Coolant FAQ?

[NovaMan]

Is there a FAQ or guide I could read so that I can understand the differences between types of coolant? I used to think there was just standard green and Dex-Cool orange, but now I understand that's not the case at all.

 

[wiswind]

Visit Zerex's website, they give a nice set of information.
You are wise to ask, and investigate on your own.
I have found that the clerks at the auto part stores tend to have no clue about the coolant that they are selling, although they will fill you in on a LOT of mis-information.

Another website would be Peak's.

By reading up at these 2 websites, you can quickly become more knowledgable than most people.

 

[NovaMan]

Thanks! The Zerex/Valvoline site had lots of good info, and Peak's site was helpful too.
Are there any types of antifreeze other than IAT, OAT, HOAT, and high-silicate?

 

[doitmyself]

Novaman,

here is one of the most informative articles I have found describing coolants:

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2822&location_id=2877

Here's the same article, non-PDF, no pictures:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3828/is_200408/ai_n9453107/pg_1

I'm not so sure high silicate exists anymore, since all of today's conventional green coolants now advertise "low silicate" and longer life.

There's also poly-glycol coolant (vs. ethylene glycol), but I know little about it.

Have fun learning!

 

[NovaMan]

Thanks; that's a great article.