When it comes to maintenance, it is critical for optimal performance and longevity that you choose the right coolant for your heavy-duty engine. With various options available, determining which coolant best suits your needs can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore the factors that influence your engine’s needs, provide a step-by-step process for how to choose the right coolant for your heavy-duty engine, define key coolant terminology to enhance your understanding, and recommend some top products from Chevron to consider. Let’s ensure your engine receives the protection it deserves.

How to Choose the Right Coolant for Your Heavy-Duty Engine

Understanding The Needs of Your Heavy-Duty Engine

Did you know? Studies from Cummins Filtration and The American Trucking Association indicate that proper coolant usage can result in up to 50% longer engine life, as well as reducing maintenance costs by up to 25%? Different engines have unique requirements based on their design, fuel type, and operating conditions, so you can see how understanding these factors is crucial for selecting the right coolant. Here are some key considerations.

– Heavy-Duty Engine Type:

Heavy-duty diesel engines typically run hotter and under more strain than lighter engines. They require coolants that effectively manage temperature and resist degradation over time. Knowing whether you have a diesel or gasoline engine can influence your coolant choice.

– Operating Environment:

If your equipment operates in extreme temperatures, your coolant must maintain performance in those conditions. Coolants designed for arctic conditions often have additives to prevent freezing, while those for hotter climates may resist boiling and maintain viscosity.

– Application:

The application can greatly affect the type of coolant you need. For mixed fleets, it’s essential to choose a coolant compatible with a variety of engine types. Specialized industrial applications, such as construction or agriculture, may require coolants with enhanced protective properties to combat contaminants and corrosive elements.

– Coolant Formulation:

Understanding the difference between conventional and extended-life coolants is key. Extended-life coolants often use advanced technology to provide longer service intervals and better protection against corrosion, while conventional coolants may need to be replaced more frequently.

– Maintenance Schedule:

Your engine’s maintenance schedule can also dictate your coolant choice. Engines that are serviced regularly may benefit from a conventional coolant, while those with longer intervals between maintenance could be better served with an extended-life product.

Steps to Help You Choose the Right Coolant For Your Heavy-Duty Engine

Selecting the right coolant is crucial for optimizing your engine’s performance and ensuring its longevity. With multiple factors to consider, it’s essential to approach this decision with care. The following steps will guide you in choosing a coolant that precisely meets your engine’s demands and aligns with your operating environment.

1. Consult Your Owner’s Manual For Coolant Recommendations

Your vehicle’s manufacturer provides specific recommendations for the type of coolant you should use. Always start by checking your owner’s manual to see what is recommended. Following these guidelines ensures you maintain the manufacturer’s warranty and avoid potential issues with incompatible fluids.

2. Consider Your Vehicle’s Age and Make

Older vehicles typically use IAT coolant, while newer models are designed for OAT or HOAT coolants. European cars, for example, often use HOAT coolants due to their specific formulations. Understanding the technology behind your vehicle’s design can help you make a more informed decision.

3. Check the Coolant Colour

While colour alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor, it can give you an idea of what type of coolant you have or need. Always confirm with the manufacturer’s specifications, as different colours often signify different coolant technologies that should not be mixed.

4. Evaluate Your Driving Conditions

If you drive in extreme temperatures (hot or cold), you may need a coolant that offers better protection under those conditions. Long-life coolants like OAT or HOAT are often better for extreme climates, providing enhanced protection against freezing and overheating. These coolants often contain effective corrosion inhibitors to protect engine components from rust and wear.

5. Look for Compatibility and Mixing Requirements

Mixing different types of coolants can cause chemical reactions that degrade their effectiveness. If you’re switching from one type of coolant to another, ensure you fully flush the system to avoid contamination. Using a flushing agent can help remove any residues that might interfere with the new coolant’s performance.

6. Check for Additives and Special Formulations

Some coolants come with additional additives for specific needs, such as protecting against rust or lubricating the water pump. Pay attention to whether the coolant contains SCAs (Supplemental Coolant Additives), which are especially important for heavy-duty diesel engines to prevent cavitation and corrosion. Depending on your vehicle’s requirements, these additives can be beneficial, particularly for industrial and heavy-duty applications.

7. Consider Maintenance Frequency

If you prefer low-maintenance options, long-life coolants like OAT or HOAT are better since they don’t need to be changed as frequently as IAT coolants. These coolants often offer extended protection intervals, making them ideal for engines with longer service intervals.

Coolant Terminology

You may have seen some terms in the above that were new to you. Understanding this terminology can help you make an informed decision in how you choose a coolant that’s right for the unique needs of your heavy-duty engine. Here are some essential terms:

• IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology)

  A traditional coolant using inorganic acids for corrosion protection. Often found in older vehicles.

• OAT (Organic Acid Technology)

  A modern coolant that uses organic acids, providing longer service intervals and better corrosion protection for newer vehicles.

• HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

  Combines the best of IAT and OAT coolants, offering broad protection and extended life for a range of vehicle types.

• Corrosion Inhibitors

  Chemicals in the coolant that protect against rust and corrosion inside the engine.

• SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive)

  Additives required in some coolants, particularly for heavy-duty diesel engines, to prevent cavitation and corrosion.

• Cavitation

  The formation of vapor bubbles that can damage engine components, particularly in heavy-duty engines.

Recommended Chevron Coolant for Your Needs

Chevron has a wide range of coolants that are excellent for heavy-duty applications. Here are some of our top recommended products to consider that may meet your specific requirements:

– Delo® Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze 

Single-phase, ethylene glycol-based, and utilizing patented aliphatic carboxylate corrosion inhibitor technology, Delo® Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze is formulated for heavy-duty cooling systems requiring nitrite. It provides long-lasting protection in a variety of demanding environments. Click here to learn more from Chevron about Delo® Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze & locate your nearest distributor.

– Delo® ELC Advanced Antifreeze 

Ideal for a wide range of cooling system applications, including on-road, off-road, and stationary engine uses, Delo® ELC Advanced products are recommended for mixed fleet applications involving both heavy-duty and light-duty trucks. It’s an excellent choice for operators looking to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. Click here to learn more from Chevron about Delo® ELC Advanced Antifreeze & locate your nearest distributor.

– Havoline® Conventional Antifreeze/Coolant 

A low-silicate, ethylene glycol-based, multi-purpose coolant, Havoline® Conventional Antifreeze/Coolant is available as a concentrate or in 50/50 pre-diluted solutions. It’s designed for automotive engines requiring silicates and heavy-duty diesel engines with SCA additives. This product is a reliable choice for older vehicles and those requiring specific additive formulations. Click here to learn more from Chevron about Havoline® Conventional Antifreeze/Coolant & locate your nearest distributor.

– Havoline® Universal Antifreeze 

Compatible with all makes and models of automobiles and light-duty trucks regardless of fuel type, built by American, European, or Asian OEMs. Dyed yellow, this product can be used as a top-up without altering the existing coolant colour. It is recommended for general service applications where cooling system warranty maintenance is not required. Mixing Havoline® Universal Antifreeze/Coolant with other products will reduce its extended life properties. Click here to learn more from Chevron about Havoline® Universal Antifreeze  & locate your nearest distributor.

– Havoline® Xtended Life Antifreeze 

This single-phase, ethylene glycol-based coolant provides long-lasting protection for virtually all cars and light trucks. It features an organic additive formulation free from silicate, nitrite, borate, phosphate, nitrate, and amines. It’s a premium product offering superior corrosion protection and extended service life. Click here to learn more from Chevron about Havoline® Xtended Life Antifreeze & locate your nearest distributor.

Northern Metalic Lubricants: Your Trusted Coolant Partner

At Northern Metalic Lubricants, we take pride in being your trusted partner for industrial lubricants and coolants. As a Chevron 1st Source Elite marketer, our expertise ensures that you receive the best advice customized to your specific needs. No matter what you choose, whether you’re exploring coolant options from Chevron or other trusted brand names for your heavy-duty engine, our knowledgeable team is here to help you make informed decisions that keep your equipment running smoothly. We work with you to assess the nature of your business, your requirements, and your unique challenges. By meeting with each customer, we tailor our resources to meet your individual needs.

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