Coolant Chemistry Decoded: What’s the Difference Between G11 and G12 – And Why It Matters for Modern Engines

By Oscar Lubricants

When drivers think about vehicle fluids, their minds often go to engine oils or transmission fluids. But beneath the hood, another crucial fluid works year-round to protect engines from extreme temperatures and corrosion: the coolant.

At Oscar Lubricants, we don’t just blend lubricants—we engineer complete vehicle protection systems. Today, we’re highlighting two of our most advanced cooling solutions:

Oscar CoolCar Universal Antifreeze/Coolant G11

Oscar CoolCar Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant G12

These aren’t just color-coded chemicals—they’re carefully formulated to meet the evolving needs of engines across decades of automotive innovation.

What Is Engine Coolant, Really?

Engine coolant (antifreeze) is a mixture of glycolwater, and additive inhibitors. Its key functions include:

  • Preventing freezing in cold temperatures

  • Absorbing heat to prevent overheating

  • Protecting against corrosion, scale, and cavitation inside the cooling system

But not all coolants are created equal. The difference between G11 and G12 boils down to additive technology and longevity.

G11 vs G12: The Chemistry of Protection

Oscar CoolCar G11 – Universal Antifreeze/Coolant

This blue/green formula is based on Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT), which uses silicates, phosphates, and borates to create an immediate protective barrier on metal surfaces.

  • Ideal for older European, Japanese, and Korean vehicles

  • Excellent aluminum and copper corrosion protection

  • Recommended change interval: 2–3 years or 60,000 km

Oscar CoolCar G11 is a universal solution compatible with most traditional cooling systems and offers dependable protection, especially in high-temperature, stop-and-go traffic typical of GCC regions.

Oscar CoolCar G12 – Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant

This pink/red formula uses Organic Acid Technology (OAT), designed for modern vehicles with longer service intervals and higher cooling demands.

  • Free from silicates, phosphates, amines, and nitrites

  • Extended life: 5+ years or 250,000 km

  • Superior performance in aluminum-intensive engines

  • Compatible with VW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, GM, and modern Japanese platforms

Unlike G11, G12 coolants don’t form an instant coating; instead, they activate only where corrosion begins, resulting in longer life and improved heat transfer efficiency.

Tested for GCC Climates

Coolants in the UAE and Gulf region face extreme heat, stop/start driving, and dusty environments. That’s why both Oscar CoolCar G11 and G12 are tested for:

Boiling point stability at high temperatures

Corrosion resistance under ASTM D1384

Compatibility with aluminum, copper, and cast iron

Foam control and rubber seal preservation

Our products also meet or exceed international standards like BS 6580ASTM D3306, and VW TL 774-C/D/F depending on the grade.

Which One Should You Use?

Use Oscar CoolCar G11 if:

  • Your vehicle was manufactured before 2001

  • The cooling system uses traditional radiators with copper or brass

  • You need a cost-effective, universal coolant for mixed fleets

Use Oscar CoolCar G12 if:

  • Your car was built after 2001

  • It uses a high-efficiency aluminum radiator

  • You want extended life with minimal maintenance

Pro tip: Never mix G11 and G12 together—they use different chemistries and may destabilize when blended.

Available Now

Oscar CoolCar G11 and G12 are available in:

  • 1L, 4L, 20L, and 208L containers
  • Ready-to-use or concentrated formats
  • Bulk supply for workshops, OEMs, and export partners

 

Get in touch to find out which formula is best for your fleet or customers:

info@oscarlubricants.com

Follow Oscar Lubricants for expert insights on fluids that keep your engine protected—no matter the temperature.

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