Home › Forums › Motorcycle Tech Talk › Coolant type… › Re: Antifreeze
Some general points on AF (from what I can remember from a previous life).
Basically there are three main types of AF - mono-ethylene glycol based, mono-propylene glycol based and methanol-based. Each of these bases then gets a "mix" of inhibitors added depending on the manufacturer. These inhibitors include anti-foaming agents, anti-corrosion agents and a dye. AVOID any AF with SMBT (sodium mercaptobenzotriazole - I think) sorry - can't remember why, but just recall it being a no-no.
The dye is simply there for show, with different manufacturers using different colours.
Of the three base products, don't touch methanol. The difference between MEG and MPG in terms of performance is very small. However, MPG is less harmful to the environment.
Don't mix different AF products.
Decent brands to go for - Prestone, Peak (not sure if available in NZ).
I also recall that some manufacturers were offering already diluted AF! So make sure you only buy the concentrated stuff and don't waste your money on buying water.
Hope this is of some interest/help.
Malcolm, I have an AF tester if you want to check dilution.