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What is the best engine coolant for my car?
How do I know what coolant to use for my car?
First of all, what exactly is coolant? Car coolant, also referred to as antifreeze, is the fluid that protects the engine from overheating and freezing in extreme temperatures. Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the cooling system during winter and raises the boiling point when things start to heat up. It also plays an essential role in reducing corrosion in the engine.
There are many types of coolant out there, so it is important to know which ones are suitable for your particular vehicle. They are all glycol-based fluids that typically contain a mixture of ethylene glycol, additives and water. Common types include Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) fluid. As a general rule, older vehicle models produced before 1998 usually require an IAT coolant that is silicate-free. The liquid has a distinctive green/yellow colour. Always check the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual to choose the right antifreeze / engine coolant for your car.
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£ 6,62
£ 1,32 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: MN4012-10
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£ 17,33
£ 1,73 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: PM0912-10
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£ 13,61
£ 1,36 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 86001APC
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£ 21,65
£ 21,65 for 1 litre
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-16%
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£ 26,99
£ 22,55
£ 4,51 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
The best type engine coolants to use for my car
Valvoline is one of the best all-round brands, offering a wide range of products for passenger cars, bikes, marine vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles. Its multi-vehicle formula works for almost any coolant system and offers long-lasting protection for aluminium and bare iron parts, as well as seals and gaskets. One of the benefits of the Valvoline Multi-Vehicle Concentrate is that you can change the mixing ratios based on the climatic conditions, adding more of the concentrate to water for higher resistance to the cold. It’s also safe to mix with any type of antifreeze. However, some people prefer the convenience of ready-to-use mixtures.
The manufacturer has a long history of developing automotive fluids, being the first to produce a nonflammable ethylene glycol antifreeze. This trusted brand offers a variety of vehicle-specific and universal products at prices as low as £6 per litre. Its standard patented formula provides reliable protection for temperatures ranging from -37°C to +129°C. Advanced technology protects the engine parts against corrosion, scaling, and carbon buildups. Make sure to pay attention to type of product as not all of them are suitable for both older and newer vehicles.
K2 offers high-quality long-life products at prices as low as £4.50 per litre. The brand was awarded the Gold Medal of the Consumer Laurel Competition from 2006 to 2015 for consumer recognition. The antifreeze products are universal and ready-to-use, making them a convenient choice for most motorists. They also feature a number of special corrosion inhibitors and antifoam agents for greater protection. K2 confidently claims that its coolant formulas provide full engine protection for 250,000 km or 5 years.
MANNOL is a top choice for many popular vehicle brands, including BMW, VW and Ford. The manufacturer has a wide range of IAT, OAT and HOAT coolants, some being able to withstand temperatures as low as -40 °С. The products provide excellent thermal stability and resistance to hard water and foam formation. You can find helpful manuals online in a number of languages. Many of the coolants also contain a fluorescent dye, making it easy to detect small leaks with a UV light and maintain the cooling system.
This well-known brand has an extensive range of coolants, including antifreeze for both internal combustion engines and hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Its universal products are free from amines, borates, nitrites, and phosphates, providing reliable protection against rust, frost and overheating all year round. According to customer ratings, the Coolant Ready Mix RAF 12+ is one of the best silicone-free coolants to use for motorcycles.
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compared to
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£ 22,99
£ 16,52
£ 3,30 for 1 litre
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£ 12,35
£ 2,47 for 1 litre
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£ 7,17
£ 7,17 for 1 litre
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£ 3,79
£ 3,79 for 1 litre
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-32%
FEBI BILSTEIN Antifreeze
G13-VW TL 774 J, violet, 5l, Concentrate
Article number: 38201
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compared to
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£ 38,99
£ 26,29
£ 5,26 for 1 litre
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What is the best antifreeze to choose for diesel engines?
Diesel engine coolants differ from the conventional ones used in petrol engines as they require special additives known as SCAs that protect the cylinder walls against erosion. Without these additives, there is a high risk of cavitation, which occurs when pressurised vapour bubbles form in the cooling system and attach themselves to the cylinder walls, causing damage. SCAs also act as antifoam agents and prevent scaling and corrosion. Most heavy-duty diesel motors require a long-lasting OAT or NOAT antifreeze to keep things running smoothly, such as Valvoline’s Zerex Heavy Duty Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant.
Finding the right coolant for your car is simple when you shop online. Simply search by entering the vehicle make or model and the name of the product or category, e.g. “BMW antifreeze”. You may also be able to find it using the vehicle’s unique identification number.
Top products related to this topic:
- BMW 1 Series antifreeze
- VW Golf engine coolant
- Ford Fiesta antifreeze
- Honda engine coolant
- VW antifreeze
A useful video on this topic
