Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard

Antifreeze and coolants are essential fluids that play a critical role in regulating an engine’s temperature, protecting it from overheating, freezing, and corrosion. Technology innovations are on the rise to keep pace with the evolving types of engines and as the weather changes and winter approaches, it’s time to ensure your vehicle is ready to face the elements.

Ready for winter, we have launched a new, comprehensive range of antifreeze and coolant products designed to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently throughout the winter months and beyond. With technology evolving significantly in recent years, our latest products are formulated with the most up to date, advanced formulas to provide much longer term protection, enhanced performance and reliability. Here we explain what type of anti-freeze you might consider and why they are so important…

 WHAT DO ANTIFREEZE & COOLANTS ACTUALLY DO?

1. Temperature Regulation: Coolants maintain the engine’s optimal operating temperature by absorbing excess heat generated during combustion. Without coolant, the engine would overheat, potentially leading to severe damage like cracked engine blocks, warped cylinder heads, and blown gaskets.
2. Freeze Protection: In cold conditions, antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the coolant mixture, preventing the engine’s coolant from freezing. Frozen coolant can cause pipes to crack and damage internal engine components.
3. Corrosion and Rust Prevention: Coolants contain additives that protect metal surfaces inside the engine, radiator, and cooling system from corrosion, rust, and scale build-up, which can clog passages and reduce the efficiency of heat transfer.
4. Lubrication: The coolant also lubricates water pumps and other components in the cooling system, ensuring smooth operation and preventing wear over time.

Extended Life Coolants (ELC)

Traditional coolants required frequent replacement, but Extended Life Coolants (ELC), based on OAT or Si-OAT technology, are formulated to last longer, sometimes up to 10 years or 300,000 miles. These coolants minimise the need for regular flushing and refilling, reducing maintenance costs.

Additives in ELCs are engineered to break down more slowly, providing long-term protection against corrosion and scale formation, especially in high-performance engines.

WHAT IS CHANGING IN THE MARKET PLACE?

Antifreeze technology has evolved significantly in recent years, especially with advancements like Si-OAT, which balances long-term corrosion protection and compatibility with modern engines. Innovations driven by the need for more efficient thermal management in electric vehicles, eco-friendly options, and nanotechnology point toward a future where coolants will continue to play a crucial role in engine performance, while also meeting environmental and regulatory demands.

Staying updated on these advancements ensures that manufacturers and consumers choose the best antifreeze for their specific application, ensuring better engine protection, improved efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

With the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, coolant technology is also evolving to meet the specific cooling needs of battery packs, electric motors, and inverters. Dielectric coolants are being developed, which are non-conductive fluids, ensuring that electric components are protected from short circuits while maintaining thermal regulation.

There is increasing demand for eco-friendly coolants due to environmental regulations and concerns over the toxicity of traditional antifreeze (ethylene glycol). New formulations based on propylene glycol, which is less toxic and more biodegradable than traditional formulas, are being adopted. These coolants offer safer disposal options without compromising performance. Low-toxicity coolants are also being developed for industries like agriculture and forestry, where environmental exposure risks are high.

WHY DIFFERENT TYPES OF COOLANT MATTER

Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Coolant

• Common Use: Modern vehicles, especially those with aluminium engines.
• Features: OAT coolants, often orange or red, rely on organic acids for long-term corrosion protection. These coolants typically last longer (up to 5 years or 150,000 miles) but are not compatible with engines designed for IAT coolants.
• Why It’s Important: OAT coolants provide excellent long-term protection but should not be mixed with IAT coolants, as the chemical reactions between them can diminish corrosion protection and cause deposits.

Si-OAT technology
This refers to a specialised type of coolant/antifreeze that blends Silicate Organic Acid Technology (Si-OAT), combining the benefits of both traditional organic acid technology (OAT) and the added protection of silicates. This hybrid formulation is designed to offer enhanced corrosion protection for modern engines, particularly those with aluminium components, while also providing long service life.

Key Features of Si-OAT Antifreeze:

• Corrosion Protection: Si-OAT coolant includes silicates that offer superior protection for aluminium surfaces, which are commonly found in modern engines. The silicates form a thin, protective layer on metal surfaces, guarding against corrosion and wear, especially in high-temperature environments.
• Extended Lifespan: Like traditional OAT coolants, Si-OAT offers long-lasting protection, with replacement intervals often extending up to 5 years or 150,000 miles. This reduces the need for frequent coolant changes.
• Heat Transfer Efficiency: Si-OAT coolants maintain excellent thermal stability, helping engines stay cool in extreme operating conditions, whether hot or cold.
• Compatibility with Modern Engines: Si-OAT is particularly suitable for modern, high-performance engines that feature lightweight materials like aluminium and magnesium. These coolants help prevent cavitation and erosion in these sensitive materials, prolonging engine life.

Why It’s Important:

• OEM Recommendations: Many European car manufacturers, such as Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche, recommend Si-OAT coolants because they align with the specific needs of their engines, which often incorporate high aluminium content.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: With longer service intervals and enhanced protection, Si-OAT coolants can reduce the need for regular maintenance and protect key engine components from premature wear and corrosion.

GETTING THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR THE RIGHT APPLICATION

Choosing the right coolant for a specific engine type is essential for the following reasons:

• Material Compatibility: Modern engines use materials like aluminium and magnesium alloys that may react poorly with older coolant formulations. Using the wrong coolant can lead to corrosion, wear, or even
  engine failure.
• Extended Lifespan: Newer coolants, such as OAT and Si OAT provide longer service intervals, but they must be compatible with the engine’s materials and cooling system. Using the wrong type can shorten the coolant’s effective lifespan and require more frequent changes.
•  Heat Transfer Efficiency: Different coolants have varying abilities to transfer heat. Using the wrong coolant can reduce the cooling system’s efficiency, leading to overheating or inconsistent engine performance.
• Warranty and Manufacturer Recommendations: Vehicle manufacturers often specify the type of coolant to be used based on engine design and material compatibility. Using a coolant not recommended by the manufacturer can void warranties or lead to engine damage.

Witham Group are here to help

Here at Witham Group, our new QUALGUARD range boasts 8 antifreeze and coolants which are ideal for the newest or oldest engines in all types of automotive, commercial or off-road vehicles. For Heavy Duty Vehicles we are now using Si-OAT Technology in our new range, which offers superior protection for more modern engines and reducing the need for frequent coolant changes. We have also recently launched a new biodegradable antifreeze for the safe, non-toxic winterisation of caravans and holiday lodges, boats and statics.