Frequently Asked Questions

Is all recycled antifreeze basically the same?

No. Not all recycled antifreeze is created equal. Many recycling methods do not remove harmful contaminants such as soluble salts. Commonly used recycling processes such as filtration, chemical filtration, chemical filtration/oxidation, and centrifugal separation/filtration can remove large particulate but not dissolved salts.

I have heard that some antifreeze recycling processes don’t remove chlorides. Is this true? Don’t antifreezes with chlorides pose a corrosion problem for my cooling system?

Filtration alone will not remove chlorides from used antifreeze. Additional processes, such as distillation and reverse osmosis, are required to remove chlorides from used antifreeze. Chlorides, which are especially aggressive toward aluminum and can attack copper as well, and are leading contaminants for causing corrosion of cooling systems.

How does antifreeze differ from engine coolant?

Engine coolant is a generic term used to describe fluids that remove heat from an engine. Antifreeze is a more specific term used to describe products used to provide protection against freezing. Many people use these terms interchangeably, as we also do in this FAQ.

Is FulFleet Antifreeze/Coolants aluminum compatible?

Yes, FulFleet Antifreeze/Coolant is fully aluminum compatible.

Why can I not use straight coolant instead of diluting it? Will more coolant not give me better protection?

The freeze point of undiluted coolant will only be -13°C, and therefore you could have freeze point problems in the wintertime. Too much corrosion inhibitor could lead to inhibitor fallout, especially in those cases where SCAs (supplemental coolant additive) are added. Physical properties of pure coolant are not the same as premixed coolant.

Why does the directions state that distilled, or deionized, water should be used to blend coolant?

Some coolants are sensitive to hard water, which can cause some corrosion inhibitors to form insoluble salts in the water. The result is premature coolant failure. Hard water salts will deposit on hot areas within the coolant system creating insulating films, which contribute to overheating problems in the coolant system.

When should I replace my coolant fluid?

In general, follow your OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer) guidelines. If you do not have a guide and are using traditional coolant, then change every two years. Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant is every 5 years or 250,000 km. Extended Life Heavy Duty is 1,000,000 km, 12,000 hours, or 4 years, whichever comes first. It is important to note that you should check a coolant system at least twice a year. If the coolant is dirty, cloudy, or full of particulate, than the coolant system should be drained, flushed, cleaned, and refilled with FulFleet pre-diluted coolant. The reason for the bad condition of the coolant should also be determined.

Why is it important to mix antifreeze with water?

Antifreeze contains chemicals that protect your engine against rust and corrosion, as well as freeze-up and boil over protection. Water is required to activate the chemicals in the inhibitor package. Furthermore, adding water (up to a certain point) to antifreeze actually lowers the freeze-up and heightens the boil over protection provided. A mix of 40% antifreeze and 60% water provides freeze-up protection down to -10°F and boil over protection up to 259°F. In comparison, a mix of 70% antifreeze and 30% water provides freeze-up protection down to -62°F and boil over protection up to 270°F. However, we do not recommend adding more than 70% antifreeze. Over 70% would limit the corrosion and freeze up protection and heat transfer capabilities of the antifreeze. Pure antifreeze freezes at -13°.

Can I mix ordinary tap water with antifreeze?

Tap water is commonly used for mixing with antifreeze; however it must meet ASTM D-4985. Deionized water or distilled water is preferred as it has fewer reactive chemicals such as Magnesium, Silicate, Chloride, Oxygen, resulting in optimum coolant life and performance. Do not use water softened with salts to mix with antifreeze. Also, do not use well water as it normally is very high in mineral content.