Antifreeze or engine coolant is an essential liquid that mixes with water to help prevent the vehicles radiator from freezing or overheating. Failing to keep it topped up or mixed correctly can cause head gasket failures or other components to breakdown.
The best antifreeze is the Concerntrated Zerex G-05, which uses phosphate-free technology to protects all cooling system metals inside of the engine.
Antifreeze will remain a liquid regardless of the temperature, which means it won’t freeze or boil. This is an essential quality that is need to keep the engine cool and prevent any damage to the engine or other components.
Table of Contents
Engine Coolant Comparison
| Engine Coolant | Formula | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Valvoline Zerex G-05 | Concentrated | 1 Gallon |
| Evans Waterless | Concentrated | 1 Gallon |
| Mopar Antifreeze | Premixed | 1 Gallon |
| Engine Ice High Performance | Premixed | 0.5 or 1 Gallon |
| Star Brite Star Cool | Premixed | 0.5 or 1 Gallon |
| OEM Euro I | Premixed or Concentrated | 1 Gallon |
| Prestone Original | Premixed or Concentrated | 1 Gallon |
| AC Delco DEX-Cool | Concentrated | 1 Gallon |
| Ford Motorcraft | Premixed | 1 Gallon |
| BMW Coolant | Concentrated | 1 Gallon |
Failing to use a coolant will result in the engine seizing, which can be too costly to repair. Considering that even the best antifreeze is relatively affordable, it’s worth using a high quality formula that will prevent the car from overheating.
Antifreeze is also known as an engine coolant and they are the exact same liquid that are used to increase the freezing and boiling points. They’re usually a yellow or green formulation that is made from ethylene glycol or a propylene glycol.
Below is a list of the best engine antifreeze that prevents the engine from overheating in hot weather and will last thousands of miles.
The Best Antifreeze
1. Zerex G-05 Concentrated Antifreeze
Zerex G-05 is an antifreeze solution that can be used in both gasoline (petrol) and diesel engines. It’s a phosphate-free formula that is designed to protect all cooling system metals from potential corrosion and cavitation.
It’s a premium antifreeze that uses a high quality defoamer system that preserves the hoses, plastics and other OEM finishes.
Other features of the Zerex G-05 Formula include:
- High quality defoamer system
- Lower silicate formula
- Effective corrosion inhibitors
- 5 year or 150,000 mile life expectancy
- Suitable for a range of motors
- Contains deposit control additives
- 1 gallon bottle capacity
The brand state that the G-05 formula provides optimum corrosion protection when mixed at a 50 to 70% concentration range.
Zerex G-05 is a highly rated antifreeze that provides excellent protection and is long lasting compared to similar priced alternatives. The brand also offer other engine coolant formulas that are suited to vehicle specific requirements.
Check it Out2. Evans Waterless Engine Coolant
The Evans EC53001 is a popular antifreeze that is designed for all modern, classic and vintage gasoline or light duty diesel vehicles. The formula contain no water, which means there is no risk of corrosion or cavitation erosion.
Unlike the alternatives, the boiling and freezing points are far greater as it boils at 375 degrees Fahrenheit and protect to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other features of the Evans Waterless Coolant include:
- Contains no water
- Eliminates pre-ignition and engine knocks
- Minimizes electrolysis issues
- Reduces vapor pressure
- Compatible with most vehicles
- 1 gallon bottle capacity
- Made in the USA
Although it’s one of the most expensive coolants in this article, it’s a worthwhile investment. It provides superior boilover protection and eliminates any hot sports that are present.
It’s important that all the previous water-based coolant is removed prior to using this antifreeze for the best results.
Check it Out3. Mopar Premixed Antifreeze Coolant
The Mopar antifreeze coolant is a premixed formula that is based on a monoethylene glycol concentrate and developed for modern vehicles. Many vehicle owner manuals will specifically state that you should use this Mopar antifreeze.
The brand state that their antifreeze formula is designed to provide up to 10 years or 150,000 miles of service life.
Other features of the Mopar Engine Coolant include:
- OAT coolant
- Premixed 50/50 concentrate
- Bright pink formulation
- Contains a bittering agent
- 1 gallon bottle capacity
- Contains corrosion inhibitors
It’s a highly rated antifreeze that is used by the manufacturers in most modern vehicle cooling systems. It comes as a premixed formula that is ready to be used straightaway from the bottle for improved engine cooling.
Check it Out4. Engine Ice High Performance Coolant
The TYDS008 formula is for best suited to vehicles (including motorbikes) used at race temperatures that may reach up to 256 Fahrenheit or less. It’s an easy to use coolant that is pre-mixed with deionized water and ready for use straightaway.
Engine Ice state that their high performance antifreeze is legal in CCS and ASRA road racing and permitted for use on tracks around the world.
Other features Engine Ice TYDS008 include:
- Engineered for optimum performance
- Contains propylene glycol
- Premixed with deionized water
- Biodegradable, non-toxic and phosphate-free
- Available in multiple bottle sizes
- Made in the USA
The Engine Ice TYDS008 is by far the best antifreeze for racing or high performance applications. The brand state that it’s proven to reduce operating temperatures by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which can make a big difference for certain motors.
Check it Out5. Star Brite Star-Cool Coolant
Star Brite is another high performance antifreeze that maintains engine temperature to ensure optimal horsepower. It exceeds all OEM engine coolants and reduces the temperature quicker than other high performance alternatives.
This antifreeze uses a non-toxic formulation, which doesn’t include ethylene glycol but instead uses a PCT additive for maintaining the temperature.
Other features of the Star Brite Star Cool include:
- Synthetic formula for all year round protection
- Safe for aluminum, copper, iron and other metal surfaces
- Ideal for water cooled gasoline and diesel motors
- 1 gallon bottle sized that is mixed and ready to use
- Meets all OEM and ASTM specifications
- Reduces operating temperatures fast
- Seals pinhole leaks and fissures
- Made in the USA
The brand state that for diesel engines, it will provide 750,000 miles or 12,500 hours of service life. In terms of gasoline engines, this antifreeze provides 250,000 miles or 4,000 hours of service life, which far exceeds most coolants.
Although expensive, the Star Brite Star Cool is a high performance antifreeze that is designed to maximize horsepower and provide extended service life.
Check it Out6. OEM Euro Extended Life Antifreeze
The OEM antifreeze engine coolant is a highly rated option that is available as a premixed or concentrated formula. The brand state that its specifically formulated for BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes, Mini, Smart and Volvo.
This antifreeze provides great coolant-to-coolant compatibility according to the manufacturer but for the best results, it’s advised not to mix the coolants.
Other features of the OEM Euro Coolant include:
- Available as a premixed or concentrated formula
- Suitable for modern European vehicles
- Meet or exceeds multiple standards
- Provides protection for up to 150,000 miles
- Low silicate OAT formulation
- Aluminum compatible
- Dark blue color
Overall, the OEM Euro is a highly rated antifreeze that provides a long service life and available as a concentrated or premixed formula. The brand also provide multiple other coolants that are suitable for Asian or American vehicles.
Check it Out7. Prestone Original Antifreeze Coolant
Prestone are a highly reputable brand and they produce a wide range of coolants. This is their new and improved formula that features the patented “Cor Guard” inhibitors, which helps to prevent the spread of corrosion.
The brand state that using this antifreeze will not void any warranties and it’s guaranteed for all American, Asian and European vehicles.
Other features of the Prestone Antifreeze include:
- Available as a premixed or concentrated formula
- Works with any color antifreeze
- Protects for up to 5 years or 150,000 miles
- Extends engine life and prevents corrosion
- Lifetime limited guarantee
- Made in the USA
The new and improved Prestone antifreeze is an excellent all-round option that is guaranteed for all vehicles. The brand also offer a DEX-cool and heavy duty alternative as well as the choice of a premixed or concentrated solution.
Check it Out8. ACDelco DEX-Cool Coolant Antifreeze
The Dex-Cool antifreeze by AC Delco is a concentrated formula that has been designed for GM (General Motor) vehicles. It has an orange formulation and may be mixed with other coolants but we advise that you check the owners manual beforehand.
In terms of the longevity of this antifreeze, the brand claim that it will last up to 5 years or 150,000 miles of normal driving conditions.
Other features of the AC Delco DEX-Cool include:
- Orange formula
- Silicate and phosphate free
- Superior water pump life
- 5 years or 150,000 miles of protection
- 1 gallon bottle capacity
- Meets or exceeds GM standards
- Long shelf life of up to 8 years
The brand state that this formula is backwards compatible for older GM vehicles with conventional cooling systems, which is a unique benefit.
Overall, the AC Delco DEX-Cool is an excellent all-round antifreeze that won’t disappoint. It helps to provide resistance to corrosion for brass, cast iron, steel, solder, copper and many other metal components.
Check it Out9. Ford Motorcraft Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze
The Ford Motorcraft formula is a ethylene gylcol based antifreeze that is suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines. It has a distinctive orange formulation but once used, the color may change to a pink or light red.
It’s a prediluted antifreeze that meets or exceeds the ASTM D 3306 standards and is suitable for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury engines.
Other features of the Ford Motorcraft Coolant include:
- Distinctive orange formulation
- 50/50 dilution
- Protects against corrosion
- 1 gallon bottle capacity
- Contains bittering agents
- Ethylene glycol based
This antifreeze coolant is suitable for all-year usage and is recommended by the Ford motor company for peace of mind. It does come with a premium price tag but it meets the manufacturers specification and is ready to use from the bottle.
Check it Out10. BMW Antifreeze Coolant
Another manufacturer specific antifreeze is BMW option, which provides year round protection against corrosion and overheating. It’s ethylene glycol based and provide protection for cast iron, steel, aluminum and other metal surfaces.
It’s a concentrated formula that will requiring diluting with a 50/50 mix of the coolant and distilled water for the best results.
Other features of the BMW Antifreeze include:
- Ethylene glycol based formula
- Contains a bittering agent
- Protects cast iron, steel and aluminum
- Stops boilovers, corrosion and heat damage
- 1 gallon bottle capacity
Using an OEM antifreeze for your BMW may be the best option but it’s dependent upon the vehicles age and usage. Overall, it’s an exclusively made formula for BMW’s that require antifreeze that meets all the OEM standards.
Check it Out