To help clear some of the confusion up on the more technical details of antifreeze and coolants we enlisted the help of Martyn Mann – Technical Director, Millers Oils UK - who has provided the information below.

There are many different types of antifreeze, so it's crucial to understand that there is no singleCoolant, also known as antifreeze, is a liquid that helps regulate the engine’s temperature and prevents it from overheating. It circulates throughout the engine, absorbs the heat generated by the combustion process, and transfers it to the radiator, where it is cooled before returning to the engine. Perhaps the most frequent cause of confusion is what the difference between anti-freeze or coolant is. Basically, they’re the same product (although the term “coolant” could just be applied to plain water; see below!) Coolant also serves as a lubricant for components of the engine’s cooling system. It helps prevent corrosion and rust and provides protection for gaskets and seals. Antifreeze not only suppresses the freezing point of your engine coolant, but provides good corrosion protection and increases the boiling point during use. Coolants/antifreezes are coloured so you can visually see them; colour intensity can be an indication of over dilution. The different colours are non specific to the different types of antifreeze. The manufacturer can dye the product any colour they want. The colour is no guide to the actual type of antifreeze type and the label should be read before use.

Understanding the role of coolant in your Mercedes engine can help you appreciate the importance of keeping the system in optimal condition.

The original formula from Mercedes, a yellow color, carried the Q1030002 part number and was interchangeable with a G05-type coolant. Mercedes has since introduced a new, blue-colored antifreeze as a replacement that carries the Q1030004 part number and is interchangeable with a G48-spec antifreeze. You can mix the two in a pinch, but the yellow stuff hasn’t been sold for the last decade. Seriously consider draining and refilling your cooling system if your coolant is that old; its cooling and anticorrosion properties have deteriorated. 325.0/326.0-Compatible Engines (Pre-2014): Also, be sure to properly flush all of the old coolant out if you're updating an older engine with the HOAT chemical formula to the newest Si-OAT chemical formula. Mixing the 325.5-spec with the 325.0-spec will cause accelerated wear of cooling system components. What Else Can I Do For My Cooling System?

Cars made after 1998 normally need antifreeze that uses silicate-free, organic acid technology (OAT). These

What is the correct engine coolant for Mercedes-Benz

The older Q1030004, G48-spec stuff can be used in a newer engine like these, but only if the cooling system is completely drained and refilled. We strongly advise against mixing the two, which can lead to damaged cooling system components. 325.6/326.6-Compatible Engines (2014-Present): Coolant can be plain water; water is a very effective coolant but would not protect against sub freezing temperatures or protect against corrosion inside the engine. The use of antifreeze protects against both problems. also use our handy online look up tool to find the right one for your car. A general guide to antifreeze None other than the user may want to use the pre-mixed product due to ease of handling or cost and visa versa.

Proper maintenance of your Mercedes-Benz coolant is crucial for keeping your vehicle running in top condition. Here are some key reasons why: Choosing the correct fluids for your car is one of the most daunting tasks for a new DIYer. The local auto parts store will have walls lined with oils, solvents, and fluids as far as the eye can see without the definitive information you need. Choosing the right engine coolant is no different. Is it the green kind or the pink kind? Maybe the blue one? In Mercedes’ case, it could be any of the three depending on which engine you have. Coolant composition has changed over the years as engine system materials have evolved for better efficiency, so you’ll need to know which one is for your Mercedes before topping up your cooling system.With that being said, the popular choices for MB 325.0 coolants are: Zerex G05 (slight yellow-ish tint), Genuine MB coolant (It use to be blue-colored Zerex G05), Zerex G48 (which is also blue, and the same thing as current Genuine MB coolant, and probably the same thing as Genuine BMW coolant). If those are not available, you also have Castrol Radicool which is 325.0.