Antifreeze, Coolants & Performance Coolant Additives

Performance cooling system additives are designed to decrease surface tension in radiator fluids, which improves heat transfer. Additives produce better results with water only when compared to cooling systems filled with coolant only or a water/coolant mix. However, in a climate that can have temps below freezing, straight water is not compatible as it will expand and cause damage to engine parts.

Coolant system protector additives defend aluminum, cast iron, steel, and brass components from corrosion, which can build up and cause clogging, reducing coolant flow. This build-up of deposits also reduces the ability of coolant to transfer heat, causing rising temperatures in the engine and cooling system. Additives also lubricate water pump seals and other non-metal components to lengthen their life.

A coolant additive is a specially formulated fluid that improves cooling capability and lubrication when added. Its goal is to reduce and regulate engine temperature and to lubricate parts. Although these additives help with temperature, they do not offer protection against freezing or boiling. They should only be used with straight water when outside temperatures are above freezing. The correct pressure radiator cap should also be used to raise the boiling point of water, while not being so high that leaks are created.

Based on research and testing results found online, from the products offered by JEGS, Redline Super Coolant has been often ranked as the best coolant additive followed by DEI Radiator Relief. Both additives on average reduce engine water temperature by approximately ten degrees or 7-8%.

There are many options to buy performance coolant and additives online, but only one clear destination. With over 60 years in the business, JEGS has been selling performance cooling system parts and fluids for a long time, offers competitive prices, and ships in-stock items fast, often the same day.

One of the best diesel antifreeze radiator flush products available from JEGS is Thermocure cooling system rust remover and flush from Evapo-Rust. It is designed to remove corrosion and rust in the cooling system of both gas and diesel engines.

It is not recommended to add radiator coolant additive to a cooling system that already has the correct amount in it. Too much additive can reduce cooling system performance. If a coolant additive is desired, the cooling system should be drained and flushed, and then filled with fresh distilled water or anti-freeze / coolant.

Coolant additives are only necessary under two main conditions. The first is to help keep engines cool if the cooling system has the correct size radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, and other components and the vehicle is still unable to maintain proper engine temperature in hot weather conditions. The second reason to use coolant additives is in racing applications when the track does not allow coolant or anti-freeze (it creates slick conditions and is hard to remove from the track surface if it leaks or there is an accident). Since water has to be used instead, additives help protect aluminum, cast iron, and brass parts from corrosion that will lead to clogging and increased temperatures in addition to reducing engine temperature.