Certain types of cars need certain types of products, and your cooling system is no different. Some manufacturers make a “universal coolant” that can go in just about any vehicle, but if you settle for a generic product like this, you could end up with a hefty bill at the mechanic a year later—and those few dollars you saved will feel pretty insignificant.
Zerex Antifreeze by Valvoline is the answer to universal coolants. Unlike those products, Zerex is a customized solution for the vehicle that you drive. Our coolants are segmented into three main categories based on origin—Asian, European, or Domestic—and then specified even further by the manufacturer as well.
What Makes Zerex Antifreeze Different from Other Products?
When a new vehicle comes off the assembly line, it’s optimized with products that are designed specifically for that model and known to work properly for the lifetime needed. Because different cars have different protection needs, each custom Zerex coolant’s mixture of high-performance additives will vary as needed to offer the optimum in compatibility and function.
Here at Valvoline, we’ve formulated the coolants to offer genuine performance consistent with the designated fluid your car was first given. That’s how we became the brand of antifreeze with the most official automaker approvals and registrations, from Chrysler to Mercedes-Benz, with applications from light-duty gasoline to heavy-duty diesel. There’s no such thing as a generic car, so there’s no reason to use generic coolant.
How is the Zerex Formula Optimized for My Vehicle?
Zerex Antifreeze comes in several different formulas, each one created with different additives to meet the specifications of your vehicle. This means that recipes will emphasize additives specific for corrosion inhibition, while other blends will emphasize additives specific for buffering, or other potential engine maladies.
Like all of our products, Zerex Antifreeze is manufactured to ensure premium quality and consumer trust. In fact, every single batch of coolant that comes off Valvoline’s assembly line is tested thoroughly at our headquarters in Lexington, KY before it’s released to the market. In this way, we can ensure the proper formula and balance of additives in every product.
Additionally, all Zerex products are extensively real world “vehicle fleet tested,” which means we evaluate our coolant products in test vehicles by putting them through the worst weather and operating conditions imaginable. This is how we ensure that your engine and cooling system fluid have the durability to perform in all conditions. No excuses, no surprises, just reliable fluid performance and peace of mind.
What Kinds of Issues Does Zerex Antifreeze Help Prevent?
Modern engines run hotter than those of yesteryear, which means it’s more important than ever to use a robust coolant that provides engine protection from a variety of inhibitors.
If you settle for a universal coolant over a custom formula, your engine might not up and quit on you immediately, but 6-12 months down the road, you may have issues if your coolant isn’t performing properly. In fact, you may end up replacing various parts, thinking that they’re the issue, when really the problem can be traced back to poor-quality coolant.
These are the four main causes of cooling system failure in automobiles:
- Corrosion – Weak, underperforming, neglected coolant can lead to degradation of metals and components exacerbated by time and temperature. Corrosion can lead to plugging deposits, overheating, perforation, leaks, and damage to the engine and cooling system.
- Sealing – Your cooling system and engine may develop leaks, both internal and external. A sealant can help prevent and stop leaks including gasket failure.
- Freezing & Boiling – The most well-made vehicles are under greater stress when the temperature outside gets extremely hot or extremely cold. It’s very important to use the proper dilution of coolant to prevent damage from ambient temperature extremes. If the coolant freezes, it may expand and damage the engine and cooling system. If the coolant boils, the engine may suffer overheating and failure.
- Deposits – Internal combustion engines work hard when you drive. Combustion results in tremendous waste heat that is removed by the proper function of the coolant and cooling system. Deposits and scale can build up over time when the coolant isn’t properly maintaining heat transfer surface cleanliness. This leads to overheating and breakdowns. Cooling system failure is the top non-mechanical reason for vehicle breakdown.
Each of these issues may be traced back to the coolant in your system, which means it matters what product you’re using. And because there’s no “universal engine” that goes under every hood, the best way to avoid these problems is to use an antifreeze that was made specifically for your vehicle.
“When it comes to buying coolant, consumers oftentimes make their decisions based upon price rather than product performance,” says Valvoline Technical Director David Turcotte. “When you go to retail outlets and find universal coolants, they’re like tube socks for antifreeze—one size fits all—but it doesn’t work like that.”
While many people simply want the cheapest form of coolant to maintain heat transfer and prevent freezing, it’s not that simple. Rather, coolants are formulated for specific vehicles, specific manufacturers, and specific types of engines.
Where Can I Buy the Right Zerex Antifreeze for My Vehicle?
Since Valvoline produces nearly a dozen different formulas of our Zerex Antifreeze, it’s important to find the right product for your vehicle.
Our Valvoline Antifreeze/Coolant Product Finder is the best place to track down the Zerex Antifreeze formula that’s made specifically for your car. And if you’re having trouble figuring out exactly which product to buy, our How to Choose the Right Type of Engine Coolant section has helpful breakdowns and charts to point you in the right direction.
And remember: a “universal coolant” may save you a few dollars in the short run, but you may be more likely to face costly repairs in the future.
- Always take appropriate safety precautions when working on or operating your vehicle. Take the necessary steps to help prevent injuries; always use protective gear like helmets, safety goggles, and gloves.
