Have you ever had a question about Prestone coolant/antifreeze? Have you ever wondered if it really can be used safely in your car, or if you can use it while your car’s under warranty?
We’ve been asked many questions about Prestone over the years, so we’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions, with answers from our experts, to help you make the right choice. Our experts include our chemists in our laboratory and our Prestone customer expert Paul who spends his time talking to mechanics and other professionals about our products.
We cover questions around using Prestone coolant/antifreeze, it’s safety and compatibility and other need-to-know aspects of the products.
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Is it OAT?
Yes, both Prestone Ready to Use and Concentrate coolant/antifreeze is OAT. We use the latest innovations and technology to make sure you get the best performance possible in your car.
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What’s the shelf life?
The shelf-life of Prestone coolant/antifreeze is 10 years unopened. If you open it and leave it, there are external factors that can impact the shelf-life so we can’t advise on that once it’s opened.
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Is it suitable for classic cars/ cars made before 2001?
Yes. Prestone is an OAT coolant/antifreeze but also contains anti-corrosion ingredients to protect your cooling system. It can be used in all cars effectively, offering the same levels of protection, and without any damage. We offer a guarantee that Prestone is suitable for all cars and engine materials. It’s also suitable for all light duty passenger vehicles.
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My manual advises a particular colour of coolant/antifreeze, can I use Prestone?
You can. Prestone coolant/antifreeze has been specially developed and rigorously tested by our lab in the US to ensure that it can be used in all vehicles. Many manufacturers will advise on a particular colour as there are differences between other products, but Prestone is compatible with all cars and light duty vehicles.
It can also be mixed safely with any other colour of coolant/antifreeze – this means that if you’re not doing a full flush and fill and you’re just topping up, you can still use Prestone. Mixing other products can cause problems such as gelling and clogging, but Prestone mixes safely without causing damage so you can add it to your car without worrying.
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Where can I get a copy of the guarantee?
The guarantee certificate is available online to download here.
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Is Prestone approved by any car manufacturers?
Prestone supply factory fitted coolant to some of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers including Ford, Toyota and General Motors. Rather than seek approvals we offer one Prestone formula that is so technologically advanced it’s suitable for all makes, models and age of vehicle, and can be mixed safely with any coolant already in the vehicles system.
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After using Prestone to fill your coolant system, is there any after care required?
After flushing the cooling system and filling it with Prestone, it’s important that the system is completely freed of air. With some modern cars you may need a diagnostic tool to complete this as they contain several coolant circuits. Prestone will provide protection for up to 300,000m or 10 years, but we would also advise following the manufacturer’s coolant service interval. You just need to run the engine and check it regularly after filling up as the system burps itself. Then top up with coolant if required. You can read more about how often you should top up your coolant/antifreeze here.