How Much Is Antifreeze? | Average Prices | Auto Transmission Exchange

Typically, you will be able to purchase a gallon of antifreeze for less than $25, regardless of the type you need for your vehicle. However, filling your cooling system with wrong type of coolant can be costly. Let’s take a look at the different types of antifreeze to help you pick the right product for your vehicle.

How Much Does Antifreeze Cost?

Any vehicle that features an internal combustion engine will be equipped with a cooling system filled with antifreeze. This liquid promotes better heat transfer than simply water, while also preventing the internal cooling system parts from corroding and freezing. At some point, each vehicle will need to top off the antifreeze or have the system drained and refilled.

When you need to add antifreeze to your vehicle, you can expect to pay under $25 per gallon, according to AutoZone.

Types Of Antifreeze

Every brand will have its own unique lineup of antifreeze or coolant products. Typically, there are three coolant chemistries that each will include:

IAT Coolant: Inorganic Additive Technology, or IAT coolant, has a base fluid of ethylene glycol. It will contain corrosion inhibitors that are not organic like silicates.
OAT Coolant: This stands for Organic Acid Technology. It uses organic acids to resist corrosion. This type usually has a longer service life and is more environmentally friendly.
HOAT Coolant: Hybrid Organic Acid Technology combines the best aspects of conventional and long-lasting OAT Coolants.

How To Choose The Right Type Of Antifreeze

What color of antifreeze should you choose since there are a ton of color options, but each has its own purpose? If you happen to add an incompatible coolant to your engine, there could be a chemical reaction that forms deposits or causes the coolant to either gel or clog the system.

Here is a quick breakdown of corresponding vehicles and coolant types:

IAT Coolant: Older cars, typically around 2001 or older, will use this type. It is most commonly green.
OAT Coolant: Volkswagen, Saab, and General Motors vehicles. This coolant can be dark green, orange, red, yellow, pink, or purple.
HOAT Coolant: Chrysler, Ford, and several European brand cars. This coolant is usually yellow.
Phosphate-free HOAT Coolant: Primarily used by Tesla, Volvo, BMW, and MINI. Turquoise is the most common color.
Phosphated HOAT Coolant: Toyota, Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, and Nissan. Oftentimes, its color is blue or pink.
Silicated HOAT Coolant: Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, and some VW models. It is purple colored.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.