Now I’m really confused, what is the bottom line?
The important things to remember about coolants and your engines’ cooling system protection are:
- Follow the OEM recommendations regarding cooling system maintenance practices, service intervals, type of coolant formulation and correct concentrations with water. Record and follow service recommendations for the specific formulation used in the vehicle being serviced.
- Change the coolant filter as recommended by the OEM.
- Do not mix coolants of different formulations unless absolutely necessary. Refer to engine manufacturer recommendation before mixing different coolant technologies If you don’t know what formulation is in a particular cooling system find out (through laboratory testing) before taking a guess and mixing formulations.
- Test the cooling system at regular intervals to determine the concentrations of additives and freeze protection. Replenish additives only to a level as recommended by the OEM, more is not necessarily better. Use SCA’s or an Extender manufactured specifically for the formulation of the coolant in the vehicle (don’t use an extended life SCA with a standard formulation).
- Maintain coolant levels within the system, with a make-up mixture of known mix and additive concentration. Check for leaks, and repair the system as required. This will prevent the use of make-up coolant from unknown and unreliable sources while in service, which could upset the balance of supplemental additives and freeze protection or contaminate the system.