Coolants
1 800 255 4417
www.castrol.com/GPS
Background & Properties
July 2018
Types of Coolant
The following is a brief overview of the different types of antifreeze products on the market. Note that unless an
antifreeze is premixed with water, heavy-duty antifreeze should not be used in a concentrated form; a 50:50 water to
antifreeze blend is typically recommended.
GM-6038 Antifreeze
A product recommended for heavy-duty engines, GM-6038 is a green, ethylene glycol-based product that needs a
supplemental coolant additive to be mixed with the coolant for it to be effective. This product is quickly becoming
extinct in the marketplace.
Universal Antifreeze
Universal antifreeze is recommended for use in cars and light trucks containing aluminum parts, and can be
recommended for heavy trucks if certi ed for that application. Universal antifreeze does not need a supplemental
coolant additive unless it is being used in a heavy-duty application. This green coolant is the factory- ll product for
Ford and Chrysler.
Pre-Charged Antifreeze
Pre-Charged Antifreeze is a low-silicate coolant that already contains the recommended supplemental coolant additive
needed to protect heavy-duty engines. It is compatible with most ethylene glycol-based coolants. While it was the
intent in the industry to have all of the Pre-Charged Antifreeze be a standard color (fuchsia), there are still some that
are green in color. Pre-Charged Antifreeze is factory ll for several OEMs.
Pre-Charged/Pre-Mixed Antifreeze
Pre-Charged/Pre-Mixed Antifreeze already contains supplemental coolant additives and comes blended with the
correct ratio of water. The water used to pre-mix the coolant contains the proper levels of pH, hardness and solids.
This coolant avoids the labor and guesswork involved in measuring and mixing water and coolant. It also cuts down
on loss of product.
Extended-Life Antifreeze (Light Duty)
Extended-Life Antifreeze has been General Motor's factory- ll coolant since 1996. Users receive the greatest bene t
from this orange antifreeze when it is put into a new engine. Mixing the coolant with other types of antifreeze or
additives is not recommended.
Extended-Life Antifreeze (Heavy Duty)
Extended-Life Antifreeze for heavy-duty equipment does not typically require any additional additives. It is strawberry
red in color and is the OEM ll for Caterpillar equipment. Just as with its light-duty counterpart, users realize the
greatest bene ts when it is put into a new engine.
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