Which antifreeze should you use for your car?


Antifreeze is going to go right into the heart of your car's engine, so choosing the right one is very important, especially since it’s now vehicle-specific.

What does antifreeze do?

Antifreeze mixes with water to prevent it from freezing; it also raises the boiling point to avoid overheating and reduce corrosion in your car's engine.

Getting it right

There are many different types of antifreeze, so it's crucial to understand that there is no single antifreeze that's suitable for all makes and models.

The best thing to do is to always use the antifreeze that's recommended by your car manufacturer. You can also use our handy online look up tool to find the right one for your car.

A general guide to antifreeze

Cars made after 1998 normally need antifreeze that uses silicate-free, organic acid technology (OAT). These types of antifreeze offer better corrosion protection so that parts don't need to be changed as often.

Cars made before 1998 usually need antifreeze that isn't OAT-based and does contain silicate.

Antifreeze at Halfords

We sell all the best types of antifreeze on the market. Take a look online and select 'click and collect' to pick it up from your local Halfords, or have it delivered straight to your door.

Car maintenance is really important to avoid repairs and save you money, so don't forget that if you're unsure whether anything needs topping up, take advantage of our Free 5-Point Car Check at your nearest store.

View antifreeze

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07/22