Best Antifreeze and Coolant Fluids for 2022

Maxlife by Valvoline is claimed to be compatible with a wide range of vehicle makes as well as being compatible with other coolants on the market, handy if you need to add coolant in an emergency. It’s one of the best fluids when it comes to protecting and lubricating the seals and gaskets in your coolant system, which in turn can prevent coolant leaks. Valvoline claims Maxlife can last for up to five years or 150,000 miles. It’s more expensive per gallon than other coolants, but the formula is concentrated, designed to be mixed with distilled water. The ideal 50/50 antifreeze-to-water ratio helps offset the cost.

It’s crucial to protect diesel engines against heat-induced erosion or pitting of the cylinder walls, and coolant manufacturers each have their own blends for minimizing this type of damage. The Shell Rotella ELC nitrite-free coolant concentrate offers superior heat transfer capabilities and aluminum protection compared to the conventional coolants, without using supplemental additives which can decrease the fluid’s lifespan.

Unlike other competitors, the Shell Rotella extended life coolants boast mileage amounts up to 600,000 for highway miles or 12,000 hours in commercial machinery. This fluid is good for various applications, including new emission engines, especially those with exhaust gas recirculation.

Evans Waterless High-Performance Coolant maintains a boiling point of 375 degrees Fahrenheit and contains no silicates or phosphates. Its specially-formulated inhibitor package accommodates all modern and classic gasoline, light-duty diesel, Propane, and CNG engines and requires no supplemental coolant additives. This formula is even NHRA track approved.

Because this fluid is waterless, it eliminates vaporizing risk, which means no overheating, boil-over and after-boil. It also greatly reduces corrosion and electrolysis when compared to water-based antifreeze. However, since water should not be added to this coolant, the upfront expense can add up quickly.

For drivers who don’t want to go through the hassle of mixing coolant with water, Havoline’s Xtended Life formula comes pre-mixed with water. It’s ready to use without any further mixing or steps, and it can be used in any vehicle that runs with ethylene coolant. It does not contain silicate, so is also a good choice for vehicles driven in exceptionally cold winters. Since this is an ethylene-based coolant, it should not be mixed with propylene coolants which are often found in older vehicles. Havoline recommends changing the coolant after 150,000 miles.

ACDelco’s Dex-Cool 50/50 premixed formula is a premium-grade silicate and phosphate-free coolant based on carboxylate technology, which is formulated to support and optimize hybrid vehicle performance. It provides superior high-temperature protection for aluminum and reduces the breakdown of all metal components that it comes into contact with, including brass, cast iron, steel, solder, and copper.

As with all coolants and antifreezes, maintenance needs may vary, but ACDelco’s Dex-Cool can last up to 5 years or 150,000 miles and has a long 8-year shelf life. However, it must be replaced every 2 years or 30,000 miles in vehicles not originally designed to use Dex-Cool.