How to Choose the Right Coolant and Why Coolant Service Matters

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a critical role in keeping your engine healthy all year long. Despite the name, engine coolant does more than just prevent freezing it regulates your engine’s temperature in extreme cold and blistering heat. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right coolant or why a coolant flush is important, this post is for you.

What Is Coolant, Really?

Coolant (a.k.a. antifreeze) is a fluid that flows through your engine and radiator to regulate temperature. It prevents overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. It works by raising the boiling point and lowering the freezing point of the liquid in your cooling system.

Without it, your engine would be vulnerable to cracks, overheating, corrosion, or complete failure especially during temperature extremes.

Why Are There So Many Coolant Types and Colors?

Coolant comes in a rainbow of colors green, orange, pink, blue, yellow—and they’re not just for aesthetics. Each color often corresponds to a specific chemical formulation:

• Green: Traditional Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT)
• Orange or Red: Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
• Yellow or Pink: Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
• Blue or Purple: Manufacturer-specific long-life coolants

Mixing incompatible types can cause chemical reactions that lead to clogs, poor heat transfer, and even water pump failure.

So how do you know which one to use?

·      Check your owner’s manual for the recommended coolant type
Or stop by ABC Auto Repair in Burien and we’ll check for you

Why You Might Need a Coolant Flush

Even the right coolant breaks down over time. If your vehicle has over 100,000 miles, has unknown service history, or you’ve mixed coolants accidentally, a coolant flush is your best option. Here's why:

1. Removes Rust and Scale Build-Up

These deposits reduce heat transfer, restrict flow, and lead to overheating. A flush clears them out completely.

2. Restores Anti-Corrosive Protection

Old coolant loses its protective properties. Fresh coolant contains additives that lubricate the water pump and protect the entire cooling system.

3. Identifies Leaks and Weak Components

During a coolant flush, a full inspection is usually performed. We’ll check your radiator, water pump, hoses, belts, and thermostat to make sure your cooling system is leak-free and reliable.

When to Get a Coolant Flush

You should consider a coolant flush:

• Every 30,000–60,000 miles depending on your vehicle
• If your coolant looks brown, sludgy, or low
• If you’re unsure what type of coolant is in your system
• After a major engine repair or overheating event

Coolant Service in Burien, WA

Coolant is one of those “out of sight, out of mind” fluids until it’s not. At ABC Auto Repair in Burien, we can inspect your coolant, recommend the right type, and flush your system if needed.