When it comes to maintaining your Ram 2500 Diesel, selecting the right coolant is as vital as choosing the correct oil type or fuel. In fact, your truck’s coolant plays a significant role in ensuring the engine operates at an optimal temperature. So that prevents it from overheating and protects it from freezing in colder climates. But with numerous products available on the market, picking the best coolant for your diesel engine can be daunting. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of coolant and guide you through choosing the best coolant for your Ram 2500 Diesel.
Understanding engine coolant
Before diving into the specifics of the Ram’s Diesel, let’s understand what coolant does. Coolant, also referred to as antifreeze, is a liquid solution that circulates through your vehicle’s engine to absorb heat and disperse it through the radiator. Additionally, it contains anti-corrosion agents and additives that prevent freezing and boiling at extreme temperatures.
Not all coolants are the same; they come in different types and colors, each formulated for specific vehicle requirements and environmental conditions.
Types of coolant for Ram 2500 Diesel
The market offers three primary types of coolant:
- Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT): This is the traditional green coolant that’s been used in older vehicles. It needs to be changed more frequently, usually every 30,000 miles or two years.
- Organic Acid Technology (OAT): Commonly found in various colors like orange, red, or yellow, this coolant is designed for newer vehicle models and can last much longer than IAT coolants—typically up to 150,000 miles or five years.
- Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT): A combination of IAT and OAT, this type provides good corrosion protection and longer service life, and it’s often colored yellow or turquoise.
Your Ram pickup will require a coolant that meets the standards set forth by the manufacturer. OAT coolants are typically recommended for modern diesel engines due to their long life and enhanced protection for aluminum engine components.
Best coolant choices for your Ram 2500 Diesel
As you may notice, there are lots of brands and products online and even on TV. So, make sure you ask yourself about the quality of what you see. That’s because not everything on the Internet is trusted or made with high-quality materials. In fact, good-quality engine cooling should meet some industrial specifications. Also, engineers test and create this coolant for the type of engine and how it operates. So, the following are the best options you can get nowadays:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT
For the Ram 2500 Diesel, the OEM-recommended coolant is the Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula, which is an OAT-based coolant. This choice is particularly beneficial as it adheres to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring maximum compatibility with your truck’s engine. It’s designed to protect against rust and corrosion, which is crucial for the longevity of engine parts.
Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant
Another solid choice for Ram 2500 Diesel owners is the Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant. It’s a HOAT coolant that provides excellent corrosion protection for both gasoline and diesel engines. This product is formulated to work with the heavy-duty engine requirements of a Ram 2500 Diesel. It also has a long service life, meaning you won’t need to replace it as often.
Shell Rotella ELC Nitrite Free Antifreeze/Coolant
Shell Rotella ELC Nitrite Free Antifreeze/Coolant is another reputable option known for its superior protection. It’s an OAT-based product that’s nitrite-free, making it an excellent fit for heavy-duty diesel engines. It provides protection against freezing, overheating, cavitation, and corrosion and is designed to last up to 600,000 miles or 12,000 hours of operation in commercial applications, which indicates its robust capability.
Selecting the correct coolant
While there are great options available, it’s important to adhere to a few guidelines when selecting coolant for your Ram 2500 Diesel.
- Check the Owner’s Manual: Always consult the owner’s manual to determine the exact type of coolant recommended by Ram for your specific model year and engine type.
- Avoid Mixing Coolants: Mixing different types of coolants can reduce their effectiveness and potentially lead to engine damage due to chemical reactions causing sludge and deposits.
- Consider the climate: Pay attention to the antifreeze capabilities of the coolant, especially if you live in a region that experiences harsh winters. You need a coolant with a suitable freezing point.
- Look for corrosion inhibitors. Ensure the coolant has adequate anti-corrosion additives to protect your engine components over time.
- Color is Not Always an Indicator: Don’t rely solely on coolant color to determine the type or compatibility, as different brands may use different color codes. Refer to the product specifications and your vehicle’s requirements.
- Buy Pre-Diluted or Concentrate: Coolants come in pre-diluted or concentrated forms. Pre-diluted coolants are ready to use, while concentrates need to be mixed with water (usually distilled) in the appropriate ratios.
Proper maintenance and replacement
Regular coolant maintenance is essential. Regardless of which brand or type you select, adhering to a coolant maintenance schedule is crucial. Check the coolant level regularly, and inspect your cooling system for leaks or damaged components. Coolant should be replaced every few years or as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain engine health.
Conclusion
Your Ram 2500 Diesel demands the best, and when it comes to coolant, compromising on quality is not an option. The Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10-Year/150,000 Mile Formula is the OEM recommendation. However, Zerex G-05 and Shell Rotella ELC Nitrite Free are also excellent alternatives that meet or exceed the requirements of your durable Ram pickup. Furthermore, remember always to consult your owner’s manual. That will help you avoid mixing different coolant formulations. In addition, you need to follow a routine maintenance schedule to ensure your Ram engine keeps running smoothly for years to come.
