DYE COLOR NOT TRUE INDICATOR  OF ANTIFREEZE TYPE
Improper antifreeze mixtures could result in cooling system damage.

If you check under the hood of your vehicle, you could find any one of a variety of coolant colors, especially if you own a non-North American car. But as the old cliche goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover." When it comes to antifreeze, it's the formula, not the color, which is most important.

The new coolant rainbow may create a potential for confusion and possible cooling system damage if antifreezes are improperly mixed. In the 14 NA domestic vehicle brands, green and orange are the traditional "factory fill" antifreeze colors. However, in the 22 non-NA vehicle brands, a wide spectrum of original equipment antifreeze colors exist, including various shades of green, yellow, pink, red and blue.

The likelihood of color confusion and unidentifiable mixtures is considerable among consumers and professional installers alike. The dye color used in coolant traditionally used to signify the type of antifreeze, but that's no longer the case. That's why it's important for vehicle owners to know what type of antifreeze is used in their cars' cooling system prior to having it serviced.

The best advice on deciphering what kind of antifreeze your cooling system uses is to check your owner's manual or contact the Agent. Basically there are two different types of antifreeze: silicone-silicate formulas, which contain the traditional rust and corrosion inhibitors and last an average of two years or 30,000 miles; and organic acid formulas, which are used in the new, extended-life antifreezes and rated to last five years or 100,000 miles. Each formula works differently to combat cooling system rust and corrosion and mixing the two could result in cooling system damage. However, there are also special alloy-safe coolants absolutely necessary to some models including the Plus 8.

• If your vehicle came from the Factory with the new extended-life antifreeze, make sure its cooling system is always serviced with the same type of antifreeze. The extended service life is jeopardized if a system is "topped off" with a silicate-based antifreeze;
• As long as the cooling system is completely drained and flushed, the extended life antifreeze can be installed in an older vehicle for longer coolant life, but not necessarily to the five year/100,000 mile mark. Consult the antifreeze manufacturer's recommendations for specific details;
• Do not install extended-life antifreeze in a cooling system containing a silicate-based antifreeze at the same time a new part, such as a water pump or radiator, is being installed. The antifreeze's organic acids can conflict with the remaining silicate inhibitors, resulting in inadequate corrosion protection.

Should you wish to simply flush your system, (recommended every two years)..please consult the GoMoG Coolant directory.