Engine coolant plays a crucial role in ensuring the optimal performance of your engine and prolonging the lifespan of its components. In conditions where external temperatures drop below freezing, engine coolants are formulated with antifreeze to prevent solidification. Additionally, antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors and surfactants.
Before delving into a comprehensive analysis, I would like to highlight that, based on my experience with various coolants, I have identified Zerex ZXG051 G05 as the premier antifreeze for diesel engines. This coolant demonstrates exceptional effectiveness due to its Hybrid Organic Acid Technology, which solidifies its position as our preferred option.
Many coolants are composed of organic variants of these substances, along with a combination of inorganic and organic elements. Antifreeze is typically a blend of chemicals derived from water and glycol, functioning as solvents and anti-corrosion agents to maintain the radiator’s efficiency.
The process of selecting diesel engine coolant can often be lengthy and complex; therefore, this article aims to simplify it for you. We will highlight some of the leading coolants currently available in the market and offer clear responses to common questions regarding engine coolant.
Best Antifreeze For Diesel Engines Reviews
1. Zerex ZXG051 G05 antifreeze
Zerex has developed a high-quality antifreeze specifically for diesel engines, utilizing Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) that seamlessly integrates with both conventional and organic acid-based chemistries to ensure optimal performance.
This Zerex Valvoline coolant is suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and larger commercial vehicles. It is effective for both diesel and gasoline engines. Priced at approximately $20 per gallon, it presents a cost-effective alternative to purchasing OEM coolants, which can be significantly more expensive.
The market offers various types of virgin ethylene glycol, each differing in quality. Zerex is recognized for using superior quality ethylene glycol in the formulation of this antifreeze. My initial experience with it occurred during a trip through mountainous regions with heavy snowfall, and it delivered exceptional results.
To protect metals such as aluminum from corrosion, the product employs advanced European technology. It features attributes such as a reduced pH, is phosphate-free, and has lower silicate levels. This antifreeze not only safeguards aluminum but is also highly effective for all metals within the cooling system, preventing corrosion.
The coolant maintains engine temperatures as low as -34 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Its green color is compatible with engines that utilize standard green or yellow coolants, making it an excellent choice for older vehicles with metal components.
Additionally, it contains a nitrate-based additive specifically designed to protect the cylinder liners of diesel engines from corrosion and rust, thereby extending their lifespan. Given that cylinder liners are prone to hard water deposits and scale buildup, Zerex incorporates additional control additives to ensure the longevity of your engine, allowing it to function effectively for many years.
2. Recochem OEM 86-174POEM Pink Premium Antifreeze
Recochem is a diesel engine antifreeze suitable for a wide range of vehicles. It is specifically formulated for brands such as Toyota, Lexus, and Scion, yet it also performs effectively in non-Toyota models, contingent upon the specific cooling needs of the vehicle in question.
For vehicles that align with the cooling specifications of Toyota, Lexus, or Scion, Recochem represents an excellent investment, providing reliable service for many years. This OAT-certified coolant is designed to endure for up to five years or 150,000 miles, ensuring that your financial investment in this product is fully realized.
The coolant is available in a 1-gallon concentrate format, which can yield up to 2 gallons or more of usable coolant, thereby enhancing efficiency and extending its lifespan. Once you choose Recochem antifreeze for your diesel engine, you can rest assured that you will not need to purchase another for several years.
While Recochem may not be the least expensive option available in the market, it remains competitively priced compared to other high-performing coolants compatible with Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles.
Recochem’s antifreeze is regarded as relatively economical due to the high cost and shorter lifespan of OAT certified antifreezes. In contrast, this product offers extended durability and compatibility with non-Toyota models, making it a wise investment for both customers and automotive enthusiasts.
3. Mopar 68163849AB Antifreeze
Mopar antifreeze is formulated using Organic Acid Technology (OAT) and primarily consists of monoethylene glycol. Unlike traditional coolants, which often contain phosphates and silicates that can lead to rust and corrosion, Mopar’s formulation is devoid of these substances, effectively safeguarding your diesel engine against various forms of corrosion and rust.
The incorporation of OAT in Mopar’s formula is significant as it includes multiple corrosion inhibitors, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the coolant well beyond that of standard alternatives. This ensures that your investment is optimized, allowing you to avoid the expense of purchasing additional coolant for several years.
Mopar antifreeze is also designed for easy pre-dilution, eliminating concerns about introducing hard water or iron deposits into your vehicle’s cooling system. It embodies all the essential characteristics required of a high-quality coolant.
The recommended lifespan of this coolant for diesel engines is five years or 150,000 miles. After this period, it is advisable to flush the system, despite the presence of anti-corrosion additives that can endure for multiple uses, as metal components may still experience wear over time. Thus, it is crucial to perform a system flush after five years.
The freezing and boiling points of Mopar coolant are sufficient for typical driving conditions. It is advisable to refrain from using Mopar’s antifreeze in older vehicles unless explicitly mentioned in the owner’s manual. In summary, if you are in need of an OEM antifreeze coolant for diesel engines, Mopar’s antifreeze is an excellent option, as it performs effectively while remaining reasonably priced.
4. EVANS Cooling Systems EC53001 Antifreeze
This antifreeze is regarded as the premier choice for diesel trucks and engines, encompassing vintage V8s, modern four-cylinder engines, heavy-duty diesel models, and more. Additionally, it requires less frequent replacement compared to conventional coolants, resulting in long-term cost savings.
The presence of water in the engine is a primary factor contributing to corrosion and rust. In response, EVANS antifreeze has developed a water-free coolant, which boasts superior performance and is recognized as one of the top options available in the market when compared to other brands and models.
By eliminating water from the coolant, the engine’s resistance to corrosion is significantly enhanced, thereby extending its lifespan and reducing potential expenses. EVANS antifreeze is formulated with propylene glycol, a non-reactive additive that does not lead to issues related to electrolysis or cavitation erosion.
Many vehicles experience overheating issues, necessitating an antifreeze solution that operates efficiently without introducing further complications. Given that the EVANS cooling system prevents the formation of hot spots and motor knocks, it is ideally suited for vehicles prone to overheating.
In summary, the EVANS EC53001 antifreeze is a chemically stable formulation that is particularly suitable for vehicle owners dealing with overheating problems. Its use eliminates the necessity for water, thereby preventing any corrosion concerns. While it may come at a higher price point compared to our other recommendations, the benefits it offers justify the investment.
5. Valvoline Multi-Vehicle Concentrate Antifreeze
Valvoline stands out as one of the few coolants that is compatible with a diverse array of vehicles. This means that regardless of whether your vehicle is vintage or contemporary, the MaxLife antifreeze will be appropriate and will maintain its effectiveness over an extended period.
MaxLife Valvoline is also compatible with various other coolants available in the market. This feature simplifies the process, as in the event of an urgent need for coolant, you will not have to search for different products for different vehicle models; this single antifreeze solution can be utilized for any engine configuration.
Valvoline asserts that its MaxLife product can endure for up to five years, ensuring that your investment in this coolant is well spent, allowing you to avoid additional expenditures on coolant for at least five years or longer, contingent upon your usage.
Typically, after five years of coolant usage, it is advisable to replace or flush the coolant, as the additives may lose their effectiveness over time and may not perform to your expectations in subsequent years. Additionally, the MaxLife coolant is designed to last for either five years or 150,000 miles. Once either of these thresholds is reached, it is advisable to purchase a new antifreeze solution for your diesel engine.
Additionally, the formulation of MaxLife antifreeze is concentrated, which means it is intended to be combined with distilled water to suit your preferences. Once you achieve your preferred mixture, you may proceed to utilize the antifreeze.
Final Word
In principle, any coolant can function effectively within an engine, as it does not impact the metal components. A review of the various coolant products available in the market reveals a vast array of features, including colors, additives, well-known brands, and boiling point specifications.
Consequently, choosing the most suitable coolant for diesel engines can be challenging. While all the options presented in our list are efficient and reliable, we have highlighted our top three recommendations to facilitate your decision-making process and minimize any potential confusion
