Coolants mainly come in different colors, so you can detect any leaks. However, there are other reasons, like their formulation, usage, and compatibility, that each color also signifies.
So, what are the differences between blue vs green coolant? The blue coolant is especially known for its durability. It contains top-grade ethylene glycol combined with treated, de-mineralized water. On the other hand, green coolant offers a bit less durability. It is formulated with inorganic additive technology (IAT). Ethylene glycol is modified with phosphates and silicates to create this form of coolant.
Detailed distinctions and more knowledge are coming up. So, let’s move forward to know everything about these coolants!
Blue Vs Green Coolant: What Are They?
Newer vehicles don’t bother with the coolant colors, so you can pick anything. However, the problem arises in older models. In old vehicles, switching to a different coolant can ruin the cooling system and the engine. Therefore, you must know what each color coolant tries to imply.
Green Coolant
Green coolants are formulated with the inorganic additive technology (IAT). Their formulation is responsible for the greenish hue that they have. It has a lower boiling point, which means it cools faster and is less corrosive. Therefore, these coolants are best for the cooling system’s durability.
Blue Coolant
Glycol and water are the main ingredients in blue coolant. These ingredients prevent engines from overheating. Blue coolant is commonly used because it effectively regulates engine temperature under a wide range of environmental conditions. Because of its adaptability, it is a good option for keeping an engine running smoothly for a long time.
Differences Between Blue And Green Coolant
The main difference between blue and green coolant is in their formulation. However, there are other differences in their protection and performance attributes.
Characteristics | Blue Coolant | Green Coolant |
---|---|---|
Coolant Type | Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Or Hybrid Oat (HOAT) | Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) |
Corrosion Protection | Advanced Formulations | Silicates And Phosphates |
Service Intervals | 5-10 Years | 2 Years |
Common Applications | Modern Vehicles | Older And Some Modern Vehicles |
Alongside the chemical composition differences, blue and green coolants have some other differences, too. You should consider the differences so your vehicle’s coolant system remains content.
Duration Of Usage
You need to change your green coolants every two years, up to 30,000 miles. On the other hand, blue coolants last longer than green ones. You can change blue coolants every five to ten years, up to 75,000 miles. If you want to know the basics of changing your coolant in a car, check out this video.
Upkeeping Duration
As green coolants require frequent changes, you need to focus more time on maintenance. Thus, maintaining its cooling efficiency and engine problems necessitates routine maintenance.
But, you will be required to pay less attention to maintenance if you are using the blue one, thanks to its durability.
Boiling Point And Efficiency
Green coolant has a lower boiling point. That means it will cool your engine faster than usual. But blue coolant has a higher boiling point, which means it will take time to cool down the engine.
Green coolant often has a boiling point around 223°F to 226°F (106°C to 108°C), while blue coolant can range from 223°F to 265°F (106°C to 129°C). However, blue coolant still offers consistent engine temperature management.
Anti-Corrosion Measures
Silicates and Phosphates provide corrosion protection in a green coolant. Although you will get reliable protection from it, prolonged use of silicates could eventually result in the accumulation of deposits.
On the other hand, blue coolants have advanced formulations to give modern engines the best possible protection against corrosion, whether they use Organic Acid Technology or Hybrid Organic Acid Technology.
Does Coolant Color Matter? Insights on Different Colors
From bright pink to reddish-brown, you can find vehicle coolant in many colors. Although modern cars mostly don’t bother with what you are using, each coolant color has some differences. Colors of coolant help to identify coolant coming out of overflow.
There is a correlation between the color of a vehicle’s coolant and the sort of corrosion-prevention compounds it contains. In the past, blue or green was the standard color for coolants made with Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT).
Then, the orange coolants of Organic Acid Technology (OAT) came along, protecting more effectively and lasting longer. Red coolants, on the other hand, are associated with Hybrid Organic Acid (HOAT) coolants.
There are also yellow coolants that are associated with Extended Life Coolants (ELC) and are believed to last longer.
But to be honest, the color doesn’t always signify the components. As a result, unless you read the manufacturer’s coolant components list, you can’t determine what are the ingredients of your coolants.
What Happens If You Use Blue Coolant Instead Of Green?
Using blue coolant instead of green won’t cause immediate damage to your vehicle, especially if it’s a newer model that can accept many coolant colors. However, you will get higher durability and corrosion prevention from blue coolants- which is a good side.
But one thing to remember is that you might face compatibility concerns in older vehicles. Thus, you need to check your vehicle’s manual and cleanse the cooling system to get the most out of your engine and extend its life.
Can I Mix Blue With Green Coolant?
Yes, you can mix blue and green coolant, but should you? It’s not wise to mix these two until you check the compatibility first. While it is technically feasible to mix blue coolant with green coolant, it is not generally suggested.
Both coolants contain unique chemical compositions. Thus, they may not mix well with one another and may even cause adverse outcomes when you use them together. The mixture can produce a gel or viscous substance that prevents the coolant from efficiently cooling the engine.
Since both the old green coolant and the new blue coolant are based on ethylene glycol, users have reported mixing the two with no immediate consequences.
Now, if you are asking how long you can drive with mixed coolant, the answer is — it’s not long enough. If the mixture isn’t compatible, your car will start overheating, and it’ll stop soon.
Some Honda mechanics often mix them. But you shouldn’t try it on your own unless you are sure that it’s not causing any damage.
People Also Ask
Here are some possible questions that might pop into your head.
What Color Coolant Is Better?
Your vehicle’s specifications should guide your selection of coolant color. Ethylene glycol-based “green” coolant is the industry standard. Red coolant, typically containing Organic Acid Technology, is made to work with aluminum radiators.
Can I Mix New And Old Coolant?
It’s not a good idea to combine two distinct types of coolant, especially if they’re of different compositions. The combination can create a thick, gel-like substance that restricts the flow of coolant. Therefore, your vehicle may overheat due to the mixture.
Can I Add Water To the Coolant?
Some say that you can top up your coolant with water only in emergency cases when the coolant level is extremely low. But in general, you can mix 50-50 of water and coolant to keep the cooling system healthy. Some coolants come as pre-mixed, so in such a case, you won’t have to add any additional water.
Final Verdict: Which One You Should Use
The comparison and details of blue vs green coolant may have given you a clear idea of which one is the best. In my opinion, it’s better to stick to a blue one if your vehicle is compatible with it. Blue coolants are better than green ones due to their durability and functionality, but the choice is up to you.