September 15, 2025
Engines of different makes, models, and applications require very specific coolant technology to operate at peak efficiency. Choosing the correct antifreeze protects metal components from corrosion, prevents freeze-ups in cold weather, stops boil-overs in heat, and extends the overall life of the cooling system.
Antifreeze isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each formulation has unique properties—additive packages, service intervals, and compatibility requirements—that match specific OEM guidelines. Understanding these differences ensures every service is performed correctly and helps avoid costly issues down the road.
Below is an overview of Crystal Clean’s antifreeze solutions and where each is best applied.
Best for: Older passenger cars and light-duty trucks (generally pre-2002) requiring conventional coolant.
Key Benefits: Meets performance requirements of ASTM D3306; prediluted 50/50; phosphate-free inhibitor package; protects all system metals; service life up to 3 years or 50,000 miles.
Where It Fits: Maintains traditional cooling systems with reliable freeze/boil protection while preventing corrosion in aging components.
Best for: Heavy-duty diesel and CNG engines requiring conventional HD coolant with nitrite-based protection.
Key Benefits: Meets performance requirements of ASTM D6210 and D3306; contains SCAs and 1200 ppm nitrite; protects against liner pitting; available in pink or green; up to 3 years/300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Where It Fits: Proven Nitrite-based chemistry for heavy-duty diesel and compressed natural gas engine colling systems requiring conventionally inhibited HD coolants.
Best for: Mixed fleets requiring nitrite-free OAT extended-life protection.
Key Benefits: Meets performance requirements of ASTM D6210, D3306; pure OAT formula using inhibitor technology free of nitrite, silicate, phosphate; protects against liner pitting; available in yellow or red; up to 600,000 miles/12,000 hours.
Where It Fits: Streamlines inventory for operations servicing both diesel and light-duty engines, extending service intervals without compromising protection.
Best for: Foreign and domestic passenger cars, SUVs, vans, and light trucks requiring extended-life OAT coolant.
Key Benefits: Meets performance requirements of ASTM D3306; pure OAT technology; nitrite-free inhibitor technology; compatible with other OAT coolants; up to 5 years/150,000 miles.
Where It Fits: Provides broad compatibility for modern vehicles, reducing the need to stock multiple specialty coolants while ensuring long-term protection.
Best for: General Motors vehicles requiring GM-licensed DEX-COOL®.
Key Benefits: GM-approved (GWM3420); meets performance requirements of ASTM D3306; 5-year/150,000-mile service life; ready-to-use 50/50; orange in color.
Where It Fits: Ensures OEM compliance and warranty protection for GM vehicles with factory-specified coolant requirements.
Best for: Heavy-duty diesel engines needing nitrite and molybdate-enhanced OAT protection.
Key Benefits: Meets performance requirements of ASTM D6210, D3306; eliminates need for SCAs; protects against liner pitting; up to 600,000 miles/12,000 hours with extender at mid-life.
Where It Fits: Delivers advanced corrosion protection for demanding diesel applications, with added benefits of nitrite and molybdate chemistry, compatible with other HD OAT coolants like CAT ELC
Matching Products to Performance and Profitability
Having the right antifreeze for every application means more than meeting OEM specifications; it streamlines service, reduces the number of SKUs needed on the shelf, and ensures the job is done right the first time.
Crystal Clean supports these needs not only with a complete antifreeze product line but also with closed-loop recycling services that restore used coolant to meet or exceed ASTM and OEM performance standards. This approach helps reduce waste, lower disposal costs, and protect the environment—while keeping your service operations running smoothly and profitably.