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Q?
WHAT IS ANTIFREEZE?
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A.
Antifreeze, also known as engine coolant, is a glycol based liquid that is used in the radiator of a vehicle’s engine to maintain its temperature.
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Q?
WHERE DOES ANTIFREEZE GO?
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A.
Antifreeze goes into the radiator of a vehicle’s engine.
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Q?
WHAT IS ANTIFREEZE MADE OF?
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A.
Antifreeze has different chemical compositions depending on the type of antifreeze used. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) antifreeze can be either ethylene glycol (EG) or propylene glycol (PG). Organic Acid Technology (OAT) antifreeze is primarily ethylene glycol (EG) based. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) antifreeze is a combination of Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) and Organic Acid Technology (OAT).
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Q?
WHAT COLOR IS ANTIFREEZE?
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A.
Antifreeze colors include red, orange, yellow, pink, blue and green. Different colored antifreeze is used to identify the type of antifreeze being used. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) antifreeze is green in color. Organic Acid Technology (OAT) antifreeze is orange, red, green, pink or blue. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) antifreeze is orange or yellow in color.
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Q?
HOW DO YOU CHECK YOUR ANTIFREEZE? HOW MUCH ANTIFREEZE DO I — USE?
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A.
Antifreeze can be checked by opening the radiator cap and seeing whether the liquid reaches the Full line.
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Q?
HOW DO YOU DISPOSE OF ANTIFREEZE?
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A.
Antifreeze can be disposed of legally and safely by taking it to any major auto parts store.
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Q?
STEPS TO CHECKING THE CONDITION AND LEVEL OF YOUR ENGINE COOLANT
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A.
Notes: 1) Before starting, locate the radiator, coolant overflow reservoir, and pressure cap. The reservoir will be located at a high location on either side of the engine and may be near the radiator or at the back of the engine near the windshield. 2) The cooling system pressure cap may be on a remote overflow reservoir if not on the radiator. Pressure Cap on or Near the Radiator (Typical on older vehicle models)
CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PRESSURE CAP WHEN ENGINE IS HOT.
- With the engine off and cool, remove the pressure cap from the radiator.
- The coolant level should be at the top of the radiator, ideally flush with the bottom of the pressure cap seat.
- If the coolant level is low, add either 50/50 pre-mixed antifreeze/coolant or a 50/50 mix of antifreeze/coolant concentrate and good quality water until the coolant level reaches the cap seat. Replace the pressure cap.
- Next, check owner’s manual for recommended cooling system maintenance, and note the guidance given for the level of antifreeze/coolant to be kept in the reservoir.
- Locate the fill line on the side of the overflow reservoir. If the coolant level is low, remove the reservoir cap and add either 50/50 pre-mixed antifreeze/coolant or a 50/50 mix of antifreeze/coolant concentrate and good quality water until the coolant level reaches the level marked on the tank. Replace the cap.
Pressure Cap on the Overflow Reservoir (Typical on newer vehicles)
CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PRESSURE CAP WHEN ENGINE IS HOT.
- Make sure the engine is off and cool. Check owner’s manual for recommended cooling system maintenance, and note the guidance given for the level of antifreeze/coolant to be kept in the reservoir.
- Locate the fill line on the side of the tank. If the coolant level is low, remove the pressure cap and add either 50/50 pre-mixed antifreeze/coolant or a 50/50 mix of antifreeze/coolant concentrate and good quality water until the coolant level reaches the level marked on the tank. Replace the pressure cap. Periodically check coolant level and freeze protection.