Antifreeze for Cars in Antifreeze & Car Coolants

Choosing the right antifreeze depends on your vehicle's make, model, and engine type. It's important to check your owner's manual for the recommended type, such as traditional green antifreeze, OAT (Organic Acid Technology), or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology). Some antifreezes are universal, while others are designed for specific vehicles like Asian or European models. Also, consider whether you need concentrate or pre-diluted antifreeze. Using the correct antifreeze helps protect your engine from freezing, overheating, and corrosion. Walmart offers a variety of antifreeze options to fit different vehicle needs.

Low coolant levels can cause your engine to overheat and may lead to serious damage. Common signs include:

• The temperature gauge rising above normal.
• Steam or a sweet smell coming from under the hood.
• Heater not blowing warm air inside the car.
• Visible coolant leaks or puddles under the vehicle.
• Warning lights on the dashboard related to engine temperature or coolant.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to check and top off your coolant or antifreeze to maintain proper engine temperature.

Mixing different types of antifreeze is generally not recommended because they contain different chemical formulations that can react negatively. For example, mixing traditional green antifreeze with OAT or HOAT types may reduce the effectiveness of corrosion protection and could cause sludge buildup. If you need to add antifreeze, try to use the same type already in your vehicle or perform a complete coolant flush before switching types. Always refer to your vehicle's manual for the best guidance on antifreeze compatibility.

The replacement or topping up schedule for antifreeze varies depending on the type and your vehicle's requirements. Extended-life antifreezes can last up to 5 to 15 years or 150,000 to 350,000 miles, while traditional antifreeze may need changing every 2 to 3 years. It's important to check your owner's manual for specific intervals. Regularly inspecting the coolant level and condition can help you decide when to top it up or replace it. Walmart offers both concentrate and pre-diluted antifreeze to suit maintenance needs.

Antifreeze and coolant are terms often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. Antifreeze is a concentrated liquid that prevents the engine's cooling system from freezing in cold temperatures. Coolant refers to the mixture of antifreeze and water that circulates through the engine to regulate temperature. Most vehicles use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, which protects against freezing, boiling, and corrosion. Many products sold as antifreeze are already pre-mixed as coolant for convenience.