Mercedes c250 coolant type

What Coolant is Right for My German Automobile?

Whether you drive a BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Mini or Volkswagen, your vehicle circulates a mixture of water and coolant to dissipate the heat generated within your engine—preventing it from having a total melt down (one notable exception are older Porsche models that are air and oil cooled and did not use water or coolant, but instead circulated a large amount of oil to dissipate the heat).

A Rainbow of Colors:

There are a lot of coolant types to choose from—so which is right for your BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Audi or Volkswagen? The answer is the type that came in your vehicle originally. Although depending on the manufacturer, your coolant may be green, pink, blue, yellow or even clear. All coolants are naturally clear and the color is created with dye.  Each manufacturer puts their own dye mixture into their coolant—it does not affect the chemical characteristics of the coolant. European manufacturers prefer coolant that is phosphate-free because the water in Europe is much harder than the water here in the United States.

There are three basic coolant types on the market today: (IAT) Inorganic Acid Technology, (OAT) Organic Acid Technology and (HOAT) Hybrid Organic Acid Technology. Your BMW, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Audi or Volkswagen uses an HOAT coolant.

HOAT coolants are derived from OAT coolants with the addition of silicate to protect aluminum surfaces. Many components of your BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen engine and cooling systems are made of aluminum including the cylinder heads and radiators.

OAT coolants do not use silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors. These coolants have an extended service life and are designed for 150,000 miles of service (or 5 years). Although it should be noted that German Auto Center and most manufacturers recommend flushing or changing the coolant every two years.

Traditional coolants are IAT coolants and uses silicate and phosphate corrosion inhibitors to protect the metal (Iron) parts of the engine and cooling system. As your BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Mini, Audi and Volkswagen have replaced most iron components with aluminum and other lighter composites, IAT coolants should not be used.

Although you can mix coolant types without harm, it is highly recommended that you do not.  Mixing an HOAT or OAT coolant with an IAT will lose the extended life properties. Please feel free to stop in and see the experts at German Auto Center if you have any questions. In addition, there are many online resources for auto diagnosis & auto repair help such as AA1Car.com.

Whether you drive a Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Mini BMW, Volkswagen or Audi, It is important to remember that with proper maintenance, today’s German performance vehicles will serve you for many miles and years to come. Visit Austin German automobile repair experts at German Auto Center. We will be happy to assist you!

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Even before you learn how to check coolant levels, you may be wondering, “what is coolant?” Coolant, also called antifreeze, is a liquid that pulls heat away from your car’s engine, regulating the temperature of the engine block and other vital parts. Engine coolant is crucial no matter the make or model and no matter if you have a new or used car. Coolant keeps your engine cool during San Marcos warm weather and prevents it from freezing during San Diego winter months. Learn more about what coolant is, how to check coolant levels, and when to change it in this guide from Mercedes-Benz of Escondido!

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Coolant Levels: What to Look for

To check coolant levels, you don’t have to open the radiator cap; check the markings on the side of the reservoir. If the coolant reaches the “full” mark, you’re okay. If it doesn’t, remove the radiator cap and add the coolant or a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. Check the coolant bottle to see if it’s already premixed. Also, when you add coolant to the cooling system, be sure the engine has cooled off and never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot.

When to See a Service Technician 

Typically, coolant is thicker than water but thinner than oil. If your coolant appears sludgy, schedule a service appointment immediately. Sludgy coolant indicates your car has an internal gasket leak. Driving around Escondido is possible, but a leaky gasket will drain the coolant quickly, meaning your engine is at risk of overheating and being critically damaged.

When to Change Coolant

Checking on your coolant levels every three to six months is ideal since coolant levels lower over time. Usually, the liquid is blue, green, or yellow; if it appears brown or colorless, flush the system and replace the fluid.

Get More Service Tips from Mercedes-Benz of Escondido!

If you have any more questions about how to check coolant levels, or if you need advice on other common car maintenance or service tips, like when to replace a car battery or how to check car oil, don’t hesitate to contact us at Mercedes-Benz of Escondido!

Service Specials at Mercedes-Benz of Escondido

Your engine coolant, also called antifreeze, serves several purposes. First, it is circulated throughout the engine to the radiator to keep your engine at a stable operating temperature. Low coolant levels can lead to overheating, which can damage your engine. Second, antifreeze has a lower freezing point than water, which keeps it in a fluid state during cold weather. Coolant also keeps corrosion down inside the engine that may be caused by water. If you notice a coolant leak, it should be taken care of as soon as possible to avoid damage to your engine. You may notice your temperature gauge reading higher than usual, your heater may stop working, or you also notice steam under your hood. When you need coolant, visit O'Reilly Auto Parts for the right coolant for your vehicle. We carry a variety of coolant made for your car, truck, or SUV.