Which coolant should you choose?

The coolant is changed approximately every 3 years. But before change coolant, you should choose it well. Indeed, there are different types of coolant: mineral fluid and organic fluid. In addition, not all liquids have the same composition and, above all, the same characteristics.

🚗 What types of coolant are there?

For efficient engine cooling, your coolant must have special properties and, in particular, be resistant to heat and cold. It is for this reason that you cannot simply use water as a coolant.

In fact, your coolant is mostly water, but it also containsethylene ou propylene glycol.

On the Internet or on the shelves of a car dealership, you will notice that there are many different directions written on the coolant cans. It's here Standards NFR 15601, which classifies coolants into three types and two categories.

Coolants are divided into three types depending on the degree of their use.Antigel, the temperature at which they freeze and the temperature at which they evaporate:

Then the coolants are divided into 2 categories depending on their composition:

Good to know : Don't just rely on color to know which coolant to choose. Today it has lost its meaning. Therefore, check the label to select a coolant according to its type and composition.

?? How to choose a coolant?

Now that you know the different types of fluids, how can you be sure you are choosing the right one? Depending on the type of fluid, the resistance to certain extreme temperatures differs. Therefore, you should choose a liquid according to the climate in which you live:

• Type 1 fluid: for hot regions of the south of France, where the temperature is -15 ° C is very high (every 5 years).
• Type 2 fluid: for more temperate regions of the country, without extreme temperatures. However, be careful in very hot weather, because the boiling point of this type of liquid is not high.
• Type 3 fluid : For regions in the North-East and mountainous regions of France, where temperatures can drop below -20 ° C.

Good to know : In winter, if your fluid is type 1 or 2, you need to change the coolant to make it more resistant to low temperatures. Choose a Category 3 fluid. Be careful not to mix them as this will reduce their effectiveness.

In addition, it is obvious that the coolant must be selected in accordance with recommendations from your car manufacturer... Please refer to the service brochure to select the coolant that is compatible with your vehicle, in particular with regard to its type (organic or mineral fluid).

🗓️ When to change the coolant?

On average, it is desirable to drain the water from the cooling system. every xnumx yearsor every 30 km... However, depending on the type of product you choose, the coolant can be changed later. In fact, fluids of mineral origin have a shorter lifespan than fluids of organic origin:

• Mineral coolant service life: 2 years.
• Service life of organic heat transfer fluid: 4 years.

Now you know how to choose the right coolant for your car! To replace the coolant at the best price, use our garage comparator. Compare mechanics near you in just a few minutes with Vroomly!