

One way to know for sure if you are getting HOAT will be by the packaging. (HOAT) This coolant is usually dyed yellow but comes in other colors like green, pink, blue, red and orange, which leads to a lot of confusion. OAT coolants are currently readily available from most auto parts stores. Manufacturers are now recommending your OAT coolant be changed every five years. In addition to its use in 1996 model year and newer GM cars and trucks, OAT is also used in 1996 to 2001 Audi, Land Rover, Nissan, Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Kia, VW, Jaguar, Saab and Porsche. OAT, when spilled or lost due to a boil-over, is much less harmful to the environment. It is made from a propylene glycol base, which makes it less poisonous than conventional IAT for children and pets.

Usually (but not always) dyed orange or yellow so you could tell the difference between OAT and IAT, this coolant has similar corrosion protection to the green stuff however, it is designed to be slower acting, hence the extended-life moniker. But because of the additives in the Dex-Cool orange antifreeze, you do not want to substitute the old reliable green coolant. GM introduced Dex-Cool in 1995 as an "extended life" coolant, though most GM car owners and repair shops are finding that Dex-Cool is good for only about three to five years before it needs to be replaced. Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Commonly referred in GM vehicles by the brand name, Dex-Cool or to other manufacturers as propylene glycol. Chrysler used green IAT fluid until 2001, as did Ford (with the exception of some 1999 models that used OAT blue coolant which must be purchased from Ford). IAT coolant was used in GM vehicles until 1994. Manufacturers recommended that you change the green IAT antifreeze every 36,000 miles or three years. Ethylene glycol is its base chemical, and there are silicate and phosphate additives that make it compatible with copper, brass, cast-iron and aluminum cooling system components.

Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) This is the common green stuff original equipment manufacturers have used for over 70 years. This adds to the consumer's confusion.Īll antifreeze falls under one of three basic types. Some European coolants are based on a different pH scale from those made for American cars, because of the differences in plain water between the two continents. Several manufacturers are specifying their own type of antifreeze, and it can be confusing to the consumer as to which color or formulation of coolant is acceptable for their car. In recent years, there have been many changes, given the new developments in the area of engine coolant.
