There are several colors of antifreeze on the market, each designed to best serve a particular type of engine. The color antifreeze you would use for your vehicle or fleet of vehicles depends on the make of the vehicle, as each colored antifreeze is designed to prevent a negative reaction with the unique engine materials used by Ford, Kia, Chevy, etc.
Formulations across the range of Prestone® antifreeze colors are relatively similar, and drivers can expect the same high-quality and lasting performance no matter which coolant color they choose.
Having said that, for absolutely optimum performance, it’s best to use the color of antifreeze made for your vehicle. Read on to learn more about different colored antifreeze products and which color is best for your vehicle or fleet.
But First, What Is Antifreeze?
Antifreeze, also known as engine coolant, is critical in protecting your engine – and not just when it’s cold out. Antifreeze has three primary functions:
- Lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of liquid in the engine to prevent both freezing and overheating.
- To reduce the risk of rust and corrosion on engine components.
- To absorb heat from the engine and transfer it to the radiator, where it’s more easily dissipated.
Does Antifreeze Color Matter?
Yes, finding the right color for your vehicle is a smart move. Although the base formulations of antifreeze are relatively similar, there are enough chemical variations to warrant finding the right color for your vehicle.
Coolant color is based on the coolant type and the inhibitor technology. The Prestone® Antifreeze Color Chart makes it easy to quickly find the right color for your vehicle:
Download the Prestone Antifreeze Color Chart
What Kind of Antifreeze Do I Need?
The different types of coolant are usually divided based on the additive content. Here’s a quick explanation of those acronyms, the color of each coolant type, and which manufacturers it is compatible with:
| Color | Manufacturers/Compatibility |
| Green | Most Asian manufacturers, including Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Subaru |
| Orange | Ford Motors, General Motors |
| Yellow | All vehicles |
| Turquoise | Audi, BMW, and other European manufacturers |
| Pink or Blue | Audi, Porsche, and other European models |
| Purple | Stellantis vehicles (Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge) |
Can You Mix Different Color Antifreeze?
Mixing different colors of antifreeze to “top off” your engine could cause damaging chemical reactions. Always use the coolant recommended by the manufacturer. If you’re not sure what’s in your vehicle, consider contacting a dealer or local garage for a coolant flush as a part of your next service appointment.
Read more: How to Improve Fleet Vehicle Maintenance in 5 Steps
Prestone Universal Antifreeze
For automotive service centers seeking to consolidate ordering and serve customers with a single solution, Prestone offers a universal antifreeze. All-Vehicle Antifreeze + Coolant is engineered to protect engines across makes and models. The ready-to-use formula includes Prestone Cor-Guard® technology to prevent rust, corrosion, buildup, and clogging. Whether you’re topping off or refilling after a complete flush, it’s designed to deliver 10-year, 300,000-mile protection. This is an ideal product for light vehicle fleets, repair shops, and retailers.
Tilley Distribution Is Your Trusted Prestone Distributor
Tilley knows that Prestone keeps your fleet running smoothly. We offer access to the full catalog of Prestone automotive products and a robust distribution network, ensuring on-time delivery and competitive pricing. We combine next-level customer service with global resources to position our customers for lasting success.
Let Tilley smooth out your antifreeze supply chain challenges; speak with a Tilley representative today.
