With the ongoing supply chain challenges, which have only been exacerbated by the aftermath of the recent invasion of Ukraine, and Covid outbreaks in key manufacturing and transport hubs worldwide – worker shortages persist, containers remain difficult to obtain and ports remain backlogged.
This has bled into all industries, pushing prices of raw and final materials to record-highs, and leading companies to both halt production and forego certain product features.
Fleetguard has been manufacturing locally for over three decades. Not only do its Australian made coolant and air filters remain relatively unaffected by the supply chain troubles, but product quality also remains uncompromised.
The company has been manufacturing its coolants in our own Aussie backyard since 1990, a move that among other things, allowed the company to support the local economy and reduce import costs.
It’s all well and good to use a local coolant, but do you know what you should look for when choosing a coolant?
First and foremost, choose a good quality coolant from a reputable brand and check that it has been tested to, and meets, a heavy-duty coolant standard. One such internationally recognised standard is the ASTM D6210, and coolants that meet OEM standards are even better.
In terms of the coolant’s properties, it should have good heat transfer abilities and a higher boiling point and lower freezing point than water. It should also prevent corrosion and erosion, resist foaming, be compatible with cooling system component materials, be compatible with hard water, resist sedimentation, and be chemically stable. Other considerations include the life of the coolant and its maintenance requirements.
The PG Platinum coolant epitomises the approach Fleetguard adopts in developing products, one that places the customer first. It provides distinctive features compared to others in the market, designed to create a long-term, robust solution that is recommended for all diesel, petrol, LPG and natural gas engines.
From heavy-duty to passenger car engines, the product has been rigorously tested to ensure that it meets the Fleetguard benchmark and exceeds customer and industry expectations. The PG Platinum coolant also meets internationally recognised standards, such as the ATSM standards.
Speaking about the PG Platinum coolant, Fleetguard’s chemical technical specialist, Mike Hudson, explained that while every brand of coolant requires different levels of maintenance, some coolants, such as Fleetguard’s ES Compleat OAT coolant and PG Platinum are lifetime. Meaning they do not need to be changed over the life of the engine. Others such as those containing nitrite used for cavitation protection, require additive top-ups, as the additives within them deplete over time. Fleetguard’s PGPlus is an example of this.
“While some coolants are compatible with others, changing the chemical balance in the cooling system can be detrimental to its performance, so mixing different types of coolant is not recommended,” Hudson explained.
All coolants, no matter the type, colour or brand should be tested at least twice a year to ensure they are maintaining the correct chemical composition and concentration.
For more information on Fleetguard coolants, check out the Fleetguard Coolant and Chemicals Catalogue at fleetguard.com.au and click on ‘Literature’.