Product formulation is crucial in the context of antifreeze and coolant because these fluids play a critical role in regulating the temperature of an engine, preventing it from overheating or freezing. The formulation determines the fluids’ ability to transfer heat effectively, inhibit corrosion, prevent scale buildup, and resist freezing at low temperatures.
These formulations are meticulously engineered using advanced chemistry and state-of-the-art additives to provide superior protection against extreme temperatures, corrosion, and engine deposits. Products undergo extensive testing to ensure compatibility with a wide range of vehicle makes and models, guaranteeing consistent performance and providing peace of mind for consumers.
The composition of each coolant is specific to application in which it will be used.
Antifreeze/Coolant Overview
There are 5 basic coolant technologies:
- Inorganic Additive Technology Coolant (IAT) – This is a low silicate formulation which may include phosphate and/or borate, nitrate, nitrite, azoles, and other inorganic compounds. This coolant is not used in factory fill. This is the old “conventional green” antifreeze/coolant which GM stopped recommending in 1995 and Ford in 2003.
- Extended Service Interval Coolant (IAT) – This is also known as an Extended Service Interval Coolant (ESI). ESI coolant is a low silicate formulation which may include phosphate and/or borate, nitrate, nitrite, azoles, and other inorganic compounds. This formulation may still be used for factory fill in some heavy-duty cooling systems, infrequently, and is often fuchsia or purple.
- Hybrid Organic Acid Technology Coolant (HOAT) – HOAT coolants typically utilize a combination of organic acids with low levels of silicate and inorganic additives such as borate, molybdate, nitrite and nitrate in the inhibitor package. This type of coolant is typically not used as HD factory fill in North America.
- Nitrite Organic Acid Technology Coolant (NOAT) – This coolant does not contain inorganic inhibitors, such as silicate or borate. It is an organic acid inhibitor base with nitrite and may contain molybdate for extra cavitation pitting control. NOAT coolant is known as “Extended Life Coolant” and is still used as factory fill in some HD vehicles, especially off-road and mining equipment. These coolants are designed for optimal performance in HD cooling system components made of copper and brass.
- HD Nitrite Free Organic Acid Technology Coolant (OAT) – This coolant uses organic acid inhibitors with a possible combination of other inhibitors, such as tolytriazle, mercaptobenzothiazole, nitrate, molybdate and phosphate. It uses the organic acid inhibitors and molybdate to help control corrosion and cavitation erosion in a cooling system. It does not contain inorganic inhibitors, such as silicate, nitrite or borate.