Antifreeze and Recycling Frequently Asked Questions

Antifreeze FAQ

Most people I know never bother with their antifreeze maintenance, yet they change their oil regularly. Because most engine coolants last so long, is it OK to neglect the antifreeze?

How often do I need to change my antifreeze?

Is used antifreeze poisonous?

Does used antifreeze endanger the environment?

What should I do with used antifreeze that I remove from my radiator? Can I just pour it down the drain or the sewer in the street?

How can I protect the environment and myself from used antifreeze?

Is it true that cooling system problems are the leading cause of engine failures?

How much water should I mix with my antifreeze?

If I buy concentrated antifreeze, can I get the proper water/glycol mixture using tap water?

If I buy concentrated antifreeze, how can I ensure I get the proper water/glycol mixture for my climatic conditions? Do I need to mix it before I pour it in the radiator?

I live in Florida, what should the percent glycol be in the antifreeze I use? I will make an occasional trip to Cincinnati in the winter.

What type of water should I use in my radiator?

How can I tell if I have the right amount of antifreeze?

What happens if I use too much antifreeze or water?

Why do most vehicle and antifreeze manufacturers recommend using pre-diluted ready-to-use antifreeze?

EET offers only pre-diluted antifreeze. Is using pre-diluted antifreeze better than using concentrated antifreeze and adding water to suit?

Why should I buy premix antifreeze? I’m just paying for high priced water!!

Are all antifreezes basically the same except for color?

Can I top off my radiator filled with green antifreeze with antifreeze of a different color?

What do all the different colors of antifreeze mean and what should I be using?

What is long or extended-life antifreeze?

I have heard of OAT antifreeze. Is that made from grain?

What are the disadvantages of OAT antifreeze?

What is a “hybrid” technology as related to antifreeze?

What is the difference between “light duty” antifreeze and “heavy duty” antifreeze?

What coolants can be mixed?

I am a mechanic and am bewildered with the variety of antifreezes on the market. Is there a reference chart that shows the compatibility (or incompatibility) of the various antifreezes on the market in the USA?

Can I use Arctic Blend® Universal antifreeze in my diesel truck?

Can I use heavy-duty antifreeze for trucks in my car?

What is an SCA? When should I use an SCA? Does EET sell SCA’s?

What are the nationally recognized standards or specifications for antifreezes?

What are the nationally recognized standards or specifications for recycled antifreeze?

The US government buys antifreeze to a CID specification. Does the US government buy one type of antifreeze for all different types of vehicles?

EET’s Arctic Blend® antifreezes are recycled. Are they chemically identical to antifreezes made with virgin materials?

How does EET ensure the quality of recycled Arctic Blend® antifreezes?

If I replace antifreeze in my automobile with Arctic Blend® Universal antifreeze (my automobile is under manufacturer warranty), will it void my warranty with regards to the cooling system?

What is the shelf life of Arctic Blend® Antifreeze/Coolant?

Coolant seems to disappear from my system. Where does it go?

Why does my coolant foam?

What is upcycling?

What is downcycling?

Antifreeze Recycling FAQ

Why should I recycle antifreeze?

What recycling process is used at the EET Antifreeze Recycling Facility?

What laws govern the disposal of antifreeze?

Are all recycled antifreezes basically the same?

Are all recycled antifreezes as good as antifreezes made from virgin materials?

How can I tell if the recycled antifreeze I purchase is equivalent to (as good as) antifreeze made from virgin materials?

I have heard that some antifreeze recycling processes don’t remove chlorides. Is this true? Don’t antifreezes with chlorides pose a corrosion problem for my cooling system?