The coolant in your engine plays an important role in keeping it in top condition and protecting its internal components. Water-based coolants are liquids that draw heat from the engine while running through the engine block, then run back out into the radiator, where they are cooled by the air passing over the engine as your vehicle travels along the road.
When the outside temperature drops below zero, the most important thing that engine coolants should include is compounds to prevent them from freezing when they are water-based.
The purpose of most coolants is to maintain the temperature within the engine. To accomplish this, both glycol and antifreeze components are included, however it is also not uncommon to find other components such as corrosion inhibitors and lubricants.
There are so many different kinds of coolant available on the market these days, some are cheap, some are not so cheap; it can be hard to know which one is really good and which one is a waste of money.
So, with this in mind, we have written this article to make it as easy and simple as possible to choose the right coolant, and to recommend the best coolants available on the market at the time of writing.
EVANS Cooling Systems High Performance Waterless Engine Coolant
Evan’s Cooling Systems High Performance Waterless Engine Coolant is an unusual coolant because it does not contain any water at all. Since this coolant is free of water in its formulation, it prevents corrosion, prolongs engine life, and with that, can potentially save you money in the long run on maintenance.
This high-performance and expensive coolant is designed for a wide range of engines, including high performance sports cars, modern four-cylinders, and heavy duty diesels.
It has a patented formula that means it does not need to be changed as frequently as normal coolants may need to.
Valvoline Max Life Universal Antifreeze/Coolant
Founded in 1877 by Lorein Boles, Valvoline Max Life Universal Antifreeze/Coolant is suitable for high-mileage vehicles, carrying the Valvoline guarantee of quality.
Despite its patented properties, the product is suitable as both a coolant and an antifreeze as well as a lubricant for the gaskets and engine seals of any kind of car whether new or old.
Featuring Valvoline’s years of expertise and brand assurance, Max Life Universal Antifreeze/Coolant is designed for high-mileage vehicles and is backed by Valvoline’s years of experience.
A patented formula that works as both a coolant and antifreeze, as well as a lubricant for seals and gaskets on any car whether it is brand new or old.
Zerex DEX-COOL Engine Coolant, Concentrated
It is worth mentioning that the Zerex coolant that we suggest to you is yellow ‘Dex-Cool’. It, a type of organic coolant developed by General Motors in the mid-1990’s, is an orange gel.
There may well be no choice but to purchase a Dex-Cool coolant if you own a GM vehicle, and Zerex is certainly worth a look if you do decide to do so. This intelligent, pre-mixed oil was designed to last up to five years, or 150,000 miles, and it comes ready-to-use and ready for you to use.
It is worth mentioning that the Zerex we have on our list is the orange Dex-Cool variant of the brand, which was developed by General Motors back in the late 1990s.
It is possible that you may be forced to buy Dex-Cool coolant if you own a vehicle made by GM, and Zerex’s version is definitely worth a look if you do so. This oil is certified to last up to five years or 150,000 miles, and comes ready-to-use and premixed for convenience.
Prestone Universal Coolant
It is not usually recommended that coolants be mixed together, but Prestone claims that their Universal Coolant is compatible with all types of other coolants, making it a good solution for those in a bind.
Assume that you break down in the middle of nowhere and you need to add more coolant to your car, but you have no idea which kind is currently in the cooling system.
You may be able to get back on your feet in the short term by adding Prestone’s Universal Coolant, at least until you have the opportunity to flush the system and start again.
Recochem OEM Pink Premium
Recochem’s OEM pink antifreeze was specifically designed for Toyota, Lexus and Scion models, although other vehicles may be able to use it as well, depending on the cooling needs of that particular vehicle.
It uses organic OAT-certified coolant that will last for a period of 5 years or 150,000 miles. The coolant is sold in a concentrated 1 gallon form, so you will get 2 gallons from it, making it a great deal.
This is not a cheap aftermarket coolant, but it is a reliable aftermarket cooling product that is uniquely designed to perform perfectly.