Changes to engine coolant are always important for school bus technicians to be aware of. New Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 buses now come equipped with Nitrite Free OAT Extended Life Coolant (ELC).
This sticker on the coolant reservoir identifies the use of Nitrite Free OAT Extended Life Coolant (ELC):
What is OAT coolant and why use it?
Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant lasts for the life of the vehicle (600,000 miles / 12,000 hours). This helps lower maintenance costs. OAT coolant also provides superior corrosion protection to all components of the cooling system. Unlike traditional coolants, OAT coolants do not need service-interval Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCA). OAT-based corrosion inhibitors are non-toxic and biodegradable, which eliminates environmental and safety concerns.
Benefits of OAT Coolant
- Reduces maintenance costs long-term
- Less expensive because it lasts longer.
- Can last the life of the bus if not diluted with anything else (water, other coolant types).
- Service intervals are 12,000 hours of operation.
- Nitrite- and Silicate-free
- Eliminates inhibitor dropout and scale problems associated with other coolants
- Superior Protection
- Extended Life
- Fully supported by Cummins and Detroit Diesel
- Backwards-compatible (You can flush and replace in older equipment that used other types of coolant.)
Not sure about your OAT coolant? Here’s a maintenance tip.
If you ever have a concern that you may have compromised your OAT coolant, you can test it to be sure. Contact our Parts Team for details about the these coolant and testing products:
- Carolina Thomas OAT Coolant Test Strips (Part No. FXATK4) – Single bottle w/25 strips
- Carolina Thomas OAT Coolant Maintenance Kit (Part No. FXATK2-01) – Includes single bottle w/25 test strips, refractometer, vial, syringe to draw coolant and carrying case
Questions? Give us a call.
Vinny Rivera
Service & Training Manager
O: (800) 440-3492, x 383
M: (336) 215-0970
Steve Connolly
Parts Manager
O: (800) 440-3492, x 366
M: (336) 255-1999