Classic Car Coolant: What are the Best Options for Liquid Cooling Systems in Older Vehicles?

Classic Car Coolant: Old cars need coolant, too! Well, the ones that aren't air cooled, that is. This video, taken from a tangent on another video, is about what the best type of coolant for classic cars is. While some may think distilled water alone will be good enough when it doesn't freeze, there is more to antifreeze than cold weather benefits!

Classic car coolant doesn't have to be expensive, but going the cheap route with just water isn't ideal. Coolant is a liquid that takes care of the components in the cooling systems of vehicles of any age.

• What options are there for different types of coolant?
Coolant varieties include things like traditional green coolant, Dex-Cool (typically orange coolant) for GM vehicles, G05 for various vehicles, Blue coolant for various Japanese vehicles like Subraru, Red coolant for Toyota and others, Pink coolant for Toyota and other imports, Gold (yellow-orange) for Ford, and even variants on green like silica-free, OAT, HOAT, and more.

• What other options are there?
When just pure water is used, a product like Water Wetter (shown in the video, but not a brand preference) can be added.

• How do you perform a classic car coolant flush?
(Future video topic!)

• Do hoses need to be replaced when a different coolant is used?
Classic car coolant hoses are almost always simple rubber and can sometimes absorb chemicals from the coolant running through it. Check for compatibility between the coolant being removed and the kind being added. If you aren't sure what you have or just want to be safe, just replace the hoses. Coolant hose degrades over time either way, so they will need replaced at some point anyway.

• Can I use water instead of coolant?
In most cases, no. You can probably create scenarios where you can get away with it, but it's risky in multiple ways, and not recommended.

(Sometimes previews and exclusive content are shared on these platforms!)

Cars Simplified is a show dedicated to automotive education, including DIY repair, automotive news, auto industry changes, automotive technology, performance modifications, and more, all presented in a friendly and easy to digest manner!

#CarsSimplified #CarsSimplifiedS6 #CarsSimplifiedCoolant #Automotive #Education #Cars #WithMe #YouCanLearnAnything #Coolant #ClassicCars

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Cars Simplified, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Cars Simplified assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any video. Due to factors beyond the control of Cars Simplified, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Cars Simplified.
Cars Simplified earns from qualifying purchases via the Amazon Associate program.

[ExtraSimplified]

What kind of car are you researching the right type of coolant for?

[davemcguigan]

So many types especially for the newer cars. I just got rid of some greenish yellow Preston's last week. I had it for 30 years. The old popular Mountain Dew looking one!

[khanartist]

Thanks man. Working on a 59' Triumph TR3

[worawatli]

I had a bad leak on my Saab 9000, the radiator hose (return from radiator to the engine) was broken, now I had it fixed but I haven't put any coolant mixed in it. Everyone say it run fine with just water, but I think I should put some antifreeze in. I live in Thailand, it is hot all year round.

[toddlyda]

I have two projects, ‘67 GTO w/455 and ‘64 C10 w/383. I live in AZ and I’m looking for better cooling options. I typically use 50/50

[jimschneider]

Running a built Flathead in a 49 merc with Baron aluminum racing heads.

[I.S_Lombrana]

Great vid! But question 🤔. Could I only use distilled water and the redline additive for street use and occasional drift events? Or do I absolutely have to use regular coolant.

[ray]

Im working on a 1972 Dart 318 . What coolant should I use? Thanks!

[gtmach]

I used test strips on my classics. They us conventional green antifreeze. Nitrate reads 0 and PH 7 on both. Freeze point -50 on both. Aluminum heads and radiator on 1 and aluminum radiator only on the other.. Should the nitrate be in there? I was going to add some dca 4. 1 pint for each car. Should I? Thanks.

[samueltempleman]

what's the best coolant for cast iron engines ? 2.25 NA diesel landrover 1980's and are waterless coolants ok to use in this engine ? cheers

[aleksimakela]

1966 Ford Anglia 1200, for summer use only.

[nachtjager]

1929 Packard? Plain old green anti-freeze okay? I'm in Louisiana, it definitely needs coolant! Thanks!

[taavisudhipol]

Will an oat ethylene glycol be ok for classic cars?

[hammadmaqsood]

1997 Suzuki Swift - facing heating issues

[RobinTheMini]

The name of the metal is alluminium, .alluminum does not exist 😅