Are coolant additive really compatible with all coolant?

[Johnny248]

I was looking at a couple of different coolant additives, some of which are part of "coolant service kits" that many shops push or recommend that claim to protect cooling systems, prevent rust, scale, corrosion, etc. They all mention aluminum, but no mention of the plastics and composite used in a lot of newer cooling systems.

One I looked at says it contains sodium borate as it's main active ingredient. Isn't this an old chemical used in IAT coolant which has mostly been removed in the HOAT type coolants? Could adding this cause problems?

Others contain things like 2-ethyl, which seems to have mixed reviews?

Another has sodium nitrate, potassium hydroxide, etc.

All of these chemicals seem to have or did have different places in different coolants throughout the years, but do they really have a place with new modern vehicles and is there any benefit or could even be detrimental to newer vehicle cooling systems?

 

[doitmyself]

In my opinion they are obsolete with today's modern coolants, especially the new ones that have 5 to 10 year/150,000+ mile life expediencies. You should not have to add supplements to your coolants. I'm not even sure if the old school diesel coolants are around anymore that required SCA's (Supplemental Coolant Additive).

 

[Johnny248]

especially the new ones that have 5 to 10 year/150,000+ mile life expediencies.

I would like to agree also. I have read here and there though that these newer coolants, although last much longer than your old IAT coolant, they don't always do such a great job with corrosion prevention and build up? Not 100% sure if this is a true statement, just something that I have come across while reading about different coolant formulations.

 

[kschachn]

i cannot see a valid technical reason or need for such an additive.

 

[doitmyself]

Some older articles still recommend IAT coolants for very old vehicles that have copper and brass in the cooling system. Otherwise, if you delve into coolant articles, the new formulations do great preventing metal loss/corrosion. There's data showing metal loss (corrosion) of modern coolants. I have not kept up on literature review because it's a non-problem in my opinion.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I found leak detection dye that said not compatible with Dexcool/Deathcool

 

[Revving2Redline]

I dont have a choice, I found a hint of antifreeze on the ground and a smell. I have too many miles to not be optimistic, and I'm not replacing any parts. This car is on its way out and if its still running when I run out of oil, cvt fluid, etc it's the cheapest 0w40 and Mos2. No more fluid changes, Purolator Boss and 50k intervals.