Is Chrysler antifreeze compatible with other types

New Chrysler antifreeze not compatible with other antifreeze types

Chrysler has issued a TSB #07-004-12RevA regarding their new organic acid technology (OAT) coolant for 2013 vehicles. The new coolant is good for 10 years or 150,000 miles. The new coolant is purple. BUT, the bulletin warns about not mixing any other coolants with the purple stuff. And it’s not just so Chrysler can sell you their own brand.

Chrysler has found that mixing coolants can accelerate corrosion in the engine and cooling system, develop an ammonia smell, and result in debris particles floating in the coolant. That can cause aluminum pipes to turn black, cause engine overheating, and form leaks in the system. If you add any other type of coolant, you MUST flush the entire system and start again with the recommended coolant.

Chrysler isn’t the only manufacturer to get tough on coolants. These days, you’re simply crazy not to use the exact manufacturer recommended coolant. Using a “universal” coolant may appear to work fine. But down the road, when your radiator springs a leak, or worse, your heater core goes, how are you going to connect that to your use of a non-approved coolant. The factory stuff may cost $20 more, but a radiator costs $400 and a heater core, well, let’s not even go there.

© 2012 Rick Muscoplat