Are coolants suitable for all vehicles?

Many types of engine coolant are on the market, and using the wrong one in a vehicle not designed for it can lead to problems. The type of coolant needs to match the type of radiator in the car, or corrosion, blockage and poor performance can result.

Most coolant issues boil down to the type of corrosion inhibitors in the mixture. Older products use inorganic acids and are usually colored yellow or green. Newer long-life coolants use organic acids, and are typically orange or red in color. Hybrid organic acid coolants use both types of inhibitors, but manufacturers generally don't color-code these mixtures consistently. The correct type of coolant for any car should be specified in the owner's manual.