differences in off the shelf antifreeze quality

[big bubba]

getting ready to service tractor including coolant change. there is a $4 gal price difference @ walmart in their "tech" label and prestone (both 50/50). have been told conflicting stories re: grade quality of antifreeze.
is the $8 savings in purchasing 2 gal worth it or borderline for an expensive tractor? engine oils (for me) a definate yes...antifreeze? i don't know. thx in advance

 

[number two]

The most important thing is to get the correct coolant for your tractor.Your Kubota uses conventional green ethelyne glycol antifreeze.Since automobiles haven't used this stuff since 2001,it can be a little hard to find at times.

Most coolant found in big box stores will be universal-all makes,all models-a compromise for sure.If you're careful,you may find green in full strength or 50/50.The 50/50 will be mixed with deionized water-a good thing since there is no lime or other hard water elements to build up in your cooling system.

I personally buy green coolant at the auto parts store and mix with distilled water 50/50,drain all I can without flushing if the cooling system looks OK,and refill-change every two years.I doubt any green coolant would be any better than an other as far as quality.

Since 1995 GM has used DexCool
Since 2001 Ford and Chrysler have used GO-5
2013 Chrysler products use a new long-life coolant that costs $53 /gallon and is not compatable with any other coolant.

Go green-think 1975 and don't look back.Good Luck!

 

[big bubba]

hey thanks, makes sense

 

[Z71]

fyi This Antifreeze Is Defective: It Froze Solid

 

[sweep]

BB
I really think there is a difference. I bought some off brand stuff from my NH dealer several years ago. Not premixed. It was like water-did not have that oily like texture af has. The green color was super light and did not smell strong.

I used it but never felt good about it. Should of returned it but was going over a row with my dealer about an another issue and did not want to look like a jerk. Bought some Prestone this year and changed it. What a difference. Stuff was like night and day from the previous characteristics I mentioned.

I truly believe you get what you pay for. Is the $8 over a two year period really going to make a difference? You are looking at probably less than a few pennies every day.

 

[big bubba]

BB
I really think there is a difference. I bought some off brand stuff from my NH dealer several years ago. Not premixed. It was like water-did not have that oily like texture af has. The green color was super light and did not smell strong.

I used it but never felt good about it. Should of returned it but was going over a row with my dealer about an another issue and did not want to look like a jerk. Bought some Prestone this year and changed it. What a difference. Stuff was like night and day from the previous characteristics I mentioned.

I truly believe you get what you pay for. Is the $8 over a two year period really going to make a difference? You are looking at probably less than a few pennies every day.

hey thanks, sorry to hear of that misfortune. this is the info i was needing, already purchased the "higher priced stuff" good luck

 

[k0ua]

If anyone had asked me, I would have said, nah, it is all probably made in the same place, but after reading that article.. I guess not! I have been using Prestone.

James K0UA

 

[DFB]

When I changed the water pump on my Dodge Durango a few weeks back I need HOAT. Auto parts store kid was clueless and had to go get the manager.

 

[HarryN]

getting ready to service tractor including coolant change. there is a $4 gal price difference @ walmart in their "tech" label and prestone (both 50/50). have been told conflicting stories re: grade quality of antifreeze.
is the $8 savings in purchasing 2 gal worth it or borderline for an expensive tractor? engine oils (for me) a definate yes...antifreeze? i don't know. thx in advance

If any one buys the walmart brand..... put an unopened jug in the freezer for a few days. Aren't freezers at about 0 degrees or so?
Let us know what happens......

 

[RickB]

If any one buys the walmart brand..... put an unopened jug in the freezer for a few days. Aren't freezers at about 0 degrees or so?
Let us know what happens......

Concentrated ethylene glycol antifreeze has a much higher freeze point than a 50/50 mix. That is why using antifreeze full-strength isn't recommended.

I sell a perfectly fine diesel fuel conditioner/ anti-gel product that will thicken up something wicked if you leave a bottle in extreme cold, but performs flawlessly when used as directed.
RTFL.