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.
BMWs have specific coolant requirements (nitrite and phosphate free) to prevent build-up and corrosion of aluminum components, so not just any off-the-shelf antifreeze will do.
How much does BMW coolant cost?
The average cost for a BMW 328i coolant change is between $276 and $315. Labor costs are estimated between $151 and $191 while parts are priced at $124.
Can I use any blue coolant in my BMW?
This is the familiar blue-colored coolant that has been in use since the 1990s but is only approved for cars up to the 2018 model year. It’s known internally as the G48 formula and is specific to BMW/MINI cars.
Genuine BMW Coolant (Antifreeze), Blue, 1 Gallon Jug.
Frost Protection
Quarts of BMW Coolant
Quarts of Distilled Water
-62F/-52C
6
4
1 more row
What kind of coolant can I use in BMW? – Related Questions
Is Prestone coolant OK for BMW?
Yes. Prestone is an OAT coolant/antifreeze but also contains anti-corrosion ingredients to protect your cooling system. It can be used in all cars effectively, offering the same levels of protection, and without any damage.
What color is BMW coolant?
This new green-colored coolant was introduced in 2018 and is used instead of the older blue-colored coolant. Green is backwards compatible with blue and can be used on cars before 2018. However, BMW does not advise using the older blue formula on cars made after January, 2018.
Can I mix coolant BMW?
Can green and blue coolant mix BMW?
Looks like they’re compatible and green can be mixed in with cars filled with blue but not the other way around. Pasted from getbmwparts: BMW HT-12 can be used in any vehicle that currently contains G48 coolant (blue), but G48 should not continue to be used in vehicles that were originally filled with HT-12.
Can you mix blue coolant?
The answer to that is Yes. You can mix Peak with Zerek or Prestone – but only as long as the coolant is the same chemical type. The ratio doesn’t matter as much, but the type & application should match. The easiest way to remember is that you should try and match type – IAG with IAG, OAG with OAG and HOAT with HOAT.
A blue engine coolant temperature light only indicates one thing: that your coolant, or antifreeze, is too cold. In fact, the temperature is so low that it is possible for your radiator to get too cold, thus resulting in your engine freezing up and not being able to start.
What happens if you put wrong coolant in your car?
Using the wrong coolant can lead to corrosion and other damages to the radiator, water pump, radiator hoses, cylinder gasket, and more. The best way to ensure you get the correct coolant is to have your vehicle maintenance performed by a professional auto technician.
Is it OK to mix coolant colors?
Can You Mix Orange and Green Antifreeze? It’s never a good idea to mix two different colors or types of antifreeze. Mixing two formulas won’t cause any dangerous reactions or explosions, but it could turn your coolant into a sludgy chemical mixture that won’t be able to flow properly through your cooling system.
Which color coolant is best?
The Colors of Coolant
TYPE
INHIBITOR TECHNOLOGY
COLOR
IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology)
Silicates
GREEN
OAT (Organic Acid Technology)
Organic Acids
ORANGE
HOAT (Hybrid OAT)
Silicates & Organic Acids
YELLOW
HOAT (Hybrid OAT, Phosphate-free)
NAP Free
TURQUOISE
Can you use water as coolant?
Water by itself can’t do the job of antifreeze due to its lack of boiling and freezing point range and its inability to protect your vehicle’s engine. Plus, it doesn’t absorb heat as effectively. In the case of an absolute emergency, you can use water in your coolant rank.
What is the difference between engine coolant and radiator coolant?
At Sweeney Buick-GMC, we often get asked what is the difference between engine coolant and radiator coolant? No difference exists between these two names, as the fluid within both are the same. In fact, the radiator cools the engine coolant after it runs through the engine.
What is the difference between coolant and antifreeze?
Well, antifreeze and engine coolant are similar, but not the same. Antifreeze is a concentrated, glycol-based liquid that must be diluted with water before use – at which point it is referred to as coolant. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-mixed engine coolant, a ready-to-use solution of antifreeze and water.
Do I add coolant to the radiator or the reservoir?
If the coolant level is low, add the correct coolant to the reservoir (not the radiator itself). You can use diluted coolant by itself, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water. When the coolant rises to the cold fill line, replace the cap and tighten it until you feel it click. Close the hood.
How do I know if my car needs coolant?
5 Signs That Your Vehicle Needs An Antifreeze/Coolant Service
The temperature gauge reads hotter than normal when the engine is running.
Antifreeze leaks and puddles beneath your vehicle (orange or green fluid)
A grinding noise is coming from under the hood of your car.
Does it matter what coolant I use?
There are lots of different types of antifreeze and it’s crucial to understand that there is no single antifreeze that’s suitable for all makes and models. The best thing to do is to always use the antifreeze that’s recommended by your car manufacturer.
How often should you top up coolant?
You need to check your engine coolant at least twice a year before summer and winter, ideally. Although, this advice may vary between car manufacturers. Coolant should be topped up whenever the level drops below the guide marks.