Wilsons Sandbox

Q. Does Prestone Antifreeze/Coolant contain phosphates? A. Some European automobile manufacturers request that a phosphate-free antifreeze be used in their vehicles. This issue is related to the extremely high mineral content of the water in Europe. If you were to mix an antifreeze that contained phosphates with the type of water they have in Europe, it may produce deposits that can settle in the cooling system and promote corrosion. However, in North America we do not have this type of water problem. Typical North American coolants have contained phosphates (which is part of the corrosion inhibitor package) for many years. Therefore, the question of phosphates is a non-issue here in North America. Prestone Antifreeze/Coolant is completely safe for use in both foreign and domestic vehicles. For those consumers who would feel more comfortable using a phosphate-free antifreeze, our Prestone Extended Life 5/150 Antifreeze/Coolant is phosphate, silicate, and borate free. This coolant uses a special chemistry and technology that extends the life of the corrosion inhibitor package so that it lasts for five years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first), and is safe for all cars and light trucks (old or new). Prestone Extended Life 5/150 Antifreeze/Coolant has been approved by General Motors under their DEX-COOL specifications and is compatible with other DEX-COOL approved coolants.....end. I have a Chev van that had Dexcool in it. Dexcool had a habit of forming a crystalized sludge around the rad cap that would affect the caps ability to seal. One one occassion I lost all my coolant in a 30 minute period when it boiled out. I have not had this problem with the orange coloured 5 year antifreeze.