Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (2024)

Are you looking for alternatives to Motorcraft coolant to use in your Ford? Should you use OEM-approved products or go with equivalent options?

Usually, Ford recommends using OEM fluids from Motorcraft. The Motorcraft orange is specified for Ford’s vehicles with engine coolant specification WSS-M97B44-D2/D, and the premium gold is for WSS-M97B51-A1.

However, they are not the only pick for you as there are many substitutes on the market such as Valvoline, Zerex, Preston, etc.

This article will walk you through Motorcraft orange coolant and premium gold coolant equivalents and analyze if these alternatives are safe to use in your Ford or not.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

  • 1 Motorcraft Orange Coolant Equivalent
    • 1.1 Verdict
    • 1.2 Quick Fact About Motorcraft Orange Coolant
    • 1.3 Motorcraft Yellow Concentrated Coolant: OEM Product
    • 1.4 Zerex DEX-COOL Organic Acid Technology
    • 1.5 Valvoline Multi-Vehicle 50/50 Prediluted
  • 2 What To Do Next?
  • 3 Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant Equivalent
    • 3.1 Motorcraft Premium Gold: OEM product
    • 3.2 Zerex G-05
    • 3.3 Prestone Original AF2000/C
  • 4 What to Do Next?

Motorcraft Orange Coolant Equivalent

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (1)

Verdict

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (2)

Motorcraft Yellow Concentrate Coolant: OEM Product

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (3)

Zerex DEX-COOL Organic Acid Technology Antifreeze

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (4)

Valvoline Multi-Vehicle 50/50 Prediluted Coolant

Quick Fact About Motorcraft Orange Coolant

Motorcraft orange coolant is specified for Ford spec WSS-M97B44-D2/D. However, the orange-colored antifreeze has been discontinued and replaced by the yellow coolant and it is okay to use it in place of orange antifreeze.

Motorcraft Yellow Concentrated Coolant: OEM Product

The product was first introduced in 2018. It was designed to provide better performance than its predecessor, especially in freezing temperatures. Also, it is pretty straightforward to transition from the orange to the new yellow because it is backward compatible. It means you can use it in Ford cars from 2011 to recent model years.

The Motorcraft yellow coolant comes with a range of great features and benefits.

  • Protection interval up to 200,000 miles or ten years
  • Offers improved deposit resistance
  • Provides immediate corrosion protection
  • Provides year-round anti-boil and antifreeze protection

So are there any downsides about this product that make Ford’s owners look for substitutes?

In my experience, one of the downsides about this yellow antifreeze is that it does not automatically change the protection interval rate to 10 years or 200,000 miles in the old vehicle. For example, some Ford cars require to replace coolant every 50,000 miles after the first change. But, their product claims that it has a protection period of 200,000 miles. And drivers need to stick to the original changing interval, which is 50,000 miles.

One more thing about the product is that it is quite expensive. Usually, OEM products are more pricey than alternatives or aftermarket. This is the main reason that makes people go for substitute options.

Zerex DEX-COOL Organic Acid Technology

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (6)

Zerex DEX-COOL Organic Acid Technology Antifreeze

Even though this orange-color antifreeze coolant is automaker approved for use in GM vehicles, it is also a good alternative for Motorcraft orange coolants. When looking at the Valvoline Zerex DEX-COOL datasheet, the fluid can meet Ford WSS-M97B44-D2 requirement.Valvoline claims that DEX-COOL Organic Acid Technology Antifreeze offers the following benefits:

  • Incorporates state-of-art organic acid technology in an ethylene glycol base for the protection of all cooling system metals, including aluminum
  • You can mix the DEX-COOL Organic Acid Technology Antifreeze with any DEX-COOL® product
  • Protects modern engines from winter freezing and summer boiling
  • The product covers a wide application range
  • Patented carboxylate formulation provides a service life of up to 5 years or 150,000 miles
  • The formula is phosphates and silicates-free that prevents deposits

Comparing the benefits with the advantages of Motorcraft orange coolant, I can see the similarities, including the excellent protection in boiling and freezing conditions and protection against corrosion. Also, both come with a formula that prevents deposits. However, you will spend less on purchasing the Zerex antifreeze compared to the Motorcraft OEM coolant.

So, should you hit the add to cart button and buy on Amazon?

Many car owners complain about The DEX-COOL coolant’s short service life. You will only get a changing interval of 150,000 miles, which is 50,000 miles lesser than what the OEM MotorCraft offers. But, recall what I said, Ford requires to change antifreeze every 50,000 miles. So, it’s fine for Ford.

Moreover, this lubricant is much cheaper than the OEM product, so it is completely a good choice for your Ford spec WSS-M97B44-D2.

Related post: Ford Refrigerant and AC Compressor Oil Capacity Charts

Valvoline Multi-Vehicle 50/50 Prediluted

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (7)

Valvoline Multi-Vehicle 50/50 Prediluted Coolant

MaxLife Valvoline Multi-Vehicle antifreeze is compatible with a wide range of vehicle makes and coolants on the market, so it comes in handy if you need to add coolant in an emergency. What makes this Valvoline product an alternative for Motorcraft orange coolant? According to the MaxLife Valvoline Multi-Vehicle antifreeze information sheet, the product has many encouraging features and benefits.

  • Contains an additive called Alugard Plus, which helps to protect against corrosion
  • Helps lubricate the gaskets and engine seal
  • Protects against hot weather boil-overs and cold weather freeze-ups
  • Works with all car makes, models, and mileages
  • Is compatible with any color antifreeze

Like others mentioned so far, including Motorcraft orange coolant, the Valvoline product also protects against freezing and boiling. Also, both can hold for a longer time, so you don’t have to replace them too often. More than that, if you are on a budget, the Valvoline antifreeze comes at a lower price than the OEM product.

Despite the advantages, I don’t see myself rushing out to grab a bottle of Valvoline’s MaxLife Multi-Vehicle coolant. Why? It is an antifreeze manufactured to perform on a range of vehicles with different OEM needs. It means the product can cause loss of warranty coverage and uncertainty of compatibility.

Besides, this product is a prediluted coolant. This means you don’t have to mix with distilled water. But you need to buy more quantity than concentrated products.

What To Do Next?

If you ask me which coolant to go for, I would recommend the Motorcraft Yellow Coolant/ antifreeze. It is an OEM antifreeze that won’t put your vehicle at risk and void your warranty. However, if you are looking to switch to a cheaper alternative, stick toZerex Dex Cool!

Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant Equivalent

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (8)
Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (9)

Motorcraft Premium Gold: OEM product

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (11)

Prestone Original AF2000/C

Motorcraft Premium Gold: OEM product

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (12)

Motorcraft Premium Gold: OEM product

Motorcraft premium gold engine coolant is approved to Ford spec WSS-M97B51-A1. The OEM antifreeze came after the Motorcraft green coolant and was used in most Ford models from 2001 to 2011. It is a hybrid organic acid technology coolant designed to provide better protection for aluminum blocks. The gold coolant is yellow-colored and can also operate under higher pressures.

Besides, it is a versatile OEM product that is cast-iron-engine compatible. It means, if your vehicle runs on the old green inorganic coolant, you can use the Motorcraft premium Gold antifreeze. The product also comes in two options, including concentrated and prediluted. Some of its benefits include:

  • Used in different engines, including diesel and gasoline
  • Protects your engine in temperatures as high as 256℉ and as low as -34℉
  • Provides corrosion protection
  • Offers 100,000 miles initial service life and 50,000 miles after

Despite the effectiveness of the coolant, I found that it is not backward and forward compatible. It means you can’t use it for Ford vehicles before 2001 and after the 2011 model year. Besides, it offers a shorter changing interval than recent Motorcraft antifreeze like the yellow coolant that provides up to 200,000 miles of initial service life.

Related post:

Zerex G-05

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (13)

Zerex ZXG051 G05 Phosphate Free Antifreeze/Coolant

According to the Valvoline ZEREX G-05 Antifreeze information sheet, Zerex G-05 is an approved formula for Ford Specification WSS-M97B51-A1. It means you can’t go wrong going for a bottle of this product as a Motorcraft gold coolant equivalent.

The antifreeze is a fully formulated, ethylene glycol-based fluid. Also, it contains nitrite that helps to protect diesel engine cylinder liners from cavitation.

Compared with the OEM coolant, both provide year-round antifreeze, anti-boil, and corrosion protection. However, Zerex G-05 provides more protection with five years or 150,000 miles changing intervals while the Motorcraft coolant offers protection for 100,000 miles.

The equivalent antifreeze brings the following benefits:

  • Contains deposit control additives to protect your engine from hard water deposits and scale.
  • Comes with phosphate-free, reduced pH, and lower-silicate technology to protect all cooling system metals from corrosion.
  • The available high-quality defoamer system won’t cause damage to your original vehicle finishes, plastics, and hoses.
  • Compatible with many brands of coolants commonly available

So, should you stop at the next shop and buy this antifreeze? Well, you can, but I found that the changing interval it provides varies with application. You will get three years of protection in heavy-duty applications and five years in light-duty applications. Also, it is a bit more expensive than the OEM fluid.

Prestone Original AF2000/C

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (14)

Prestone Original AF2000/C Antifreeze Coolant

The Prestone coolant is compatible with use in all automobiles and light-duty trucks. It is formulated free of nitrate, silicates, borate, and phosphate to protect all cooling system metals from corrosion, including thin, lightweight aluminum. Also, it is available in both 50/50 pre-diluted and concentrated formulas.

Comparing the OEM with this product, both protect against temperature extremes, rust and corrosion. However, the Prestone Original AF2000/C Antifreeze works for all makes and models, while the OEM coolant is specific to Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1.

Some of its benefits are:

  • A high degree of performance durability
  • Works with any color antifreeze
  • Provides 150,000 mil or five years of maximum protection
  • When used for topping off, the yellow color will not change the current antifreeze color
  • Compatible for use in all light-duty trucks and automobiles

Even though the Prestone antifreeze comes with features and benefits that look enticing, I am not totally impressed. Why? It is an all-vehicle coolant. This means using it may come with some risk. For example, if your car is under warranty and requires Motorcraft premium gold antifreeze, but you use the Prestone Original AF2000/C, it may void your warranty. Besides, it is pricey when compared to the OEM product.

Related post:

What to Do Next?

Going with OEM products should be the first thing when looking for antifreeze for your car. Especially when you are in the case of Motorcraft premium gold engine coolant. It is perfectly safe and cheaper than equivalent options.

However, in case you want an alternative, go for Zerex G-05. The product features all those things that can meet your Ford spec WSS-M97B51-A1, and you’ll be on the safe side!

Check Price at Amazon

Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] (2024)

FAQs

Can you mix Motorcraft gold and orange coolant? ›

The answer is a definite no. Ford specifically states in their manuals and maintenance guides that Motorcraft Premium Gold coolant is not to be mixed with any other type of coolant, including their own Premium Orange and Premium Extended Life Green coolants.

What can I use instead of Motorcraft orange coolant? ›

Alternatives to the Motorcraft orange antifreeze, Focus ST spec WSS-M97B44-D2 that are safe to use. Bottom line is Prestone DexCool® is a safe and readily available alternative to Motorcraft. Other alternatives are certainly available (e.g., Zerex, Peak, etc.)

Does Motorcraft still make orange coolant? ›

Motorcraft® Antifreeze/Coolant - Now Conveniently PREDILUTED

Motorcraft® Premium, Gold and Orange Antifreeze/Coolants are now available pre- mixed 50/50 with deionized water. The 50/50 mixture helps ensure vehicles get optimal corrosion, freeze and overheat protection and minimizes possible mix errors by technicians.

What is the difference between orange and gold coolant? ›

Unlike Gold coolant that was made specifically for Ford and Lincoln car brands, orange coolant is universal. This type should be used on all modern cars that were made from the late '90s which have nylon and aluminum parts in the cooling system.

What antifreeze does Ford recommend? ›

It's called Motorcraft Yellow Antifreeze/Coolant. This next-generation antifreeze/coolant, which is designed for select 2018–2019 Ford vehicles, has the following advantages: Immediate corrosion protection.

Is Ford orange the same as Dexcool? ›

No, the two coolants are different. The new Ford coolant is OAT and is not compatible with DEXCOOL. You cannot go by the color of coolant anymore an have to use only the one that meets the specifications of your vehicle.

Is Dexcool OK for Ford? ›

Can I use dex cool in my chevy? Dex-Cool is designed to work with all GM vehicles 1995 & newer (GM-approved), most Ford vehicles 2011-2018, and most Chrysler vehicles 2013 & newer.

What coolant is compatible with Ford Gold? ›

Use only "Motorcraft Specialty Orange Coolant"

Is all orange coolant Dexcool? ›

The color of healthy engine coolant is green (for ethylene glycol) or orange (for Dexcool). A rusty color indicates that the rust inhibitor in the coolant has broken down and it can no longer control rust and scale buildup.

Why does Ford use orange coolant? ›

And then we have orange antifreeze, which also defends against corrosion but instead of being geared towards older cars with lots of metal, it's made for newer cars with more aluminum and nylon parts in the cooling system. One of these acids is carboxylates, which inhibit the buildup of corrosion.

Is it OK to mix orange and yellow coolant? ›

Edit: Did a Google search " The two coolants should never be mixed together as they do not react well. When mixed together they can form a thick, jelly-like substance that can completely stop all coolant flow which can lead to overheating."

Can I use Prestone coolant in my Ford? ›

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.

Does coolant color really matter? ›

The truth is, color is not a reliable predictor for what type of coolant you have.

What happens if you use the wrong color antifreeze? ›

Using the wrong engine coolant can gradually lead to corrosion and damage to the water pump, radiator, radiator hoses and cylinder gasket. This can lead to damage to the engine in the worst case.

What type of coolant is Motorcraft gold? ›

Product Description. Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant is a coolant formulation designed for use in gasoline and diesel engines. It is ethylene glycol-based and has an extended coolant life. This engine coolant gives efficient freeze and boiling protection when mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 proportion.

What is Motorcraft Specialty orange coolant? ›

Orange-colored, longer-life, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant for use in gasoline and diesel engines, and electric motors. Provides year-round antifreeze, anti-boil and corrosion protection. Ready-to-use. No need to add water.

What color antifreeze do Fords take? ›

Motorcraft Green

The Motorcraft Premium coolant is a fluorescent green IAT coolant that used silicates as corrosion inhibitors for Ford's cast-iron engine blocks.

What Colour is Ford antifreeze? ›

The Ford F-150 antifreeze color is listed as orange for Dexcool and the recommended brand by the manufacturer is Motorcraft premium. The coolant should be used with A50/50 mixture which helps Your vehicle get optimal protection for corrosion, freezing, and overheating.

Can you mix universal coolant with orange coolant? ›

The short answer is that you can mix different coolant brands and mixtures as long as they are the same type of coolant. The color doesn't matter as much since it's just a dye.

Can I replace Dexcool with regular antifreeze? ›

If you want to change over to the traditional coolant from Dexcool (I would, I've gotten to see some of the damage it's done on fairly new vehicles) then you need to flush the system. How I've seen shops do this is to start the car up and let the engine run a bit to build the coolant pressure.

Are all orange coolant the same? ›

The main difference between green and orange antifreeze is the ingredients. Green coolant uses inorganic additive technology while orange uses organic acid technology. Orange is better suited for newer cars with an aluminum block, while green is better for older cars.

What happens if you mix Dex cool with regular antifreeze? ›

The two coolants should never be mixed together as they do not react well. When mixed together they can form a thick, jelly-like substance that can completely stop all coolant flow which can lead to overheating.

Can I use Dexcool in my Ford f150? ›

The Ford F-150 antifreeze color is listed as orange for Dexcool and the recommended brand by the manufacturer is Motorcraft premium. The coolant should be used with A50/50 mixture which helps Your vehicle get optimal protection for corrosion, freezing, and overheating.

Can I use water instead of Dex cool? ›

If you were to just use water rather than the coolant mixture, high temperatures inside the motor would easily boil that water and cause it to evaporate, meaning you'd quickly have no coolant at all and the engine would easily overheat.

Can you mix coolant colors? ›

Can You Mix Orange and Green Antifreeze? It's never a good idea to mix two different colors or types of antifreeze. Mixing two formulas won't cause any dangerous reactions or explosions, but it could turn your coolant into a sludgy chemical mixture that won't be able to flow properly through your cooling system.

Does Ford use OAT coolant? ›

Ford's New Yellow P-OAT Coolant: Should You Upgrade? - YouTube

What type of antifreeze does a Ford f150 use? ›

Prestone - American Vehicles (Orange) Antifreeze + Coolant: Ready-to-Use 50/50, 1 Gallon (Part No. AF6700)

What vehicles use orange antifreeze? ›

Prime Orange antifreeze+coolant is designed to work with these specific vehicles: All GM ® vehicles 1995 & newer/GM approved (GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Saturn, Oldsmobile, Hummer), most Ford ® vehicles 2011 – 2018 (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury) and most Chrysler ® vehicles 2013 & newer (Ram, Dodge, Jeep, ...

How often should orange coolant be changed? ›

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU FLUSH THE COOLANT? Depending on the vehicle and the coolant, the average time between flushes is two years or 30,000 miles for silicated coolants and up to five years or 100,000 miles for an extended drain coolant.

When did GM stop using Dex cool? ›

Dex-Cool, which is made by Texaco, is being used exclusively by General Motors in some buildout 1995 models and all 1996 cars and trucks except Saturn and Geo. GM postponed using Dex-Cool in Saturn cars until the 1997 model year because it did not have enough data to make use of the new coolant possible in 1996 models.

What coolant is compatible with Ford Gold? ›

Use only "Motorcraft Specialty Orange Coolant"

Can you mix yellow and orange Ford antifreeze? ›

The bulletin only address mixing yellow colored coolant with green or orange and makes no mention of mixing with the gold. Important: Do not use Motorcraft® Yellow Antifreeze/Coolant to service Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles factory-filled with any other Motorcraft® antifreeze/coolant.

Is it OK to mix orange and yellow coolant? ›

Edit: Did a Google search " The two coolants should never be mixed together as they do not react well. When mixed together they can form a thick, jelly-like substance that can completely stop all coolant flow which can lead to overheating."

What antifreeze is compatible with Ford orange? ›

Antifreeze + Coolant.

Can you mix DEXCOOl with Motorcraft orange? ›

Do not mix with DEXCOOl. "Do not mix different colors or types of coolant..."

Can DEXCOOl be used in Fords? ›

Dex-Cool is designed to work with all GM vehicles 1995 & newer (GM-approved), most Ford vehicles 2011-2018, and most Chrysler vehicles 2013 & newer. It manages engine temperature, prevents freezing, and protects the engine from corrosion.

What type of coolant is Motorcraft gold? ›

GOLD CONCENTRATED ANTIFREEZE/COOLANT.

Can you use Motorcraft yellow and orange coolant? ›

There is no need to dump out your Orange coolant and replace it with Yellow. To be clear, Ford has NOT recommended replacing the Orange coolant before the normal 6 year/100,000 mile service interval. There is no need to dump out your Orange coolant and replace it with Yellow.

How long does Ford orange coolant last? ›

Green for about 3-years or 36,000 miles, and orange for 5-years or 150,000 miles. A good rule of thumb is to inspect it at each oil change. If it's rust-colored, it suggests the rust inhibitor has become ineffective. This is a good sign it's time to flush the system out, and add some new coolant.

What is Motorcraft orange coolant? ›

Orange-colored, longer-life, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant for use in gasoline and diesel engines, and electric motors. Provides year-round antifreeze, anti-boil and corrosion protection. Ready-to-use. No need to add water.

Does coolant color really matter? ›

The truth is, color is not a reliable predictor for what type of coolant you have.

Can you add new coolant to old coolant? ›

If I am refilling the coolant in my car and there is still some left, is it okay to mix them? If it comes to mixing different brands there is no problem, when it comes to old versus new, its okay to mix old and new as long as they are of the same type.

What happens if you use the wrong color antifreeze? ›

Using the wrong engine coolant can gradually lead to corrosion and damage to the water pump, radiator, radiator hoses and cylinder gasket. This can lead to damage to the engine in the worst case.

Is Peak orange coolant Dexcool? ›

Product Description

PEAK® COOL Antifreeze + Coolant is an orange-colored, ethylene glycol based antifreeze that may be used in all General Motors vehicles requiring DEX-COOL® antifreeze and coolant, as well as other cars and light duty trucks with aluminum radiators.

Can you mix coolant colors? ›

You can mix two different colors of the same kind of coolant without any problem whatsoever. But if you mix a significant amount of one type in with the other type, you're weakening your corrosion inhibitors (it happened to my brother, and look at the condition he's in now).

What type of antifreeze does a Ford f150 use? ›

Prestone - American Vehicles (Orange) Antifreeze + Coolant: Ready-to-Use 50/50, 1 Gallon (Part No. AF6700)

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