Engine coolant is a vital part of keeping an engine from overheating. But the right coolant can also help deliver better performance. For instance, aluminum radiators require a specific type to offer the best results. So we did in-depth research into the topic, and here's what we've learned about the best ones suited for aluminum radiators.
The best coolants for aluminum radiators will offer a high boiling point, corrosion-resistance properties, antifreeze protection, and be premixed with distilled/deionized water. Each of these options managed to meet these conditions without any issues:
- Engine Ice High-Performance Coolant
- Genuine Ford Fluid Red Concentrated Coolant
- Zerex G05 50/50 Prediluted Coolant
- Star Brite Premium Synthetic PG Engine Coolant
- EVANS Cooling Systems Waterless Engine Coolant
But there's a little more to discuss before choosing one for your car. The following sections will look at each option, crucial buying factors, and other topics. You'll soon have everything needed to pick a suitable coolant.
What Are The 5 Best Coolants for Aluminum Radiators in 2022?
The market has been flooded with available coolants. But after a relentless searching process, it became apparent five coolants stood out as the best. So let's not waste any more time and look at what makes them stand out among the rest.
1. Engine Ice High Performance Coolant
On a similar note, this coolant doesn't contain any phosphate. This aspect will prolong your engine's longevity and help protect it against various issues. Another key benefit is the coolant's use of propylene glycol, as it prevents failures in water pump gaskets and seals.
Buyers can count on this ingredient to help in high-stress conditions. In these situations, it reduces operating temperatures more effectively than other coolants. So it's no wonder why this product is often seen on the race track.
You also don't have to worry about mixing up the coolant. Instead, it's premixed with deionized water to help offer a much more convenient usage.
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2. Ford Genuine Fluid Red Concentrated Coolant
One of the product's best qualities is its year-round antifreeze and corrosion protection. Therefore, car owners can rest easy knowing their car radiator has protection against these issues at all times. Its antifreeze protection even reaches down to as low as -34°F.
Buyers shouldn't overlook its boiling protection, either. It has proven to provide solid protection up until 265°F, above the standard. In other words, this option will do a solid job keeping heat away from your car's radiator.
But this option does require diluting after buying it. So if you aren't comfortable doing it, this one probably isn't the right choice for your needs.
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3. Valvoline Zerex G05 50/50 Prediluted Coolant
Anyone worried about these products costing too much should look at this product. It's one of the more inexpensive choices available while still providing solid results. Due to this, it's a favored choice among the bargain buyer society.
The product's solid performance comes from using a unique technology called HOAT. As a result, it contains compounds to help prevent corrosion/rust. Based on the reviews, it seems to more than succeed in this area.
Don't overlook its low silicate count and phosphate-free design, either. It makes the product more powerful and keeps your engine running at the proper temperature. Nobody will ever have to worry about it causing damage to their engines.
Valvoline also did a solid job making this choice versatile. Users can expect it to work in many trucks, cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. So you won't have any issues finding more than one way to use it.
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4. Star Brite Premium Synthetic PG Engine Coolant
For instance, it offers a max boiling point of 265 F and a freezing point of -26 F. It won't have any issues working in any condition a radiator or engine could encounter. Users should view it as an all-year option that doesn't need replacing during specific seasons.
Users also won't have to worry about rust being an issue. This option will passivate metal surfaces, such as aluminum, to create a protective barrier. From there, it won't have any trouble keeping a radiator and engine in good shape.
Lastly, Star Brite premixed it with distilled water for convenient usage. It'll be ready to protect all suitable engines from the day you buy it.
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5. EVANS Cooling Systems Waterless Engine Coolant'
The product also provides these vehicles with superior results. It offers a boiling point of 375 F, much higher than what you usually see on these products. Due to this, overheating becomes a non-issue and is replaced by a better working engine.
Another unique thing about this option is it has an entirely water-less formula. It's a clever way of limiting possible corrosion and rust issues. It ends up keeping your upkeep costs down without much problem.
However, it does cost a bit more than your standard engine coolant. So you'll need to decide whether its high-performance level is worth the extra money.
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Things to Consider Before Buying Coolant for Aluminum Radiator
Since you've now got a handle on what's available, it's time to look deeper at the vital features. These discussions will help provide a better picture of your ideal option. After reading through them, we're fully confident this process will become a lot easier.
Premixed or Not
Buyers don't need to buy premixed coolant, but it does make your life much easier. Honestly, anyone who intends on buying a water-based coolant would be wise to buy a premixed option. These choices are often more effective as they use deionized water.
If you choose a non-premixed option, make sure to buy distilled water. Don't add tap or well water, as they'll only put your engine at a higher risk for corrosion or limescale.
Boiling Point
As you can imagine, coolants with a high boiling point are much more effective. These options won't have any trouble pushing heat away from your car's radiator. We suggest sticking to choices with a boiling point of at least 250°F.
If you're looking for more info about how coolant functions in hot conditions, check out "Does Coolant Level Drop When Engine Is Hot?"
Corrosion Resistance
It would be a massive issue if a coolant didn't have corrosion-resistant additives. The product will end up slowly eroding the cooling system's interior. Buying an option containing silicates, borates, or carboxylates is an easy way to avoid trouble.
Antifreeze Protection
Most available options are designed to protect your engine within any condition. Antifreeze ingredients are one way of providing this it. So look for a coolant that can withstand cool temperatures.
A solid guideline to follow would be selecting an option with a freezing point at -24°F or lower to prepare for the worst. You can find this info right on the bottle or in the ad description.
Do aluminum radiators need special coolant?
Every available coolant will protect aluminum radiators. But you must dilute it with distilled or deionized water to ensure corrosion or other issues don't occur. This type of water should be available at your local grocery store or supermarket.
Is ethylene glycol safe for aluminum?
Ethylene glycol-based coolants are safe for aluminum when diluted with distilled water. But it needs to be understood that ethylene glycol is very harmful to our environment. So please be careful if you choose coolant with this component in its formula.
Does green antifreeze eat aluminum?
Green antifreeze won't eat aluminum as it'll contain corrosion inhibitors. For instance, it's common to see phosphates, silicates, or borates within their formulas. But these inhibitors will deplete eventually, leaving the aluminum unprotected.
So anyone who uses green antifreeze needs to change it regularly. Every two years or so should keep rust from becoming a problem. If you're looking to learn more about coolant upkeep, look no further than "Car Leaking Coolant – What To Do?"
In Closing
We hope our article helped you better grasp what coolants best suit your needs. But if you still have a question or two, please let us know with a post down below. We'll make sure to answer each one as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!
I have a 1973 Fiat Spider 124. I’m adding an all-aluminum, cross-flow core radiator. Could you recommend which of these coolants would the best in a vintage vehicle?
Thank you, Don Hisel