TL;DR
- Engine coolant is vital year-round for protecting against freezing, boiling, and corrosion. Its color signals specific formulations, crucial for optimal compatibility with unique engine materials.
- Ford specifies Orange (WSS-M97B44-D2) or Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2) antifreeze. Mixing different types or colors can harm engines and void warranties.
- For Ford owners, Rimrock Certified Select in Billings, MT, offers trusted service, parts, and expert advice. They ensure your Ford receives its precisely specified antifreeze.
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Also Read: Keeping Your Used Car Roadworthy for Years
Maintaining your vehicle's engine is fundamental for its longevity and performance, and a critical aspect of this maintenance involves the proper use of engine coolant, commonly known as antifreeze. This vital fluid performs several crucial functions year round, not just in cold weather.
Antifreeze works to lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the liquid in the engine, preventing both freezing and overheating. Additionally, it significantly reduces the risk of rust and corrosion on internal engine components and efficiently absorbs heat from the engine, transferring it to the radiator for dissipation.
Given these multifaceted responsibilities, selecting the correct type of antifreeze is not merely a suggestion, but a necessity for optimal engine health and to meet manufacturer warranty requirements.
Understanding Ford Antifreeze Specifications
When considering what color antifreeze does Ford use, it is essential to understand that Ford Motor Company specifies particular antifreeze products designed for their vehicles to meet warranty requirements. The color of the antifreeze is not arbitrary. Instead, it signifies the specific chemical composition and inhibitor technology tailored to work harmoniously with the unique materials found in Ford engines. Mixing different colors or types of antifreeze can lead to damaging chemical reactions within your engine and cooling system components, potentially voiding your vehicle's warranty. Therefore, always using the manufacturer specified coolant is highly recommended.
Ford vehicles typically use specific types of Ford antifreeze, which are distinguished by their color and performance specifications. Two common types approved by Ford Motor Company are the Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant and the Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant.
Ford Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant
The Ford Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant is an orange colored, ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant. It is specifically recommended by Ford Motor Company to meet warranty requirements. This product is pre mixed in a 50/50 ratio with treated purified water, making it ready to use without the need to add additional water. This formulation provides comprehensive year round antifreeze, anti boil, and corrosion protection for both gasoline and diesel engines, as well as electric motors.
It offers robust freeze protection down to a formidable 34 degrees Fahrenheit below zero (36.7 degrees Celsius below zero) and boiling protection up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit (129 degrees Celsius). This particular Ford antifreeze is approved to Ford Specification WSS M97B44 D2. It is crucial to use this coolant only when this specific Ford Specification is indicated for your vehicle. As a safety measure, the product also contains a bittering agent.
Ford Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant
For some Ford vehicles, the Ford Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant may be specified. This is a yellow colored, ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant designed for use in gasoline and diesel engines and electric motors. A significant advantage of the yellow coolant is its extended coolant life, with an initial change out recommended at 10 years or 200,000 miles, and subsequent changes every 5 years or 100,000 miles thereafter. This pre diluted 50/50 mixture also provides year round freeze protection down to 34 degrees Fahrenheit below zero (36.7 degrees Celsius below zero) and boiling protection up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit (129 degrees Celsius).
It ensures immediate corrosion protection and improved resistance to deposits that can form due to certain chemical reactions within the cooling system. This yellow Ford antifreeze is approved to Ford Specification WSS M97B57 A2, and like its orange counterpart, should only be used when this specific Ford Specification is indicated. It also includes a bittering agent
Why Antifreeze Color Matters and Mixing Dangers
Finding the right color of antifreeze for your vehicle is a smart move. Although the base formulations of antifreeze are relatively similar, there are enough chemical variations to warrant finding the right color for your vehicle. Coolant color is based on the coolant type and the inhibitor technology. For example, while Ford Motors typically uses orange, a yellow type is compatible with "All vehicles". However, for absolutely optimum performance, it is best to use the color of antifreeze made for your specific vehicle.
It cannot be stressed enough that mixing different colors or types of antifreeze/coolant in your vehicle should be avoided unless explicitly directed by the vehicle manufacturer. Doing so can cause significant harm to the engine or cooling system components, and any resulting damage may not be covered by your vehicle's warranty.
If you are uncertain about the type of coolant currently in your vehicle or the correct type to use, it is wise to contact a dealer or a local garage for a coolant flush as part of your next service appointment.
Where to Get Ford Antifreeze in Billings MT Rimrock Certified Select
For vehicle owners in Billings, MT, and surrounding areas looking for reliable service and appropriate fluids for their Ford vehicles, Rimrock Certified Select stands out as a trusted service center.
Located at 412 S 24th St W, Billings, MT 59102, Rimrock Certified Select also offers an extensive inventory of pre-owned motor vehicles, including sedans, coupes, crossovers, and sport utility vehicles, along with a variety of quality used vehicles from different makes and models. The dealership is committed to total quality management and continuous quality improvement, ensuring that all drivers from Billings MT, Laurel, Joliet, and Shepherd, MT receive an impeccable sales and service experience.
Our dealership also provides a range of services designed to meet customer needs, including service, parts, and accessories. You can easily schedule service, utilize their express service option, or visit their service center for routine maintenance. We also have a dedicated parts center for genuine parts and accessories.
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