Coolant is an important component of every vehicle. It makes your car's journey smooth and safe. However, coolant comes in different types and colors. So, if your car is due for a coolant flush, we've discovered some information about your car's antifreeze that could be very helpful for replacing the coolant yourself.
Nissan Green and Nissan Blue Coolant are the two most used colors on the market. However, you also have to determine which type of coolant your Nissan needs before replacing it. Selecting the correct coolant type depends on your vehicle's make/model/year; you cannot solely rely on the coolant's color to make the right choice. So check the owner's manual or ask a local Nissan dealer.
It is important to understand that when choosing a coolant, color matters less than the basis of the type of coolant that is compatible with your vehicle. Luckily, we are here to help and guide you in choosing the coolant that is best for your car.
What type and color of coolant does Nissan use?
Before anything else, we must know that there are several types of coolant available on the market. The various kinds of coolants have their own uses and advantages. This substance is a mixture of water and antifreeze solution, which keeps your vehicle's engine from overheating.
In today's era, a car's cooling system is different from vehicle to vehicle because presently, cars are manufactured with various part materials such as steel, copper, magnesium, and aluminum alloy.
Because of this reason, the right coolant for your automobile varies depending on:
- the model,
- the make,
- in which country your car was made,
- and the year your vehicle was manufactured.
Three main types of coolant
1. Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT)
This coolant is not often used in modern cars because it is less efficient. IAT has a bright green color and is compatible with old car models. While most newer coolants can be used for at least five years, this kind of coolant needs to be replaced every two years.
2. Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
OAT is a modern type of coolant. It usually comes in red, yellow, orange, blue, pink, and dark green. Newer cars are recommended to use OAT; however, it may not be compatible with all models and makes of cars.
One advantage of using this kind of coolant is that it lasts up to 50,000 miles or five years before you are required to replace it.
3. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
HOAT is a combination of IAT and OAT with nitrites. This coolant is also designed for modern vehicles, and it contains added silicates that prevent corrosion and increase aluminum protection.
This coolant usually comes in blue, yellow, turquoise, pink, and purple. The best thing about HOAT is it can be changed every five to 10 years.
Does coolant color make a difference?
The color of the coolant does not really make a difference. Coolants come in a variety of colors for marketing purposes only.
Keep in mind that there is no bad coolant color with only one exception - if the cooling substance you bought has a dark and murky color, that indicates that the coolant may be contaminated.
When choosing a coolant, it is not advisable to use color as your basis. It will only cause you confusion. Let us take OAT and HOAT as examples. These types of coolant have both yellow and pink products. Colors do not indicate how good a coolant is.
Which is better: Nissan Green or Nissan Blue?
Knowing which coolant to use is important. These two cooling systems differ in several ways, and they each have their own advantages. However, when it comes to performance, there is really not much difference between these two.
If you are wondering if these two coolants can be mixed, then the answer here is yes. However, you have to dilute the green coolant before mixing it with the blue one.
Remember, if you combine these two, the mixture will have the green coolant's life expectancy of four years.
Nissan Blue
In the year 2009, Nissan's luxury brand began filling some of their cars with Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (LLC), which has a blue color. Afterward, the company started to use the blue coolant on all of their cars.
Nissan's Blue Coolant is built to last for a much longer time. This coolant should last at least 10 years or 135,000 miles; however, it is ideal to change the coolant after seven years of use or 105,000 miles.
If you wish to change the coolant for the second time around, it would be every five years or 75,000 miles.
Nissan Blue 999MP-L25500P (Pre-mix)
This type of Nissan Blue can be found on newer Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. This coolant is pre-mixed which is why you would not have to add water before using it.
Check out 999MP-L25500P on Amazon.
Nissan Blue 999MP-L255QTP
Blue Long Life Coolant is designed for extreme cold weather. When using this coolant, remember to directly apply specific amounts into the radiator as indicated on the label.
Nissan Green
When it comes to the time frame, Nissan Green Coolant has a shorter time span than the blue. It is needed to be changed every four years or every 60,000 miles.
The 999-MP-AF000P is a kind of Nissan Green Coolant. It is significant to know that this cooling substance is in concentrated form so that you will be aware that it needs to be mixed with water before filling up your car with it.
Here are some coolant tips you have to keep in mind:
For Electric Vehicles, you don't get to choose your coolant
This happens because these cars are built to have their own cooling systems. So, each is designed for a special type of coolant that works well with its battery pack.
Seek information if you are unsure of the coolant type
If you are not really sure what type of coolant is best for your car, you can always consult your vehicle owner's manual. The manual usually mentions the engine coolant that is compatible with your automobile.
If you have time, you can always drop by your car dealer so that they can direct you to the specific coolant you have to use.
Coolants have been pre-diluted
Keep in mind that almost all the coolants that you purchase at the store have been pre-diluted. This only means that you do not have to add water to your coolant anymore.
You can use aftermarket brands
It is easier to save money if you do not buy your coolant from your car's original manufacturer. Most aftermarket parts are as good as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and sometimes they can perform even better.
Never mix engine coolants
Keep track of which coolant your car is using. Never try to mix different engine coolants, and avoid using the wrong cooling system because it can decrease the performance of the special additive packages.
Because of this, corrosion and damage to the vehicle's radiator, water pump, radiator hoses, and cylinder gasket can happen.
How will you know if you need a coolant flush in your Nissan?
Vehicle Overheating
There are certain symptoms to know if your Nissan is due for a coolant flush. The main role of a coolant is to keep your vehicle's engine from overheating.
If you notice that your temperature gauge is always high and your engine is overheating most of the time, then it is time to replace your coolant.
Keep in mind that you have to immediately fix this problem because it could cause serious repercussions. The cost is usually high if you leave the problem unresolved.
Engine Smell
Another sign that your car is in need of a coolant flush is if your engine smells like sweet maple syrup. Coolants are composed of ethylene glycol, which is famous for its sweet-smelling properties.
As your vehicle burns the coolant out, it usually blows off a sweet butterscotch or maple syrup smell. No matter how tasty and fragrant this scent is, it is still a call for attention that your engine antifreeze is burning out.
Leaking Fluid
You may notice that a blue or orange liquid is dripping from under the hood of your car. If this happens then, your coolant is leaking. It is recommended to repair these leaks immediately because if your automobile does not reach normal coolant levels, the engine will overheat.
Changing Seasons
During the warmer months, most cars tend to overheat. It is best to check your coolant and make sure that your car is ready for the summer weather.
Other signs:
- Abnormal grinding noises coming from the engine.
- Your car releases steam from the radiator or hood.
- Oftentimes, the check engine light will turn on.
- The heater may stop working.
In Closing
Making sure you are using the right type of coolant for your vehicle is every car owner's responsibility. Without doing that, your automobile will need serious maintenance jobs that can be quite costly. Do not forget all these tips and information to avoid future problems.
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