Top Coolant Brands for Optimal Engine Performance

When it comes to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your vehicle, choosing the right coolant is crucial. The market is flooded with numerous brands, each promising optimal performance and protection against harsh weather conditions. Some of the most reputable brands that have consistently delivered quality coolants include Prestone, Zerex, Peak, and Valvoline, each offering a unique blend suited for different vehicle needs. If you're interested in learning more about what sets these brands apart and which might be the best fit for your vehicle, explore the details below.

Illustration of coolant

Best brands of coolant in 2025

Prestone

Prestone is a leading brand in the automotive antifreeze market, known for its high-performance and innovative products. Since 1927, Prestone has protected drivers and their vehicles with cutting-edge formulas, including the first nonflammable Ethylene Glycol antifreeze and advanced coolants that protect engines for up to 10 years or 300,000 miles. Prestone's products are compatible with all makes and models of vehicles and can be mixed with any existing coolant, making them a versatile choice. The brand holds a significant market presence, with its products tested in extreme temperatures from -37°C to 129°C. Prestone is recognized as the number one branded consumer choice for antifreeze/coolant in North America.

Zerex

Zerex is a leading brand in coolant technology, known for its high-quality and durable products. It offers a range of coolants, including the Zerex G-05 and Zeroex Heavy Duty Nitrite Free Extended Life coolants, which provide up to 10 years or 1,000,000 miles of service life without the need for extenders. These coolants are based on Organic Acid Technology (OAT) and are silicate-free, amine-free, and borate-free, ensuring protection for all cooling system metals, including aluminum. Zerex coolants meet or exceed various industry specifications such as ASTM D3306, Cummins 14603, and Ford WSS-M97B55-A. The brand is particularly recommended for Asian and heavy-duty vehicles, offering a 5-year or 150,000-mile guarantee in light-duty applications. For more details on their Zerex Heavy Duty Nitrite Free Extended Life Coolant, you can visit their website.

Peak

PEAK, a leading brand in the antifreeze and coolant category, has enhanced its product portfolio with the introduction of PEAK(r) TITANIUM(tm), PEAK(r) All Vehicles(tm), PEAK(r) ECOSHIELD(tm), and PEAK(r) Original Equipment Technology North American Purple. These products offer advanced formulas, such as PEAK(r) TITANIUM(tm) with a 15+ years/500,000 miles guarantee, and PEAK(r) ECOSHIELD(tm) made from 95% renewable ingredients, boasting a 15 years/350,000 miles guarantee. PEAK(r) ECOSHIELD(tm) is particularly notable for its environmental sustainability, providing premium engine protection while being highly eco-friendly. These products are designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers and are compatible with all automobiles, light-duty trucks, and motorcycles. PEAK's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction solidifies its position as a top producer in the coolant market. For more details on their new product lineup, visit the official announcement.

Valvoline

Valvoline is a leading producer of high-quality coolants, renowned for its advanced formulations and extensive industry approvals. The Valvoline OEM Advanced 40 RTU, for instance, incorporates state-of-the-art organic acid technology, providing extended service life and protection for all cooling system metals, including aluminum, without the need for phosphates, imidazole, borates, nitrates, amines, or nitrites. This product has garnered multiple approvals from major manufacturers such as Cummins, Deutz, MAN, and Mercedes-Benz, among others. Valvoline's coolants are part of a broader market expected to grow significantly, with the global automotive antifreeze market projected to surpass USD 11.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2022 to 2032.

Shell Rotella

Shell Rotella is a renowned brand in the antifreeze coolant market, known for its high-quality products that provide extended life and superior protection for cooling system components. The Shell Rotella ELC Antifreeze Coolant Concentrate, for instance, has been proven through over 150 million kilometers of fleet testing to offer complete protection and improve heat transfer by about 8% compared to conventional coolants. This product meets stringent industry standards such as CAT EC-1, TMC RP 329, and RP 338. The brand's products are widely used in heavy-duty diesel, gasoline, and natural gas-powered engines. Shell Rotella's inhibitors are designed to last up to 1,000,000 km on-road or 12,000 hours off-road, making it a trusted choice in the automotive industry.

Castrol

Castrol is renowned as one of the leading producers of high-quality coolants, offering reliable thermal performance and advanced corrosion protection. Their products, such as Castrol Radicool Essential Coolant, are designed for a wide range of vehicles, including diesel and petrol engines, and are known for their ready-to-use formula and broad vehicle compatibility. Castrol's coolants are part of a larger automotive coolant market that is expected to grow significantly, with the global market projected to reach USD 7.92 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2032. The brand's commitment to quality and reliability has made it a trusted name among vehicle owners. Castrol's products are widely available and cater to various automotive needs, ensuring optimal engine performance and longevity.

Mobil 1

Mobil 1, although primarily renowned for its synthetic motor oils, is part of the ExxonMobil family that also produces high-performance coolants. These coolants, such as Mobil Coolant Ready Mixed, offer efficient protection against freezing and overheating, and are formulated to meet industry standards like BS6580-1992. The coolants contain mono ethylene glycol and provide excellent corrosion protection, making them suitable for various automotive applications. The global automotive coolant market, which includes such products, is expected to grow significantly, with the Asia-Pacific region driving the highest growth rate due to rapid industrialization and increasing vehicle production. For instance, the global automotive coolant market is projected to reach USD 7.92 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2032.

Dex-Cool

Dex-Cool, a premium coolant brand, is renowned for its high-performance and compatibility with GM vehicles from 1995 and newer. It is an ethylene glycol-based coolant that ensures efficient engine cooling and longevity when used as directed. Despite some concerns about mixing incompatible coolants, Dex-Cool remains a reliable choice when maintenance guidelines are followed. The brand's popularity is reflected in its widespread use in the automotive industry, particularly in regions with significant vehicle production. For instance, the global automotive antifreeze market, which includes products like Dex-Cool, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2022 to 2032, reaching USD 11.1 billion by 2032. For more detailed information, you can visit their official product resource page.

Motorcraft

Motorcraft is a renowned brand in the automotive industry, particularly esteemed for its high-quality coolants that meet stringent Ford Motor Company engineering standards. Their coolants, such as the Motorcraft Premium, Gold, and Orange antifreeze/coolants, offer optimal corrosion, freeze, and overheat protection, ensuring vehicle performance and longevity. These products are available in convenient pre-mixed 50/50 formulations with deionized water, eliminating the need for additional mixing and minimizing potential errors. Motorcraft coolants are recommended for various Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicle applications, with specific formulations for different model years to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. For instance, the Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant meets Ford specifications WSS-M97B44-D and WSS-M97B44-D2, providing freeze protection to -34 degF (-37 degC) and anti-boil protection to 265 degF (129 degC). For more detailed information, refer to the Motorcraft coolants brochure.

ACDelco

ACDelco, backed by General Motors, is a renowned producer of high-quality coolants, offering precise fits for GM vehicles and other makes. ACDelco's Gold and Silver lines of premium aftermarket parts ensure optimal performance and longevity. The brand is part of a larger automotive coolant market in the United States, which was valued at USD 867.62 Million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.47% from 2024 to 2029. ACDelco's commitment to innovation and quality aligns with the increasing demand for advanced coolants, particularly for electric vehicles and high-performance engines. With extensive technical resources and training programs, ACDelco supports trade professionals in maintaining and repairing vehicles efficiently.