Coolant frequently asked questions

Natrad supplies and installs Australia’s largest range of radiators and heat exchange products. Our Adrad coolant and treatment products are designed to deliver optimal performance in a variety of automotive and industrial cooling system applications. Below you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions about coolants and about Adrad’s superior range of products.

Natrad has all the expertise you need to keep your vehicle running. We can also advise you on the correct coolant for your car or truck.

Coolant Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is coolant, and what is its role?
    Engine coolant is a formulation of chemicals that protect engine components from corrosion and cavities while providing an effective heat exchange medium to remove excess heat from the engine.
  2. Can I mix coolants?
    The safest answer is No. This is because it can be difficult to know: what coolant is in the engine; whether it has exceeded its service life; and if it contains depleted inhibitors or other contaminants. It is best to flush out the system and fill with new coolant.
  3. Is flushing the cooling system necessary?
    If we don’t flush, light scale, sediments and depleted inhibitors remain in the system, which can lead to leaks, corrosion and overheating. Flushing before filling with fresh coolant also prevents contamination from the previous coolant. Flushing is especially important when changing to an Organic Additive Technology (OAT) coolant in order to achieve the maximum benefit of this technology.
  4. Which coolant is best for passenger cars?
    If your vehicle is exposed to freezing temperatures, you must use an anti-freeze coolant. In non-freezing environments, a water-based coolant gives better cooling efficiency. Vehicles built after 2001 can benefit from Adrad’s long life organic coolants, which provide superior corrosion protection, extended service life and are more environmentally friendly.
  5. Which coolant is best for Heavy Duty equipment?
    Always check the equipment manufacturer’s recommendation for coolant specifications. Adrad organic coolants are recommended for heavy duty service as they pass all the performance requirements specified by the ASTM D6210 specification. If a low silicate Hybrid coolant is required, use Adrad AFAB coolant.
  6. What does the colour mean?
    Colour comes from added dye, not the coolant formulation. Manufacturers use different colours to identify their products. Coolant should be chosen by its suitability for the application, not based on a colour.
  7. Why would I use a Corrosion Inhibitor over traditional Anti-Freeze/Anti-Boil coolant?
    If you do not require freeze protection (which includes the vast majority of Australians) then you don’t need to use an anti-freeze (glycol) type coolant. Water based corrosion inhibitors are actually more efficient at removing heat from the engine than anti-freeze formulations. The latest water based organic corrosion inhibitors are designed for newer vehicles. Hybrid type corrosion inhibitors are formulated to protect older generations of vehicles.
  8. What is Glycol?
    There are various types of glycol, with ethylene glycol and propylene glycol being the most common. They are thick and viscous fluids that prevent the coolant from freezing solid when the engine is not running and is exposed to a very cold climate.
  9. What is an OAT coolant?
    Adrad’s Organic Radiator Coolants utilises Organic Additive Technology (OAT) with non-depleting carboxylate inhibitors. This technology replaces traditional mineral inhibitors such as nitrite, amines, phosphates and silicate found in traditional coolants.
  10. What is the difference between OAT and HAT coolants?
    Hybrid Additive Technology (HAT) coolants contain mainly mineral-based inhibitors with a small portion of organic inhibitors. Traditional inhibitors deplete rapidly in service compared to organic carboxylate inhibitors such as Adrad’s Organic Radiator Coolants.
  11. What is NAPS-free?
    Adrad’s Organic Radiator Coolants (AFAB and Corrosion Inhibitor) contain no nitrites, amines, phosphates or silicate. These compounds are considered to be detrimental to the environment. Many engine manufacturers now avoid the use of them.
  12. What product is best used for ‘top ups’?
    You should top up with a premixed version of the same coolant that is already in the cooling system. If you are unsure about the coolant in your system, top up using good quality water.
  13. What is ‘good quality water’?
    Ideally, ‘good quality water’ is distilled water or demineralised water.
  14. Why is it important to use ‘good quality water’ with Adrad concentrates?
    Using good quality water ensures you do not introduce any minerals into the cooling system. Minerals can cause the build up of scale deposits.
  15. Can the quality of coolant be tested?
    Yes. Using chemically treated test strips can provide an indication of the concentration of the coolant and the presence of inhibitors and glycol.

If you’re unsure about what coolant to use in your vehicle, nip into Natrad. We can recommend products from our extensive range and give your vehicle a health check.