Can I mix green and green coolant?
The green coolant is an inorganic additive technology (IAT). The two coolants should never be mixed together as they do not react well. When mixed together they can form a thick, jelly-like substance that can completely stop all coolant flow which can lead to overheating.
What are the different colors of radiator fluid?
The OAT coolant is a type of radiator fluid that contains organic inhibitors. This type of radiator fluid was initially dyed yellow or orange to distinguish it from the green IAT coolants. Today, you’ll find OAT coolants in other colors like blue and dark green.
When did they start using radiator fluid in cars?
Radiator fluid, also known as engine coolant or antifreeze, was first used in military vehicles during World War I. Ethylene glycol was initially used as an alternative to glycerol to prevent radiators from freezing overnight. By 1923, it became common for automakers to use ethylene oxide-based coolant in engine manufacturing.
What kind of coolant is used in a radiator?
IAT coolant is the most common type of radiator fluid that automakers have used for over 70 years. It is made up of an ethylene glycol base combined with silicate and phosphate additives. Phosphates protect iron engine blocks from rust, while silicates protect damaged surfaces on the aluminum cylinder head from getting worse.
What causes coolant to bubble in the radiator?
Air pockets in the radiator can cause blockages as coolant/antifreeze circulates through the engine. These usually happen after a coolant/antifreeze flush, when not enough coolant/antifreeze is added to the system to expel any remaining air. Bubbling in the reservoir.
Is the coolant in a radiator the same as antifreeze?
Technically speaking, coolant and antifreeze are not always the same thing. You can buy coolant that is not antifreeze and comes in a premixed formulation that you can add directly to your radiator. But, as we said, oftentimes people use either term to refer to the same thing.
What kind of antifreeze do you use in a Subaru radiator?
It’s another long life, anti-corrosion formula meant to last a good five years in your radiator. There are other blue antifreezes that are for use in Acura, Honda, and Subaru vehicles. The color blue on the label is slightly different for these than in the one meant for Nissan and Mazda.
What’s the correct ratio of coolant to radiator fluid?
To mix the radiator fluid properly, mix the coolant and distilled water in a 50/50 proportion. Fill an empty radiator fluid bottle halfway with water and then fill the rest of the bottle with radiator fluid. Tip: A mixture containing up to 70% coolant will still work, but in most conditions a half-and-half mix is more efficient.
Where do you put radiator fluid when it overflows?
This small reservoir on the side of the radiator collects any fluid that spills out when the radiator overflows. Tip: Most overflow tanks have a way to move the coolant they contain back into the cooling system, so it is a good idea to add the radiator fluid to this overflow tank rather than directly into the radiator.