Which Antifreeze Do You Require? Knowing the Types and Colors
Coolant isn't only about preventing your engine from freezing — it's also about not overheating, corroding, scaling, and having component failure. But with so many products on the shelf (green, gold, red, 50/50, concentrate), how do you decide which to use?
Let's demystify the types, colors, and main differences so that you can choose the correct iLast antifreeze for your car with confidence.
What Does Antifreeze Do, Anyway?
Antifreeze (also called coolant) is a heat-transfer fluid that flows through your radiator and engine. It plays several critical roles:
- Prevents freezing during winter
- Prevents boiling in summer
- Lubricates the water pump and gaskets
- Prevents rust, scale, and corrosion within the system
All iLast products include additives for long-lasting protection.
Antifreeze vs Coolant: What's the Difference?
- Antifreeze: Pure glycol-based fluid that must be diluted before use.
- Coolant: Generally means a ready-to-use 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and deionized water.
🧪 Tip: Never use 100% antifreeze — it can cut down on heat transfer and lead to overheating.
Concentrate vs 50/50: Which One Should You Use?
- Concentrate: Needs to be blended with deionized or distilled water prior to adding to the cooling system.
- 50/50 Pre-Mix: Pre-diluted and ready for use — perfect for fast top-ups or clean fills.
iLast offers both formats for most formulas:
What Do the Colors Mean?
Although color is no chemical assurance, it does offer general direction:
- Green: Classic inorganic (IAT) — ideal for older cars
- Yellow/Gold: Hybrid organic acid (HOAT) — current compatibility with longer drain intervals
- Orange/Red: Organic acid technology (OAT) — long-life, utilized by numerous imports and newer models
iLast Gold and Maxcool products utilize HOAT formulas for broad coverage.
Can You Mix Various Antifreeze Types?
It's not advisable. Blending various chemistries (such as OAT with IAT) can result in:
- Precipitation and sludge formation
- Less corrosion protection
- Reduced coolant life
When in doubt, flush the system before switching.
Selecting the Appropriate iLast Antifreeze Solution
✅ Use the following quick reference:
- iLast Premium Green – Older vehicles, local models, standard IAT protection
- iLast Premium Gold Light Duty – Newer domestic or Asian vehicles, HOAT formula
- iLast Maxcool – Long-life OAT for newer import cars
- iLast Heavy Duty – For fleet, diesel truck, or commercial use
🧊️ See the complete iLast antifreeze range here
How to See If It's Time for a Coolant Replacement
- Check reservoir for discoloration or low level
- Test freeze protection using coolant tester
- Replace every 2–5 years or 30k–100k miles depending on type
🧊 If it's brown, cloudy, or has a burnt smell — time to flush.
Final Tip: Keep Your Engine Protected Year-Round
Antifreeze is not just for winter. It's a year-round necessity to help keep your engine cool, clean, and corrosion-free.
🧪 Still not sure what coolant is correct for your system? Consult our experts — we're here to help you pair your vehicle with the optimal choice.