pros:

• Lasts a long tim
• Great for engines with aluminum parts

Cons:

• Not made for older cars
• Can cost more than IAT coolants

C. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) Coolant

• Best for: Cars from Ford, Chrysler, and some European brands
• Color: Yellow, turquoise, or purple
• Additives: A mix of silicates and organic acids
• Lifespan: 5 years or 100,000 miles

Pros:

• Works well with many engine types
• Has a long service life

Cons:

• Not universal—some cars need a specific HOAT formula

D. Phosphate-Free & Nitrite-Free Coolants

• Best for: Japanese and European cars like Toyota, Honda, and BMW
• Color: Blue or red
• Additives: Low-silicate formula
• Lifespan: 5+ years

Pros:

• Stops scale buildup in aluminum engines
• Better for the environment

Cons:

• Doesn’t work for every vehicle

How to Use Anti-Freeze Coolant Properly

Follow these easy steps to keep your engine safe and running well:

• Check the Coolant Level: Make sure the engine is cool before you open the cap.
• Drain the Old Coolant: Remove the old coolant and throw it away safely.
• Flush the System: If the coolant is dirty or contaminated, clean the system before adding new coolant.
• Mix Coolant and Distilled Water: Use a 50:50 mix unless you are using a pre-mixed coolant.
• Refill with Coolant: Pour the coolant back in carefully and try to avoid trapping air inside.
• Bleed the Air Out: Start the engine with the radiator cap off to let any air escape.
• Check for Leaks and Test Drive: Make sure nothing is leaking, then take the car for a short drive.

Choose the Right Coolant-to-Water Ratio

When changing your car’s coolant, always check the label to see if it needs to be mixed with water. Some coolants come as concentrates, while others are ready-to-use (RTU).

RTU coolants are the easiest because they are already mixed. Concentrates, however, must be mixed with demineralized water, and the ratio depends on how cold your environment gets.

For example, a ready-to-use coolant can protect your engine down to -36°C without any mixing. But if you use the concentrated version, you must mix it with demineralized water. A 40% mix protects to -24°C, while a 50% mix protects below -36°C.

If the coolant mix is too weak or too strong, it can reduce how well your cooling system works. Keep in mind that the correct ratio changes based on the coolant type and the temperature in your area.

How Often Should You Change Coolant?

Coolant only works well for a certain amount of time. During its service life, it protects your engine from rust, deposits, and foaming. If you don’t replace it on time, the coolant can evaporate or break down, leaving your engine unprotected and at risk of damage.

Coolant lifespan is usually measured in years, driving hours, or miles. Older cars use IAT coolants, which need to be changed every 2 years or around 24,000 miles. Newer coolants last longer—usually 3 to 5 years. For example, some hybrid coolants can last up to 5 years or 250,000 km before needing a replacement.

How to Check the Coolant Level

Your engine can overheat if there isn’t enough coolant, so it’s important to check it regularly.

Start by parking the car on a flat surface and let the engine cool down completely. Open the hood and look for the coolant reservoir. Most modern cars have a small plastic tank with MAX and MIN marks to show the correct coolant level.

Also, look at the coolant color. If it looks colorless, muddy, very dark, or rust-colored, it may be contaminated. If that happens, ask a mechanic to check your cooling system and fix the issue.

Final Takeaways

Understanding the different types, colors, and proper use of anti-freeze coolant is important for keeping your engine healthy. Whether you drive an older car or a modern one, choosing the right coolant helps your engine stay cool, prevents corrosion over time, and keeps your car running well even in cold weather. 

By following this guide and using Fubex antifreeze coolant, you can extend your engine’s life, avoid expensive repairs, and enjoy strong, reliable performance all year long.

FAQs

Q1: What is antifreeze?

Antifreeze is a special liquid that helps control your engine’s temperature. It stops the engine from overheating in hot weather and from freezing in cold weather. It also protects the engine from rust, keeps the water pump moving smoothly, and helps the whole cooling system last longer.

Q2: Can I mix different coolant colors?

No, you should not mix different coolant types. For example, mixing green coolant with orange coolant can cause a chemical reaction, create thick sludge, and make your engine cool less effectively. Always use the coolant recommended in your car’s manual.

Q3: How often should I change my coolant?

It depends on the type of coolant your car uses:

• IAT (Green): Change it every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
• OAT/HOAT (Orange or Yellow): Change it every 5 years or 100,000–150,000 miles.
• Phosphate-Free (Blue or Red): These usually last 5 years or more.

Always check your car’s manual to know the right schedule.

Q4: What happens if I use the wrong coolant?

Using the wrong coolant can cause several problems, such as:

• Metal parts like aluminum or copper can start to corrode.
• The radiator can get clogged, especially if old IAT coolants drop silicates.
• The engine may not cool properly, which can lead to overheating.