Can You Mix Different Color Antifreeze? (Explained)

✔ This article has been fact checked.

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol), also known as coolant when combined with water, is a liquid that is added to your car's engine to regulate its temperature and prevent overheating. It's an essential component and it's important to understand the different types of antifreeze.

You should only use the recommended type of antifreeze in your vehicle and avoid mixing different colors together as they contain different chemicals that can cause a chemical reaction and damage your cars engine.

In this article, we also also answer the question of can you mix different color antifreeze together.

Table of Contents:

• Why There Are Different Colors

• Does It Matter Which Color You Use?

• Different Coolant Colors

• Mixing Different Colors

• Mixing Same Colors

• What Happens if You Mix Two Different Colors

• Universal Antifreeze

• Most Common Color

• Using the Wrong Color Antifreeze

• Wrong Antifreeze Causes Overheating

• Conclusion

Why Are There Different Coolant Colors?

Antifreeze comes in a variety of different colors, and the reason for this is that different manufacturers use different types of coolant. The color of the antifreeze is used to indicate the type of coolant and the type of vehicle it is intended for.

Does It Matter What Color Antifreeze You Use?

Yes, it does matter what color antifreeze you use. Different types of coolant are formulated to work with specific types of engines and vehicles, so using the wrong type of coolant can cause damage to your engine. It is important to use the correct color antifreeze for your vehicle.

Different Coolant Colors

Below is a table with the colors of coolant and antifreeze, their vehicle applications and the type of additives and corrosion inhibitors they use.

Type	Corrosion Inhibitor	Vehicle Application	Coolant Color
​IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology)	Silicates	Older Vehicles	Green
OAT (Organic Acid Technology)	Organic Acids	GM, Saab, VW	Orange / Red
HOAT (Hybrid OAT)	Silicates & Organic Acids	Ford, Chrysler & other European vehicles	Yellow
HOAT (Hybrid OAT, Phosphate-free)	NAP Free	BMW, Volvo, Tesla, Mini, others	Turquoise
Si-OAT (Silicated HOAT)	Silicates & Organic Acids	​Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW, Porsche, others	Purple
P-HOAT (Phosphated HOAT)	Phosphates & Organic Acids	Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, KIA & other Asian vehicles	Pink / Blue

Can You Mix Different Antifreeze Colors?

It is not recommended to mix different antifreeze colors as it can cause damage to your engine. The different types of coolant are formulated to work with specific types of engines and vehicles, and mixing them can lead to chemical reactions that can cause damage.

Can You Mix Same Color Coolants?

It is generally safe to mix same color coolants, but it is always best to check the owner's manual or consult with a mechanic to make sure it is safe to do so.

What Happens if You Mix Two Different Colored Antifreeze?

Mixing two different colored antifreeze can cause damage to your engine. Different coolant and antifreeze use various types of additives, using these in an engine not designed for those types of additives can cause damage.

Mixing them together can cause problems with the cooling system.

What Color Is Universal Antifreeze?

There is no such thing as a universal antifreeze. Different types of coolant are formulated to work with specific types of engines and vehicles, so it is important to use the correct color antifreeze for your vehicle.

Green coolant is typically used in most older vehicles and is often thought to be "universal", but this is only the case in older cars.

What Is the Most Common Color of Antifreeze?

The most common color of antifreeze is green, which is typically used in older vehicles. Orange and red coolant colors are the next most common.

What Happens if You Use the Wrong Color Antifreeze?

Using the wrong color antifreeze can cause damage to your engine and cooling system. The different types of coolant are formulated to work with specific types of engines and vehicles.

Additionally, using the wrong color antifreeze can also lead to overheating if it causes damage to the coolant system.

Can the Wrong Antifreeze Cause Overheating?

Yes, using the wrong antifreeze can cause overheating. The different types of coolant are formulated to work with specific types of engines and vehicles, and using the wrong type can lead to chemical reactions that can cause damage and overheating.

Conclusion

It is important to understand the different types of antifreeze and whether or not you can mix the different colors. Different types of coolant are formulated to work with specific types of engines and vehicles, and using the wrong type can cause engine damage and overheating.

Always check the owner's manual or consult with a mechanic to make sure you are using the correct color antifreeze for your vehicle. It is not recommended to mix any different color antifreeze as it can cause damage to your engine.

Always use the correct color antifreeze to ensure the proper functioning of your vehicle and to avoid costly repairs.

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