Antifreeze and Coolant
Everyone knows how important changing your oil is to your engine’s health. But oil isn’t the only fluid you need to keep an eye on.
Antifreeze is just as vital to the health of your Acura’s engine. Improper coolant levels can put your vehicle at risk.
Understanding Different Types of Antifreeze
Antifreeze keeps your engine from overheating in the summer and from freezing during the winter. In this article we’ll tell you how antifreeze works, explain the different types of antifreeze you can use in your Acura, and give you advice on changing your antifreeze. Properly changing your coolant will protect your engine and save you money in the long run.
How Antifreeze Works
Antifreeze does exactly what it says it does. Although it’s water-based, most antifreezes are a 1:1 mix with a liquid alcohol. This mixture has a much lower freezing point, usually around -34F degrees(!). The same liquid alcohol also increases the fluid’s boiling point, making the same fluid an effective engine coolant in summer months.
The color of antifreeze is usually provided by dyes, and is meant to aid in identification. It’s more important to know the type of antifreeze called for in your Acura’s owner’s manual.
Different Types of Antifreeze
- IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology): The oldest and most common coolant type, IAT is a liquid antifreeze that’s been used for decades. It is used in a lot of older vehicles. IAT antifreeze should be changed every two years or 24,000 miles.
- OAT (Organic Acid Technology): Where IAT is commonly used in older vehicles, OAT is popular for newer models. OAT coolants include additives that give significantly longer life before needing to be changed, although they are typically a bit harder on your engine’s moving parts. Most OAT coolants will last 5 years or 50,000 miles between changes.
- HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology): HOAT is a mix of the best properties of IAT and OAT coolants, combining the longer useful life of OAT coolant with the improved anti-corrosion properties of IAT coolants. Although most owner’s manuals will suggest flushing HOAT coolants every 5 years or 50,000 miles, they can last as long as 10 years or 150,000 miles, depending on the automaker and the stresses on your car.
Changing your Antifreeze
Once you’ve checked your Acura owner’s manual and purchased the correct antifreeze, it’s a matter of about an hour of your time and some lightly specialized equipment to flush and properly store and dispose of your old coolant. If you find yourself without an air-powered refilling tool, you can always visit your local mechanic.
Finding all the parts you need is easy with Bernardi Parts Acura. We have everything you need, whether you’re just looking to change your antifreeze or you need a replacement OEM part.
For more information, please send us a message or give us a call at 800-924-1884.