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PRESTONE® BREAKS DOWN THE “WALL OF CONFUSION”

Experts Share Guidance to Help Users Decide Which Coolant is Right for Them

Chicago, Ill. (July 2017) With summer temperatures reaching record highs, it’s more important than ever to use the best coolant. Cooling system issues can take a toll on an engine and potentially cause permanent damage. But with so many different types of antifreeze/coolant, how do you know which one to choose? Experts at Prestone® Products Corporation, the leader in underhood chemicals, have compiled some tips to help car owners make the right choice.

The wall of antifreeze/coolant bottles at your local auto parts store or big-box retailer doesn’t need to be intimidating. The average American spends 50 minutes in the automotive section because they aren’t sure what to buy. With this informal guide, you will save valuable time and learn exactly what to consider before making your anti-freeze purchase decision.

There are three common reasons to pick up a new bottle of coolant:

Reason #1: You’ve driven 150,000 miles or it’s been a while since you last checked it.

Antifreeze itself (usually a chemical called ethylene glycol) doesn’t wear out, but the key corrosion inhibitors in the solution do. If you log a lot of miles or can’t remember the last time your coolant was tested, it is definitely time to do a thorough “flush & fill” of your cooling system.

Solution: This type of job requires a concentrated coolant, like Prestone Concentrate with Cor-Guard Inhibitors, which must be mixed with 50% water.

Reason #2: It’s time for routine maintenance on your car. 

You regularly check your oil, tires, wiper blades and fluids.  Antifreeze, as the fluid that keeps your engine stable, is obviously one you keep an eye on (or need to keep an eye on).  Checking the reservoir to make sure you have the proper level is the first step.  Perform a visual inspection of the reservoir and radiator to make sure the coolant is free of rust and debris.  Lastly, check the coolant level to make sure the ratio of antifreeze/coolant to water is correct.  This can be performed with a tester found in any auto section.

Solution: When doing a proper regularly-scheduled top-off of your system, Prestone 50/50 Prediluted is the right choice.

Reason #3: You notice a leak coming from your cooling system.

A few drops of fluid underneath your engine could indicate a leak in your radiator. A regular check of your fluid level could catch the issue before it becomes a big problem. If you are noticing some seepage for the first time Prestone has a number of solutions that can help you avoid paying thousands for engine repairs.

Solution: A small leak can be fixed with one of Prestone’s Triple Seal™ Protection Stop Leak products, which seal leaks from the inside of the affected area without blocking or corroding the cooling system and are safe to use with all colors of antifreeze. Once the leak is repaired, perform a “flush & fill” using a combination of 50% Prestone Concentrate antifreeze/coolant and 50% water.

Based on your vehicle, you may require a more specific type of antifreeze/coolant. Now that you’ve narrowed down the coolant selection by half (concentrate or prediluted), use your knowledge of your vehicle to identify which type of coolant to purchase. Today’s cars and light duty trucks need a sophisticated coolant made for higher revving and hotter running engines.  Older, silicate coolants (typically green) are not acceptable for late model cars.  Mixing these types of coolants with today’s longer lasting, more effective, OAT coolants will dilute your car’s protection.  For maximum protection use Prestone with Cor-Guard Inhibitors.  Cor-Guard gives you protection five times more effective than the next leading branded competitor.  If you drive a car or light duty truck that recommends Dex-Cool coolant, you can use GM-approved Prestone Dex-Cool coolant.

For more answers and assistance with your antifreeze/coolant needs, like how much coolant to use, visit www.prestone.com.

About Prestone

Headquartered in Lake Forest, IL, Prestone is the number one branded consumer choice for antifreeze/coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid in North America. Prestone manufactures and markets antifreeze/coolant, brake and power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid and other leading vehicle maintenance products. Prestone antifreeze/coolant has protected vehicle cooling systems since 1927. You can find more at www.prestone.com or by following Prestone on social media: www.facebook.com/prestoneofficial, www.twitter.com/prestone  or www.instagram.com/prestoneofficial.

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