I recently purchased a new 2006 Elantra GLS, and have a question
regarding engine coolant and anti-freeze. I've been a firm believer in
using the low-silicate, low-pH, phosphate-free ethylene glycol
coolants, such as the Mercedes-Benz OEM coolant, in all of my cars. I
have observed engine tear downs of engines using the old green-colored
Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) coolants vs. the Hybrid Organic Acid
Technology (HOAT) coolants, such as the M-B coolant, and the difference
was very apparent. The old green coolant etches and evenutally "eats
away" aluminum parts in an engine and cooling system.

There are three basic technologies in ethylene glycol coolant: 1). The
old green-colored type that we're all familiar with using the Inorganic
Acid Technology (IAT), 2). The HOAT-technology based coolant such as
the Mercedes-Benz coolant which is actually manufactured for M-B by
Valvoline. This is Zerex G-05 coolant by Valvoline, and 3). the
Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant, such as DexCool by GM, and
available from other sources as well, including Peak, Prestone, and
Valvoline.

OAT coolants are not only phosphate-free, but also silicate-free, and
low pH.

Now (and, Hyundaitech if your reading, please add your thoughts to this
discussion), here's my question . . .

Since Hyundai does not sell its own branded coolant like Honda, M-B,
etc. do, what is the factory specification of the coolant supplied in
current Hyundai vehicles? The Owner's Manual for my 2006 Elantra
simply states to use an ethylene glycol-based coolant - period.
Nothing about the actual formulation. I do know the original coolant
supplied was green in color, thus it must be the old-standard IAT
technology-based coolant. I checked with my local Hyundai dealer, and
the Service Manager said: "We go over to NAPA and buy their standard
coolant for all applications." Interestingly, he had never heard of
the 3 types of coolant technologies available. Nor, does he use
de-mineralized water or distilled water, as I have always done since
the late '60s.

According to many of the coolant manufacturers' websites, they imply
that the OAT coolant, specified by Honda, is best for all Asian cars.
GM's DexCool is OAT-based, as mentioned previously, and the only
difference between it and any other OAT-based coolant, such as Honda's,
is the color. However, OAT-based coolant is NOT compatible with
IAT-based or HOAT-based coolant, so you have to do a complete and
thorough flush, which is almost impossible in the real world by the
D-I-Y'er (Do-It-Yourself). On the other hand, IAT-based coolant and
HOAT-based coolant are compatible.

As I previously stated, I've used the HOAT-based coolants for a number
of years, and have never experienced a coolant-related failure, and
from recently replacing a water pump in my SAAB, the aluminum casting
looked brand new without any etching of the aluminum. But, should I
consider the OAT-based coolant for the 2006 Elantra, or just stick with
what I've used in the past? OR, am I being too technical and
obsessive, and just use the approach of the Hyundai Service Manager and
just use "any old coolant?" BTW . . . I typically change coolant
every 2 years, which is also the Hyundai recommend maintenance spec
interval on the Elantra.

Thanks for listening!

Don

 

Why would you be worried about changing the coolant on a 2006 car? It
doesn't need to be done until 30K miles. Also, why would you second
guess Hyundai's coolant recommendation? They're not going to recommend
something that won't work properly.

 

Why would you be worried about changing the coolant on a 2006 car? It
doesn't need to be done until 30K miles. Also, why would you second
guess Hyundai's coolant recommendation? They're not going to recommend
something that won't work properly.

 

Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Why would you be worried about changing the coolant on a 2006 car? It
> doesn't need to be done until 30K miles. Also, why would you second
> guess Hyundai's coolant recommendation? They're not going to recommend
> something that won't work properly.

I am not considering immediate replacement of the coolant in my 2006
Elantra. And, I am not second guessing Hyundai. Their recommendation
is very generic however, and non-committal: As per the Owner's Manual,
the specified coolant is - "Ethylene Glycol for Aluminum Radiator."
This is vague at best, and effectively does very little to inform the
owner on exactly which type of coolant is to be used.

I have worked on a and serviced a multitude of cars that have used the
standard IAT type coolant (the old green stuff we Americans have used
for years), and it can be a pretty ugly sight, especially with aluminum
components. After only a year, this type of coolant can cause aluminum
oxide to form, and begin etching away aluminum components. This is
exactly why Europe mandated HOAT coolant years ago to remove the
phosphates from coolant, reduce the nitrate levels, and maintain a
constant low pH. IAT coolant was fine back in the days of cast iron
blocks and heads, but not any more.

I was looking for information and experience from others, not
necessarily criticism. Brian I suggest you do some research, and talk
to mechanics with experience in this area, and I think you will feel
otherwise on Hyundai's decision to use IAT coolant. It's primarily a
function of cost, and HOAT is more expensive, e.g. up to $25 per gallon.

 

Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Why would you be worried about changing the coolant on a 2006 car? It
> doesn't need to be done until 30K miles. Also, why would you second
> guess Hyundai's coolant recommendation? They're not going to recommend
> something that won't work properly.

I am not considering immediate replacement of the coolant in my 2006
Elantra. And, I am not second guessing Hyundai. Their recommendation
is very generic however, and non-committal: As per the Owner's Manual,
the specified coolant is - "Ethylene Glycol for Aluminum Radiator."
This is vague at best, and effectively does very little to inform the
owner on exactly which type of coolant is to be used.

I have worked on a and serviced a multitude of cars that have used the
standard IAT type coolant (the old green stuff we Americans have used
for years), and it can be a pretty ugly sight, especially with aluminum
components. After only a year, this type of coolant can cause aluminum
oxide to form, and begin etching away aluminum components. This is
exactly why Europe mandated HOAT coolant years ago to remove the
phosphates from coolant, reduce the nitrate levels, and maintain a
constant low pH. IAT coolant was fine back in the days of cast iron
blocks and heads, but not any more.

I was looking for information and experience from others, not
necessarily criticism. Brian I suggest you do some research, and talk
to mechanics with experience in this area, and I think you will feel
otherwise on Hyundai's decision to use IAT coolant. It's primarily a
function of cost, and HOAT is more expensive, e.g. up to $25 per gallon.

 

Don Allen wrote:
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>>Why would you be worried about changing the coolant on a 2006 car? It
>>doesn't need to be done until 30K miles. Also, why would you second
>>guess Hyundai's coolant recommendation? They're not going to recommend
>>something that won't work properly.
>
>
> I am not considering immediate replacement of the coolant in my 2006
> Elantra. And, I am not second guessing Hyundai. Their recommendation
> is very generic however, and non-committal: As per the Owner's Manual,
> the specified coolant is - "Ethylene Glycol for Aluminum Radiator."
> This is vague at best, and effectively does very little to inform the
> owner on exactly which type of coolant is to be used.
>
> I have worked on a and serviced a multitude of cars that have used the
> standard IAT type coolant (the old green stuff we Americans have used
> for years), and it can be a pretty ugly sight, especially with aluminum
> components. After only a year, this type of coolant can cause aluminum
> oxide to form, and begin etching away aluminum components. This is
> exactly why Europe mandated HOAT coolant years ago to remove the
> phosphates from coolant, reduce the nitrate levels, and maintain a
> constant low pH. IAT coolant was fine back in the days of cast iron
> blocks and heads, but not any more.
>
> I was looking for information and experience from others, not
> necessarily criticism. Brian I suggest you do some research, and talk
> to mechanics with experience in this area, and I think you will feel
> otherwise on Hyundai's decision to use IAT coolant. It's primarily a
> function of cost, and HOAT is more expensive, e.g. up to $25 per gallon.

Since you seem to already know the answer, what were you expecting to
learn here?

Matt

 

Don Allen wrote:
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>>Why would you be worried about changing the coolant on a 2006 car? It
>>doesn't need to be done until 30K miles. Also, why would you second
>>guess Hyundai's coolant recommendation? They're not going to recommend
>>something that won't work properly.
>
>
> I am not considering immediate replacement of the coolant in my 2006
> Elantra. And, I am not second guessing Hyundai. Their recommendation
> is very generic however, and non-committal: As per the Owner's Manual,
> the specified coolant is - "Ethylene Glycol for Aluminum Radiator."
> This is vague at best, and effectively does very little to inform the
> owner on exactly which type of coolant is to be used.
>
> I have worked on a and serviced a multitude of cars that have used the
> standard IAT type coolant (the old green stuff we Americans have used
> for years), and it can be a pretty ugly sight, especially with aluminum
> components. After only a year, this type of coolant can cause aluminum
> oxide to form, and begin etching away aluminum components. This is
> exactly why Europe mandated HOAT coolant years ago to remove the
> phosphates from coolant, reduce the nitrate levels, and maintain a
> constant low pH. IAT coolant was fine back in the days of cast iron
> blocks and heads, but not any more.
>
> I was looking for information and experience from others, not
> necessarily criticism. Brian I suggest you do some research, and talk
> to mechanics with experience in this area, and I think you will feel
> otherwise on Hyundai's decision to use IAT coolant. It's primarily a
> function of cost, and HOAT is more expensive, e.g. up to $25 per gallon.

Since you seem to already know the answer, what were you expecting to
learn here?

Matt

 

Well, I didn't know the three types, either. Based on what you post, I
conclude that Hyundai has IAT coolant.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't even consider going to OAT. I've seen
some horrors in GM DexCool vehicles.

I've got a question back for you, then. Toyota was one of the first on
the market with long-life coolant, Toyota Original Red. I've not once
heard a bad word about it. Can you tell me which of the three types of
coolant it is?

 

Well, I didn't know the three types, either. Based on what you post, I
conclude that Hyundai has IAT coolant.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't even consider going to OAT. I've seen
some horrors in GM DexCool vehicles.

I've got a question back for you, then. Toyota was one of the first on
the market with long-life coolant, Toyota Original Red. I've not once
heard a bad word about it. Can you tell me which of the three types of
coolant it is?

 

hyundaitech wrote:
> Well, I didn't know the three types, either. Based on what you post, I
> conclude that Hyundai has IAT coolant.
>
> For what it's worth, I wouldn't even consider going to OAT. I've seen
> some horrors in GM DexCool vehicles.
>
> I've got a question back for you, then. Toyota was one of the first on
> the market with long-life coolant, Toyota Original Red. I've not once
> heard a bad word about it. Can you tell me which of the three types of
> coolant it is?
>

I can't find any definitive reference. This site claims it is just
standard IAT with red rather than green dye.

http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/...es/engcool.htm

And this site seems to concur, but has a lot more detail. Personally, I
still use green and change it every two years, but it looks like G-05 is
fine as well.

Matt

 

hyundaitech wrote:
> Well, I didn't know the three types, either. Based on what you post, I
> conclude that Hyundai has IAT coolant.
>
> For what it's worth, I wouldn't even consider going to OAT. I've seen
> some horrors in GM DexCool vehicles.
>
> I've got a question back for you, then. Toyota was one of the first on
> the market with long-life coolant, Toyota Original Red. I've not once
> heard a bad word about it. Can you tell me which of the three types of
> coolant it is?
>

I can't find any definitive reference. This site claims it is just
standard IAT with red rather than green dye.

http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/...es/engcool.htm

And this site seems to concur, but has a lot more detail. Personally, I
still use green and change it every two years, but it looks like G-05 is
fine as well.

Matt

 

Matt Whiting wrote:

> hyundaitech wrote:
>
>> Well, I didn't know the three types, either. Based on what you post, I
>> conclude that Hyundai has IAT coolant.
>> For what it's worth, I wouldn't even consider going to OAT. I've seen
>> some horrors in GM DexCool vehicles.
>> I've got a question back for you, then. Toyota was one of the first on
>> the market with long-life coolant, Toyota Original Red. I've not once
>> heard a bad word about it. Can you tell me which of the three types of
>> coolant it is?
>>
>
> I can't find any definitive reference. This site claims it is just
> standard IAT with red rather than green dye.
>
> http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/...es/engcool.htm
>
> And this site seems to concur, but has a lot more detail. Personally, I
> still use green and change it every two years, but it looks like G-05 is
> fine as well.

Oops, forgot to paste the link.

http://www.gates.com/downloads/downl...lant%20type%22

Matt

 

Matt Whiting wrote:

> hyundaitech wrote:
>
>> Well, I didn't know the three types, either. Based on what you post, I
>> conclude that Hyundai has IAT coolant.
>> For what it's worth, I wouldn't even consider going to OAT. I've seen
>> some horrors in GM DexCool vehicles.
>> I've got a question back for you, then. Toyota was one of the first on
>> the market with long-life coolant, Toyota Original Red. I've not once
>> heard a bad word about it. Can you tell me which of the three types of
>> coolant it is?
>>
>
> I can't find any definitive reference. This site claims it is just
> standard IAT with red rather than green dye.
>
> http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/...es/engcool.htm
>
> And this site seems to concur, but has a lot more detail. Personally, I
> still use green and change it every two years, but it looks like G-05 is
> fine as well.

Oops, forgot to paste the link.

http://www.gates.com/downloads/downl...lant%20type%22

Matt

 

Matt Whiting wrote:

> Since you seem to already know the answer, what were you expecting to
> learn here?
>
> Matt

Matt,

I didn't "already know the answer" when I originally posted my query.
I was expecting to learn or determine exactly what coolant type Hyundai
used in the 2006 Elantra, since I was unable to get an answer from my
local authorized Hyundai dealer or Hyundai corporate. I had my
suspicions due to the coolants color. I was later given the answer on
the Edmunds.com Elantra forum only slightly prior to my response to
Brian's post.

It's most unfortunate when individuals seek legitimate answers to valid
questions that some, regardless of internet venue, choose to criticize
rather than endeavor to assist in answering the question. We've all
experienced this at one time or another here on the internet, as it
seems to be human nature. But, if this is what it takes to eventually
get an answer to my question(s), I will happily continue to do so.

Thanks, Hyundaitech for your input as well - it is sincerely
appreciated.

 

Matt Whiting wrote:

> Since you seem to already know the answer, what were you expecting to
> learn here?
>
> Matt

Matt,

I didn't "already know the answer" when I originally posted my query.
I was expecting to learn or determine exactly what coolant type Hyundai
used in the 2006 Elantra, since I was unable to get an answer from my
local authorized Hyundai dealer or Hyundai corporate. I had my
suspicions due to the coolants color. I was later given the answer on
the Edmunds.com Elantra forum only slightly prior to my response to
Brian's post.

It's most unfortunate when individuals seek legitimate answers to valid
questions that some, regardless of internet venue, choose to criticize
rather than endeavor to assist in answering the question. We've all
experienced this at one time or another here on the internet, as it
seems to be human nature. But, if this is what it takes to eventually
get an answer to my question(s), I will happily continue to do so.

Thanks, Hyundaitech for your input as well - it is sincerely
appreciated.