How It Works 

Antifreeze is a liquid substance that is added to a vehicle's cooling system to lower the freezing point of the coolant. It also raises the boiling point of the coolant to prevent it from boiling over in high-temperature conditions. This helps to protect the engine from damage caused by freezing or overheating.

The primary ingredient in most antifreeze is ethylene glycol, a colourless, odourless, sweet-tasting liquid. Ethylene glycol is a type of alcohol that has a very low freezing point (-13°F/-25°C) and a high boiling point (387°F/197°C). This makes it an effective antifreeze agent, as it can remain liquid in very low temperatures and withstand high temperatures without boiling off.

Other types of alcohol can also be used as antifreeze, such as propylene glycol, which is less toxic than ethylene glycol and is often used in food and medical applications.

In addition to the primary antifreeze ingredient, antifreeze also contains additives that help protect the engine from rust and corrosion, lubricate the water pump, and prevent foaming.

There are different types of antifreeze available, including: 

• Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT): This type of antifreeze is made with a combination of inorganic acids and silicates. It is often green in colour and is used in older vehicles.

• Organic Acid Technology (OAT): This type of antifreeze is made with organic acids and does not contain silicates. It is often orange or pink in colour and is used in newer vehicles.

• Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT): This type of antifreeze is a combination of IAT and OAT technology. It is often yellow in colour and is used in some newer vehicles.

It is important to use the correct type of antifreeze for your vehicle to ensure proper engine protection and prevent damage. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for the type of antifreeze to use.

Why the Glycol Concentration is important

The concentration of glycol in antifreeze can make a significant difference in its effectiveness in preventing freezing and overheating.

When ethylene glycol is added to water to create an antifreeze mixture, the freezing point of the mixture decreases as the concentration of glycol increases. For example, a mixture of 50% ethylene glycol and 50% water has a freezing point of around -34°F/-37°C, while a mixture of 70% ethylene glycol and 30% water has a freezing point of around -84°F/-64°C. This means that a higher concentration of glycol provides better protection against freezing in extremely cold temperatures.

On the other hand, the boiling point of the antifreeze mixture increases as the concentration of glycol decreases. This is because water has a higher boiling point than ethylene glycol. So, a lower concentration of glycol is better at preventing the coolant from boiling over in high-temperature conditions.

The optimal concentration of glycol in antifreeze varies depending on the specific requirements of the vehicle and the climate conditions it will be used in. Generally, a concentration of around 50% ethylene glycol and 50% water is recommended for most vehicles. However, in colder climates, a higher concentration of glycol may be required to prevent freezing, while in warmer climates, a lower concentration of glycol may be more appropriate to prevent overheating. It is important to refer to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and follow them carefully when selecting the appropriate concentration of glycol for your vehicle.

What do the colours mean

The colour of antifreeze can indicate the type of technology used and may affect its compatibility with different vehicles and cooling systems.

As mentioned earlier, there are different types of antifreeze available, including Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT). These different types of antifreeze use different additives and inhibitors to provide protection against corrosion and other issues.

Antifreeze manufacturers often add colour dyes to their products to help distinguish between different types and to make it easier for consumers to identify which type of antifreeze to use in their vehicle. However, the colour of antifreeze is not a reliable indicator of the type of technology used or its compatibility with a specific vehicle.

For example, traditional green antifreeze is typically associated with IAT technology, while orange or pink antifreeze is often associated with OAT technology. However, there are some HOAT antifreezes that may be yellow or gold in colour.

It is important to always consult the vehicle owner's manual or a trusted mechanic to determine the appropriate type and colour of antifreeze to use in your specific vehicle. Using the wrong type of antifreeze or mixing different types can lead to corrosion, reduced effectiveness, and other issues that can damage the cooling system or engine.

How often should anti-freeze be replaced

The lifespan of antifreeze depends on several factors, including the type of antifreeze, the concentration of glycol, and the operating conditions of the vehicle.

Generally, most antifreeze manufacturers recommend changing the antifreeze every two to five years, or every 50,000 to 80,000 km, whichever comes first. This is because over time, antifreeze can break down and lose its effectiveness due to exposure to heat, moisture, and contaminants.

In addition, the additives and inhibitors in antifreeze that protect against corrosion and other issues can become depleted over time, leading to increased risk of damage to the cooling system or engine.

By changing the anti-freeze, we mean a full system flush to ensure that the new antifreeze will be effective and provide the necessary protection against corrosion and other issues.

A full system flush involves draining the old antifreeze from the cooling system, flushing it with water or a flushing agent, and then refilling it with new antifreeze. This process can help remove any debris or contaminants that may be present in the cooling system and ensure that the new antifreeze is able to provide the necessary protection.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for changing the antifreeze and to have the cooling system inspected regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. Failure to change the antifreeze can lead to corrosion, leaks, and other issues that can be expensive to repair and can cause damage to the engine.

If the antifreeze appears discoloured, has a strange odour, or contains debris or contaminants, it should be replaced immediately. It is also important to check the antifreeze level and condition regularly and to top off the coolant as needed to prevent overheating and other issues.

How we can help

We strongly recommend that customers visit our website to explore our extensive selection of antifreeze products available in various colours, sizes, and concentrations. Our inventory includes a wide range of options to suit every vehicle and budget, so you can find the perfect antifreeze to protect your engine all year round.