The SuperTech concentrate I used is, indeed, dyed green. Others have reported that the SuperTech pre-mix is dyed yellow, though. One poster noting the color difference raised the possibility that the two are differentiated according to color so that WalMart's auto service "technicians" (I use the term loosely . . .) could tell at a glance which product is in use when the vehicle owner returns periodically for routine service. Another suggested that the differing dye color of the two products might indicate alternate suppliers. Whatever the true explanation, unless the black jug pre-mix lists silicates (which are present in G-05 in reduced quantity), I wouldn't automatically presume the pre-mix stuff is store-branded G-05. There are NO current antifreeze/coolant dye color standards to reliably determine manufacturer or type, so assume n-o-t-h-i-n-g. It's complete mayhem in the field regarding antifreeze chemistry.
Green - conventional silicate, but also Nissan non-silicate EL*, Honda non-silicate EL*, and SuperTech non-silicate concentrate EL (no phosphates in ST)
Orange - Ford "G-05", Mopar "G-05", DEX-COOL (no phosphates or silicates in DEX-COOL)
Pee-yellow - Zerex G-05, SuperTech non-silicate EL pre-mix (no phosphates in ST)
Red/pink - Toyota non-silicate EL*
As things currently stand, based on anecdotal evidence, Havoline and Mr. Goodwrench DEX-COOL seem unusually sensitive to air in the system. The Prestone "dex-cools" - including SuperTech, and Advance Auto Parts brands - are so far indetrerminate regarding system air sensitivity. (I've had no trouble with SuperTech green concentrate diluted with distilled water, but it's just eight months in a well sealed system, so . . .) The prevelant opinion on BITOG is that for a generally reliable antifreeze that isn't terribly picky about minimal air in the system, one of the G-05s is probably the safest bet until proved otherwise. The second most prevalent opinion on BITOG is that for model year 1995 and later "big-three" Japanese vehicles, STICK WITH THE OEM ANTIFREEZE/CONCENTRATE, high-priced though it may be through the dealer networks.
*Though the Japanese "big-three" have gravitated to long-life antifreeze/coolant chemistry, they're still somewhat conservative about how long to leave the stuff in service - generally 60,000 miles if I'm not mistaken. File under, "Better To Be Safe Than Sorry".
[ May 27, 2005, 08:36 PM: Message edited by: Ray H ]
Green - conventional silicate, but also Nissan non-silicate EL*, Honda non-silicate EL*, and SuperTech non-silicate concentrate EL (no phosphates in ST)
Orange - Ford "G-05", Mopar "G-05", DEX-COOL (no phosphates or silicates in DEX-COOL)
Pee-yellow - Zerex G-05, SuperTech non-silicate EL pre-mix (no phosphates in ST)
Red/pink - Toyota non-silicate EL*
As things currently stand, based on anecdotal evidence, Havoline and Mr. Goodwrench DEX-COOL seem unusually sensitive to air in the system. The Prestone "dex-cools" - including SuperTech, and Advance Auto Parts brands - are so far indetrerminate regarding system air sensitivity. (I've had no trouble with SuperTech green concentrate diluted with distilled water, but it's just eight months in a well sealed system, so . . .) The prevelant opinion on BITOG is that for a generally reliable antifreeze that isn't terribly picky about minimal air in the system, one of the G-05s is probably the safest bet until proved otherwise. The second most prevalent opinion on BITOG is that for model year 1995 and later "big-three" Japanese vehicles, STICK WITH THE OEM ANTIFREEZE/CONCENTRATE, high-priced though it may be through the dealer networks.
*Though the Japanese "big-three" have gravitated to long-life antifreeze/coolant chemistry, they're still somewhat conservative about how long to leave the stuff in service - generally 60,000 miles if I'm not mistaken. File under, "Better To Be Safe Than Sorry".
[ May 27, 2005, 08:36 PM: Message edited by: Ray H ]
