Frequently asked questions about coolant
Shell Coolant is a high-quality coolant that exceeds the most stringent performance requirements of modern engines – from passenger cars to heavy-duty machinery. Get expert advice on coolants with our FAQ page. Discover the answers to all your frequently asked questions and keep your engine running smoothly.
Do colourless coolants exist?
Do colourless coolants exist?
Yes, colourless coolants exist. Not all coolants are coloured; some manufacturers produce clear or colourless coolants. These do not have a coloured dye added and are likely ‘neutral’ in colour due to the ingredients in the formulation.
What is the difference between the coloured ones and the colourless?
What is the difference between the coloured ones and the colourless?
The colour of engine coolant is often added for identification and branding purposes. It doesn't necessarily indicate performance differences. Coolant manufacturers may use different additive packages, corrosion inhibitors, and base fluids while keeping the colour consistent for a specific brand and standard. Always check the products technical datasheet if specific standards or approval are required for the application. This data and insights to the type of inhibitor technology can be found here.
Do universal coolants exist?
Do universal coolants exist?
Some coolants are marketed as "universal" because they are formulated to work with a variety of engine types, materials, and cooling systems. However, compatibility should always be verified before use. Universal coolants are often clear so mixing with current coolants do not form an unwanted colour (Brown and Dark Brown).
Can coolants of different colours be blended?
Can coolants of different colours be blended?
It's generally not recommended to mix different coolant colours, as different additives and corrosion inhibitors could react unfavourably. If you need to top up or change coolant, identify what inhibitor technology or standard is required. Mixing different coolants can form unwanted colours (Dark Brown and Brown) that could mislead to think there is a technical issue in the coolant system. If you can’t source the same coolant technology and the same colour, you have the option to completely drain the system to avoid mixing of colours.
What does purple coolant mean? Is it organic?
What does purple coolant mean? Is it organic?
Although a purple coolant often indicates the presence of Organic Acid Technology (OAT) additives you should always verify this before use. Do not take colour for granted. A purple coolant simply means a purple dye has been added to the formulation, and it is s at the blender’s discretion to determine what dye they choose. Chemical content can be found on technical datasheet and label details. Always check the products technical datasheet if specific standards or approval are required for the application.
Does the colour of the coolants match the type of foundation, or is it just a marketing ploy?
Does the colour of the coolants match the type of foundation, or is it just a marketing ploy?
Coolant colour doesn’t solely depend on ethylene glycol concentration. Additives, corrosion inhibitors, and dye formulations also influence colour.
Does the colour depend on the concentration of ethyl glycol as a main component?
Does the colour depend on the concentration of ethyl glycol as a main component?
No, coolant colour doesn’t solely depend on ethylene glycol concentration. Additives, corrosion inhibitors, and dye formulations also influence colour.
Does the colour signify a different quality or element of the product?
Does the colour signify a different quality or element of the product?
No, coolant colour doesn’t directly signify quality or specific product attributes. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for your specific engine. It’s at the manufacturer’s or blender’s discretion to use the colour dye they choose.
Does the red coolant have a higher temperature range and less deterioration? Does every type of engine work well with red coolant?
Does the red coolant have a higher temperature range and less deterioration? Does every type of engine work well with red coolant?
Coolant colour doesn't directly signify quality or specific product attributes. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for your specific engine. It’s at the manufacturer’s or blender’s discretion to use the colour dye they choose. If you have a ready to use product, check the temperature ranges in the technical datasheet for sufficient protection. If you have a concentrated product this can be mixed with distilled or ionised water to the appropriate temperature, boil and freeze protection, this method is more suited for technical professionals.
Does the red coolant include only pure ethylene glycol and no added water?
Does the red coolant include only pure ethylene glycol and no added water?
Coolant colour doesn't directly signify quality or specific product attributes. Check the data sheets for the product in question. If it's a 'ready to use' formulation, it may contain water, ethylene glycol, the inhibitor package and a dye. Concentrated products do not contain water and need to be diluted.
Are the various colours beneficial for figuring out what temperature they can withstand before freezing?
Are the various colours beneficial for figuring out what temperature they can withstand before freezing?
Coolant colour doesn't directly signify quality or specific product attributes. Check the data sheets for the product in question and review temperature ranges.
Do the heavy weight tractors mostly use pink coolant?
Do the heavy weight tractors mostly use pink coolant?
Not necessarily, coolant colour doesn't directly signify quality or specific product attributes.
Do the blue coolants contain polyethylene glycol, while the red ones – nonethylene? What is the difference?
Do the blue coolants contain polyethylene glycol, while the red ones – nonethylene? What is the difference?
The colour alone doesn't determine the coolant's composition. Blue and red coolants can have different formulations, but it's best to check manufacturer specifications on technical data sheets.
What will happen if we mix red and green coolants?
What will happen if we mix red and green coolants?
Mixing different types of coolant can lead to adverse reactions, including reduced effectiveness and potential damage to the cooling system. Not all coolants are compatible with each other due to changes in coolant systems design, structure, seals and manufacturer preference, there are a number of different inhibitor technologies in the marketplace that when mixed could cause damage.
What will happen if we replace the red coolant with green one and vice versa?
What will happen if we replace the red coolant with green one and vice versa?
Mixing different types of coolant can lead to adverse reactions, including reduced effectiveness and potential damage to the cooling system. Not all coolants are compatible with each other due to changes in coolant systems design, structure, seals and manufacturer preference, there are a number of different inhibitor technologies in the marketplace that when mixed could cause damage.
Is the yellow coolant stronger than blue or green?
Is the yellow coolant stronger than blue or green?
Not necessarily, coolant colour doesn't directly signify quality or specific product attributes. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for your specific engine. It’s at the manufacturers or blenders discretion to use the colour dye they choose.
Are red and purple coolants fully compatible and can I mix them?
Are red and purple coolants fully compatible and can I mix them?
Mixing different types of coolant can lead to adverse reactions, including reduced effectiveness and potential damage to the cooling system. Not all coolants are compatible with each other due to changes in coolant systems design, structure, seals and manufacturer preference, there are a number of different inhibitor technologies in the marketplace that when mixed could cause damage. Coolant colour doesn't directly signify quality or specific product attributes. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for your specific engine. It’s at the manufacturers or blenders discretion to use the colour dye they choose. Check the data sheets and compatibility guides issues by manufacturers.
Will the radiator be damaged if we mix two different coolants?
Will the radiator be damaged if we mix two different coolants?
Mixing different types of coolant can lead to adverse reactions, including reduced effectiveness and potential damage to the cooling system. Not all coolants are compatible with each other due to changes in coolant systems design, structure, seals and manufacturer preference, there are a number of different inhibitor technologies in the marketplace that when mixed could cause damage.
Are there long and short life coolants?
Are there long and short life coolants?
Yes, there are long-life and short-life coolants. Long-life coolants have additives that provide extended protection, while short-life coolants need more frequent replacement. Long life coolants are marketed as such due to the different product formulations and inhibitor packages used. Always check the manufacturers recommendations.
Can long and short life coolants be mixed?
Can long and short life coolants be mixed?
Mixing different types of coolant can lead to adverse reactions, including reduced effectiveness and potential damage to the cooling system. Not all coolants are compatible with each other due to changes in coolant systems design, structure, seals and manufacturer preference, there are a number of different inhibitor technologies in the marketplace that when mixed could cause damage.
Do biodegradable coolants exist?
Do biodegradable coolants exist?
Yes, you can find biodegradable and fewer toxic coolants being sold by multiple suppliers. Always refer to the coolant manufacturers recommendations for product selection.
Is there a specific colour for biodegradable coolants?
Is there a specific colour for biodegradable coolants?
No, coolant colour doesn't directly signify quality or specific product attributes
What is the difference between coolants: ready to be used or to be mixed with water before usage?
What is the difference between coolants: ready to be used or to be mixed with water before usage?
Some coolants come ready to use, while others need to be mixed with water before usage. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for proper dilution.
Can I mix water with the coolant and if yes, should it be distilled, tap, demineralized water?
Can I mix water with the coolant and if yes, should it be distilled, tap, demineralized water?
Quality water should always be used - such as distilled or de ionised water. Note if you simply top up your coolant with water you will alter the antifreeze and boil protection of the coolant.
Is it true that tap water could cause limestone in the cooling system, with long-term risk of limestone forming, resulting in blockage of water temperature sensor bulb, thermostat?
Is it true that tap water could cause limestone in the cooling system, with long-term risk of limestone forming, resulting in blockage of water temperature sensor bulb, thermostat?
Yes, tap water can have fluctuating quality and contains minerals that might contribute to scale or limestone build-up in the cooling system over time. Always use distilled or demineralized water to avoid introducing impurities.
Is it true that pure normal tap water at 100 degrees bubbles with a risk of some hose blowing and burning the head gasket? Can the fan at 90 degrees be at top speed and protect the cooling system from overheating?
Is it true that pure normal tap water at 100 degrees bubbles with a risk of some hose blowing and burning the head gasket? Can the fan at 90 degrees be at top speed and protect the cooling system from overheating?
Coolants contain chemical compounds such as ethylene glycol to raise the boiling point and lower the freezing point. Use the coolant specification recommended by the manufacturer and refer the technical datasheets to ensure the correct level of protection is present.
Are there specific coolants for: cars, tractors, racing cars, motorcycles, buses?
Are there specific coolants for: cars, tractors, racing cars, motorcycles, buses?
Yes, there can be specialized coolants for various vehicle types, but compatibility with the engine and coolant systems materials and requirements is crucial. Always use a coolant that is approved or recommended by the vehicles manufacturer.
Are there coolants for electric or hybrid vehicles?
Are there coolants for electric or hybrid vehicles?
Yes, there can be specialized coolants for various vehicle types, but compatibility with the engine and coolant systems materials and requirements is crucial. Always use a coolant that is approved or recommended by the vehicles manufacturer. Today's EVs may require different or state specific coolant formulations for battery cooling and compatibility.
Are there coolants for different euro emission - euro-4, euro-5, or euro-6?
Are there coolants for different euro emission - euro-4, euro-5, or euro-6?
Euro emission standards typically don't dictate coolant requirements. Manufacturer recommendations should guide your choice. The more modern vehicle may have different technologies and operational conditions that required specific or recommended coolant specifications.
Does the same coolant provide protection in both the winter and the summer?
Does the same coolant provide protection in both the winter and the summer?
Yes, it can cover the complete temperature range.
Which coolants are with anticorrosion protection covering from overheating 125° Celsius to freezing 39° Celsius?
Which coolants are with anticorrosion protection covering from overheating 125° Celsius to freezing 39° Celsius?
Select the manufacturers recommended coolant technology and ratio for the specific weather conditions. If you need additional support in terms of Shell product selection, contact the relevant technical helpdesk.
Which coolants are organic, and which are mineral? Does this depend on the colour?
Which coolants are organic, and which are mineral? Does this depend on the colour?
No, this does not depend solely on the colour. Additives, corrosion inhibitors, and dye formulations also influence coolant colour. Always check the technical datasheet.
Are the red, pink, and yellow coolants organic and the rest - inorganic?
Are the red, pink, and yellow coolants organic and the rest - inorganic?
Not necessarily, coolant colour does not always indicate whether it is organic or inorganic. Additives, corrosion inhibitors, and dye formulations also influence colour. Always check the technical datasheet.
If the characteristics of the two coolants are the same, then can they be of different colours?
If the characteristics of the two coolants are the same, then can they be of different colours?
Yes, different suppliers might use the same technology but different colours dyes for identification purposes or other reasons. Coolant colour doesn't directly signify quality or specific product attributes, always check technical datasheet.
Which coolant should be used for copper engine?
Which coolant should be used for copper engine?
The coolant technology recommended by the engines manufacturer.
What type of coolant should I use if my engine has an aluminium head and a cast iron monoblock?
What type of coolant should I use if my engine has an aluminium head and a cast iron monoblock?
The coolant technology recommended by the engines manufacturer.
What type of coolant should be used if we have water pumps and steel processing caps?
What type of coolant should be used if we have water pumps and steel processing caps?
The coolant technology recommended by the engines manufacturer.
What will happen if a coolant leak occurs?
What will happen if a coolant leak occurs?
As a result of a coolant leak, your engine will be at risk of overheating. Always look for signs of a leak and check your levels regularly.
What is P-OAT coolant and in which case we should use it?
What is P-OAT coolant and in which case we should use it?
Phosphated Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT) coolant is used in various engine types and provides extended protection against corrosion. You should use this type of coolant when a manufacturer recommends this technology or confirms its compatible with the equipment.
Does the expiration date apply to the coolants?
Does the expiration date apply to the coolants?
Yes, coolants do have expiration dates and using expired coolant might result in its reduced performance. Shell Coolants claim a 3-year shelf life. If you need additional support in terms of Shell product selection, contact the relevant technical helpdesk.
How will using an outdated coolant affect things?
How will using an outdated coolant affect things?
Compromised corrosion protection is the most likely impact of using an outdated coolant.
