Every vehicle on Indian roads, from compact hatchbacks and SUVs to heavy-duty trucks, has to battle fluctuating climatic conditions. Amidst such unfavorable situations, one often-overlooked component that maintains engine health and performance is an automotive coolant.
Many vehicle owners and fleet managers often underestimate the role of a coolant, confusing it with plain water or assuming it’s only relevant in hot climates. But the truth is, coolant is a year-round necessity. It regulates engine temperature, prevents corrosion, and makes sure the engine functions properly under pressure.
This blog will guide you on what an automotive coolant does and how to choose the best one for your vehicle based on Indian weather conditions.
What Is Automotive Coolant?
A car engine coolant or automotive coolant is a mix of distilled water and antifreeze chemicals like ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. The main objective is thermal regulation , preventing engine overheating in summer and freezing in winter.
But modern coolants do more than temperature control. They also:
- Inhibit rust and corrosion.
- Protect gaskets and seals.
- Improve overall engine longevity.
How Is A Coolant Different From Water?
It is seen that many drivers often top up their radiators with tap water. But this can be very risky as water boils at 100°C and freezes at 0°C, which is dangerous for extreme Indian climate. It also contains minerals that can corrode metal parts and choke the engine.
A proper automotive coolant, on the other hand, is engineered to function across extreme conditions, making it ideal for both high-altitude winters and tropical summers in India.
Climatic Challenges in India for Coolant Performance
The city has a fluctuating climate as a result of which using a proper car radiator coolant is highly recommended.
Extreme Heat in Plains and Cities
A large part of India experiences summer temperatures exceeding 45°C. In these conditions, engines are more prone to overheating, especially in stop-and-go traffic. In such situations, use a coolant that has high thermal stability to avoid sudden breakdowns and costly repairs.
Low Temperatures in Northern and Hill Regions
Places like Ladakh, Shimla, and Sikkim witness freezing temperatures during winters. In such regions, a standard fluid would freeze, and can eventually damage your engine. Pouring a coolant with strong antifreeze properties makes sure that the coolant retains its liquidity even in cold temperatures.
Humidity and Monsoons
States like Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu experience moderate to heavy monsoons and high humidity. Moisture accelerates corrosion inside the engine cooling system. A good automotive coolant has anti-corrosive additives that protect internal components from rust and decay.
Types of Automotive Coolants
When it comes to keeping your engine cool and protected, not all coolants are created equal. Every coolant has its own distinct properties based on how engines can adapt to them. There are a few common types of automotive coolants available in the market.
Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT)
IAT coolants are normally green in color and are found in older vehicles. They provide quick corrosion protection but have a relatively short service life. This ranges somewhere between two years or 30,000 km.
Their additive package includes silicates and phosphates which act as a shield for metal surfaces, but degrade faster when left exposed under heat.
Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
OAT coolants are used in most modern vehicles and are either orange, red, or pink in color, depending on the manufacturing brand. They solely rely on organic acids for corrosion protection and offer a longer lifespan up to five years or 150,000 km.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
HOAT coolants blend the strengths of IAT and OAT. It offers immediate and long-term protection, making it versatile for a wide range of engines. These coolants often appear yellow or blue and are suitable for both commercial and personal vehicles operating under different road or climatic conditions.
Parameters to Evaluate When Choosing a Coolant in India
Start with Manufacturer Recommendations
Every vehicle comes with a factory-recommended coolant type mentioned in the owner’s manual. This specification is based on the engine design, and cooling system requirements. Always refer to these guidelines first before making a selection.
Match Coolant Based on Your Location
If you’re driving in the northwestern region of India, particularly in the state of Rajasthan or other metro cities in this line, opt for a high-temperature coolant. For hilly or cold regions, antifreeze capacity becomes a great matter of concern. Hence, use an Ethylene Glycol based coolant with a silicate-based or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) formulation.
Evaluate Lifecycle and Cost
While superior quality coolants may cost more upfront, they reduce the frequency of replacement and maintenance hassles. Choosing a coolant with a 5-year lifecycle can offer better value over time than a cheaper one that needs replacement every 12 months.
Signs Indicating the Need for Coolant Replacement
You may drive your vehicle kilometers after kilometers. But when there are some technical faults, it is visible from the warning lights on the instrument cluster. Here is how we can see the signs of coolant replacement.
Abnormal Engine Temperatures
Fluctuations in engine temperature or the activation of the warning light indicate ineffective coolant performance.
Coolant Discoloration or Sludge
Brownish or rust-colored coolant points to corrosion or contamination. This usually arises from the need to flush out the existing coolant.
Coolant Loss or Sweet Odour
Originally, organic coolants have a sweet smell. If you get such a smell around the engine bay, it may sign that there is a leak in the coolant chamber or gasket failure.
Elapsed Service Interval
If the coolant has not been replaced for over 2–5 years (depending on your vehicle type), it is likely to have a deteriorated efficacy and should be changed immediately.
Best Practices You Should Follow To Maintain Your Vehicle's Coolant
Regularly Inspect Coolant Levels
Make it a habit to check your coolant reservoir during oil changes or long trips. Low levels may indicate leaks and can affect performance in the long run.
Flush the Radiator During Every Coolant Change
Before adding fresh coolant, it's crucial to flush out the old one. Residual deposits and sludge can mix with the new coolant and reduce its performance, leading to overheating and blockages. This is usually recommended after every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers or 2-3 years.
Never Mix Different Coolant Types
Unless clearly stated as compatible, mixing coolants of different compositions can create harmful chemical reactions, and can form sludge and reduce heat dissipation.
Stick to OEM-recommended or reputable brands. Cheap alternatives may not have the right chemical composition and can damage the engine over time.
Final Analysis
For a country as climatically diverse as India, choosing the appropriate automotive coolant is not just about preventing overheating. It's an all-year-round engine protection. Whether you're commuting daily in traffic or taking your SUV on off-road adventures, investing in the right coolant confirms that your engine performs at its best.
Don’t let your journey come to a steaming halt. Stay cool, stay protected, and let the right automotive coolant keep your engine ready for every mile ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use the same coolant for both cars and bikes?
Ans. Not always. While some coolants are universal, bikes often have smaller cooling systems and different engine materials. It’s best to choose a coolant specifically formulated for two-wheelers to ensure optimal performance.
What will happen if I accidentally overfill the coolant reservoir?
Ans. Slight overfilling usually isn’t a major issue, as most automotive coolant reservoirs have overflow outlets. However, consistent overfilling can lead to pressure buildup, leaks, or damage to the cooling system over time.
Does the color of the coolant indicate its quality or type?
Ans. Coolant color is often used by manufacturers for identification, but it doesn’t guarantee compatibility or performance. Always read the label and check your vehicle’s requirements instead of choosing based on color alone.