

Originally marketed as “permanent” or “long life” antifreeze, OAT coolants, or Dex-cool as they are commonly known, have to be replaced every 3-5 years.Īnother important difference is that unlike IAT coolants, OAT products use propylene glycol as the base, so they are less harmful for pets, kids and the environment in case of a spill or boil-over. These coolants turned into the norm around the late-nineties and are still going strong in many newer cars all across the world.Īlthough devoid of both phosphates and silicates, OAT coolants offer similar corrosion resistance as the green antifreeze mixes.īut the anti-corrosive compounds in these solutions are slow-acting, which gives the product a longer life span.Īlso, it is specifically designed to offer anti-corrosive protection to the aluminum and nylon parts in newer model cars.
#Toyota super long life coolant and dex cool interchangeable manual
When selecting the fluids for your car, it’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual first to see what your car’s manufacturer recommends. So, you will find coolants and antifreeze solutions from nearly all major auto manufacturers that are designed to handle the anti-corrosive needs of the engines in their vehicles. This led to red, green, blue, yellow and orange fluids.Įvery one of these is meant to address the specific requirements of various engines and their components. However, newer vehicles and their advanced engine components raised the need for more effective antifreeze solutions that would offer greater protection. Up until the mid-nineties, ethylene glycol-based, bright green antifreeze mixes were the norm.

The primary variation in antifreeze solutions is based on the anti-corrosive factors used in them.

When mixed with water in the proper proportions, the resulting solution greatly increases the cooling system's ability to perform its function of removing heat from critical engine parts while enhancing the service life of various cooling-system components.In terms of the major component, antifreeze mixes are available in the standard ethylene glycol-based form or the non-toxic propylene glycol-based version. Straight antifreeze actually freezes and boils quicker than tap water. When in doubt, call the local dealer of the equipment you are servicing and ask them for advice.įor sure, always mix antifreeze with water (distilled water is much preferred) at a 50%-50% rate. “Today, however, coolants are crucial for heat transfer and corrosion protection as well.” “Way back when engines were simpler, the primary goal of radiator fluids was to prevent engines from freezing,” says Carmen Ulabarro, a coolant specialist with Chevron. Only when dilution rates border 50% is the effectiveness of each coolant’s inhibitor package compromised. If you do not know what coolant is in the vehicle and you top its radiator off with another brand, nothing bad is going to happen. The key is to buy the same type of coolant recommended by your machine’s manufacturer.

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