Antifreeze and Coolant: Making The Right Choice
14 Dec 2015
Now the winter season is upon us, Comma sends a timely reminder to technicians that today’s antifreeze products are extremely precise and highly sophisticated. The case study below shows they are just as specific in their applications as engine oils. So, here’s a quick and important recap of how things stand. There are now three very distinct antifreeze technologies, based on Glysantin® by BASF, used by vehicle manufacturers as “original fill”, namely:
- Organic Additive Technology or OAT based Xstream® G30®
- Silicated-OAT or Si-OAT based Xstream® G40®
- Silicate or Si based Xstream® G48®
In simple terms, they are differentiated by their unique chemical packages. These distinct chemical packages are used as additives to a MEG (mono ethylene glycol) base. When diluted with water, this mixture provides the vital winter antifreeze protection down to a cold -36ºC. The 3 chemical additive packages all act in different ways to perform the same fundamental function; protecting the engine and cooling system components, with which the coolant comes in contact, from corrosion (rust) and erosion (pitting). Mixing any of the three with either of the others has the effect of reducing the individual protective properties, so it is essential to know in the first place which antifreeze technology is in the system and replace or top it up strictly on a like-for-like basis.
The danger is, without accurate application data there is no way of knowing – especially since antifreeze colour is not a reliable indicator of the technology a given manufacturer has chosen for its models.
The Comma manufacturer-approved range of Xstream® G30®, G40® and G48® with BASF Glysantin® antifreeze covers all application requirements. The formulations are all available in various workshop pack sizes and supplied complete with “Next Service Due” self-adhesive stickers attached.
The entire range is covered by a 100% Compatibility guarantee, enabling the use of VRM Lookup facility at www.commaoil.com, MAM Autocat+ and the F:Drive* to identify and select the appropriate Xstream® product for any model with complete confidence.
Nowadays, protecting the customer’s vehicle warranty – and certainly a technician’s reputation – depends on it.
* Subject to user registration and purchase of credits for VRM Lookup on the F:Drive.
VAG (VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Lamborghini and Bentley) specifies Si-OAT based Xstream® G40® for all its models from 2005 onwards and makes it a warranty critical requirement for use in servicing regimes. For VAG models prior to 2005, the recommendation might be either Xstream® G48® (Silicate) or Xstream® G30® OAT.
Similarly, BMW favours Xstream® G48® for everything, except the Peugeot diesel-engine Mini (2007-2010), which comes with Xstream® G30® OAT as the recommendation.
On the other hand, with Ford and Vauxhall, there is no way of knowing whether it’s G30® or G48® for any of their models unless equipped with the right application data. In all of these situations, relying on a technician to get it right – which of course everyone expects – should not be left down to chance.