With so many different types of coolants on the market, drivers can have difficulty choosing the right option. Different color coolant doesn’t necessarily mean a different type of antifreeze. So choosing the right one can be a tricky question.
So, can you mix coolant in different colors? Different types of coolant can come in the same color. Also, there can be different colors of the same type of antifreeze. You should choose the same type of coolant with the same properties. Sometimes the manufacturer will have the same color, and in other cases not. Be sure to choose the same type.
This is a serious topic. Choosing between an orange coolant, green coolant, or some other coolant is not the only question. We will explain the differences between antifreeze and what type you should use. This will be an interesting article, so stay with us.
Understanding Coolant Colors
The type of coolant is determined by its composition, not necessarily by the color. Understanding coolants and their composition will help you know what coolant your car needs.
Different Types of Coolant
The first and most important thing is knowing that different types of coolants exist. Their color does not define them. Three main types of coolant are:
- IAG – a typical coolant that has been used in older vehicles. This type of coolant contains Inorganic Acid Technology that has properties similar to phosphate. They can be found in green (in most cases), red, and orange color
- OAT – it is based on Organic Acid technologies and is suitable for new cars. It doesn’t contain any phosphate but instead azoles and neutralized organic acids. It can be found in orange, yellow, red, and purple colors.
- HOAT – this type of coolant is a mix of OAT and IAG and contains silicates. It has a prolonged life of 5 years and can be found in yellow and orange colors.
Explanation of Coolant Color Coding
The additives in the coolant often define the coolant’s color. They can impact the fluid itself and create a different color. The chemical composition of the coolant is what you are after, so check the owner’s manual before doing anything.
Although the color of the coolant is not its most important distinguishing feature, we will cover the differences between them.
Why is Coolant Color Important?
Certain car manufacturers recommend, besides the type of coolant, a particular brand of coolant. Some coolant manufacturers will use that specific color for your car. It may differ from other brands.
But, if you are sure what type of coolant you need, you can focus on that and not the color. Check the manual just to be sure. You need to check other factors, like what time interval you need to change the coolant.
Check Out Why The Color Of Your Coolant Matters:
Can You Mix Coolant Colors?
In most cases, you cannot mix coolants of different colors. But, there are the same types of coolant coming in different colors. That can be attributed to different manufacturers.
Pro Tip: If the type of coolant is the same, it doesn’t matter in which color you find it.
Compatibility of Different Coolant Colors
Sometimes, you can mix coolants of different colors, and sometimes not. It all depends on the type, so read on.
Green and Blue Antifreeze
Usually, coolants in blue and green colors are from the Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) group. They are used in older cars, and they contain phosphates and silicates. It has a short change interval of two years. Switching from IAT to OAT is possible, but there is a procedure to follow.
Pink and Blue Antifreeze
It is not recommended to mix these two types of antifreeze. The blue coolant has a 2-year changing interval, while the pink coolant is changed every 5 years.
Pink and Green Antifreeze
It depends on the type of antifreeze. Sometimes, you can find the same type of cooler in these two colors. Then it could be okay to mix them. But before attempting anything, double-check everything. If they have different properties and compositions, you shouldn’t mix them.
Red and Green Antifreeze
You should never mix these two coolants. Green antifreeze is usually the oldest type of coolant – the IAT. The red antifreeze is classified as an OAT. It has a longer life than IAT but doesn’t fight corrosion that well. Mixing them would result in creating a thick gel. It would block up the cooling system very fast, causing overheating.
Pink and Orange Antifreeze
It is okay to mix pink and orange antifreeze. They are both based on ethylene glycol chemicals. For the best results, consult the mechanic to know what type of mix you should do.
Risks of Mixing Coolant Colors
Even if the color of the coolant is the same, the properties may differ. That may end up creating problems for your cooling system. Before mixing coolants with different colors, be sure to check for their properties and their type.
Before buying or mixing coolants, the best thing to do is to check the user’s manual. If that doesn’t clear up every issue, contact a mechanic. They have experience and knowledge and will have the best advice.
Recommended Practices When Mixing Coolant Colors
Mixing antifreeze with different colors is not recommended by default. Before mixing antifreeze, the user should know the properties of both coolants. With properties, the coolants should be of the same type, made of the same ingredients.
How to Determine the Correct Coolant Color
If you are in doubt, you can use several methods to avoid adding the wrong coolant.
- Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual: the safest way to determine the color and type of coolant.
- Check the coolant reservoir: this may be the easiest way. Lift the hood, and find a reservoir for coolant. The reservoir is transparent so that you can see the color of the coolant used in the car.
How to Flush and Refill Coolant
Flushing and refilling coolant is not that complicated but can be messy. We will guide you through the process, going step by step. It is very important to take all safety measures because coolant is highly toxic. Prepare safety gloves and goggles.
Preparation for flushing coolant
- Jack the car up and secure it
- Check under the radiator. There is a drainage pipe. Your job will be much easier if the radiator has a drain pipe. The pipe is usually secured with a screw.
- If there is no drain pipe, you must systematically drain the system. It is best to start from the hose at the bottom. Then, move up through the system until you have drained it all.
Steps to flush and refill coolant
- The next step is to flush out the system. For this process, it is recommended to use distilled water. Fill the system with enough distilled water, and let the car run for a while. Turn off the engine and let it cool down.
- Again, drain the system. If there was some color in the water, then it needed draining. You can repeat the process of flushing as many times as you think you need
- Before refilling, raise the front of the car on the axle. The radiator should be at the highest point in the system.
- Check all hose clips. They need to be tight. Close all the drain plugs that were opened during draining. Only leave the bleeding screw on the top of the heater hose. Turn the heat on hot.
- Add the right coolant into the expansion tank. The level should be around an inch above the top-level line. Add the coolant through the radiator opening until it is full. Close the bleed screw.
- Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. If you have a bleed screw on a water pump, unscrew it one turn. Wait to see if there is any steam going out through the screw. When the steam leaves the system, close the screw.
- Check for any other bleed screws and unscrew them individually for a turn. Any leftover steam should leave the system.
- Check all screws and lower the car. After a couple of days, turn on the car and wait for the engine to warm up. Turn on the heating and carefully open the heater pipe bleed screw to check for any leftover air.
Importance of using the correct type of coolant
Before DIY refilling the coolant, check the owner’s manual. You must be sure you are using the correct type of coolant for your car.
FAQs
Can You Mix Different Coolant Brands?
Yes, you can. Of course, only if they have the same properties and are the same type of coolant.
Is It Better to Flush or Drain the Coolant?
Draining of the coolant may leave some of it in the radiator or the system. With flushing, you are cleaning the system of the old coolant. We will recommend flushing the system after its drains.
Which Coolant Is Better Red or Green?
Red coolant is usually based on Organic Acid Technology and is better suited for aluminum-made radiators. It will also last longer than a green coolant based on Ethylene Glycol.
How Long Can You Drive with a Mixed Coolant?
If the professional mixes the coolants, you can drive the car for around 30,000 miles. If an amateur does the process, it will last much shorter.
Does the color of the coolant matter?
It can matter. The color of the coolant can point out what type of it you need to get. In some cases, you can add a coolant in other colors. But in others, you may need to use the same color coolant.
Can I Top up the Coolant with the Same Color?
If the coolant is of the same type already used, check the properties and type of coolant before adding any.
Final Considerations
There are a lot of coolants in different colors on the market. Knowing which one to refill the system is a tricky question. Knowing all the different types of coolants, their color and their properties can be a bit much for an average driver.
Before adding any coolant, be sure you are using the correct type with the correct properties. Sometimes, the color is also important, which is another factor to check. When mixing different coolants, you must know which ones you can mix and in what combination. Sometimes it is a 50/50 water coolant mix; in other cases, it is a 60/40.
We recommend going to the mechanic if you are unsure about this process. Adding the wrong coolant in the wrong way can cause major damage so a mechanic can save you from a lot of trouble.
