Which is the Right Antifreeze for Vehicles in Montana

Which is the Right Antifreeze for Vehicles in Montana

If you are a backyard mechanic like me, you probably try to do a few things to your vehicle to save money.  Changing the oil or just general maintenance type stuff.  I've done it for years.

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And while most of my knowledge lies within the older makes and models of vehicles, I always thought the antifreeze that you used was always green.  Turns out, I was today's years old when I learned how wrong I was.

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New Cars vs Old Cars in Montana Driveways and on Roads

If you crack open the radiator cap on an older vehicle, meaning pre-2000 model year, you will most likely see a green colored liquid for your antifreeze.  However, if you do that on a newer model, that color will probably be orange.

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So, what gives with the two different colors?  Well, according to both Autozone and O'Reilly Auto, it has to do with components that are in your car's motor.  As technology has advanced, so have the parts and what they are made of has changed.  It leads to a new formula for antifreeze.

Which One Should I Be Using in My Car in Montana?

Regarding which is the best for your particular vehicle can be a tad more difficult.  Always check with your car manufacturer's owner's manual to ensure you are using the correct one.

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In general terms, the following applies according to Autozone:

• IAT coolant – older vehicles across all makes and models, typically around 2001 and older. The common color of this coolant is green.
• OAT coolant – General Motors, Saab, and Volkswagen vehicles. They’re usually orange but can also be dark green, red, pink, yellow, or purple, depending on the coolant brand.
• HOAT coolant – Commonly yellow coolant, it’s intended for Ford, Chrysler, and many European brands.
• Phosphate-free HOAT coolant – It’s used primarily by BMW, Volvo, Tesla, and MINI. The coolant color is typically turquoise.
• Phosphated HOAT coolant is a common coolant chosen by popular Asian brands like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda. It’s often pink or blue in color.
• Silicated HOAT coolant – You’ll use this purple coolant for high-performance European models like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, and some VW models.