Frequently Asked Questions – Coolant Additives
What is the main function of vehicle coolants?
The main task of the coolant is to transport the heat generated in the engine to the radiator and the interior heater.
Furthermore, the coolant increases the boiling point, protects the engine from corrosion and rubber/plastic parts from premature wear.
It lubricates the seal of the water pump and prevents the mixture from freezing.
What is the difference between Antifreeze and Coolant?
The correct term is “coolant additive” because the pure frost protection (= antifreeze) is only a partial task of the coolant.
The coolant increases the boiling point, protects the engine from corrosion and rubber/plastic parts from premature wear.
It lubricates the seal of the water pump and prevents the mixture from freezing.
Can different coolants be mixed (different brands)?
It is not recommended to mix coolants with products of different specification and qualities. Coolants from different manufacturers can only be mixed if they meet the same OEM specifications and standards.
HEPU coolants always meet OEM specifications and standards and can be mixed with OEM coolants and coolants of comparable quality.
Mixing of different specifications (and colours) is generally not allowed and can have serious consequences.
What do the different colours mean?
The colour of the coolant indicates the specification/quality standards of the product but does not have a technical function itself. Car manufactures are using different colour as a marker to distinguish different qualities.
Is flushing the cooling system necessary?
Thorough flushing of the cooling system is absolutely essential when changing the coolant. The cooling system must be flushed as it is contaminated with rust, dirt or oil. Flushing has to be continued until only clear water without impurities runs out of the system. If the cooling system is very dirty, special cleaning agents for the cooling system can be used (no household cleaners, etc.)
When should the Antifreeze/Coolant be replaced?
Old coolant must not be used again. After draining, coolant must be disposed of properly and replaced with the one.
The replacement interval for the coolant is specified by the car manufacturer.
However generally speaking after 5 years at maximum, the coolant should be replaced.
Can I use water instead of Antifreeze?
After a breakdown (e.g. a hose that has slipped off), it is possible to fill it up with clear water just to drive to the next workshop. But at the workshop, the system must be refilled with coolant again.
In the long term, pure water must not be used in the cooling system, as this can lead to corrosion and defects in the water pump and other components.
Why can’t I pour coolant without diluting it?
- Undiluted antifreeze has different chemical and physical characteristics than the right mixture.
- Undiluted coolant dissipates engine heat even more poorly and freezes faster than the mixture in the correct ratio.
- Nowadays there are also so-called “Ready-Mix or Ready-to-use” coolant qualities available.
- These coolants are already premixed with demineralised water in the correct mixing ratio and can be used without adding additional water.
Safety precautions when adding Coolant Additives to your vehicle.
- Ensure your engine has cooled down before replacing the coolant additive.
- Adding coolant additives to a hot engine can result in serious injury as well as causing damage to the engine block.
- Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for the correct additive information suitable for your vehicle.
- If you are uncertain which coolant your vehicle uses, contact your nearest Goldwagen for assistance.
Goldwagen would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Hepu Team & Arrive Alive for their assistance.
