If you drive a Dodge, one of the most important fluids in your vehicle is the engine coolant. It keeps the engine at the right temperature, prevents overheating in summer, and stops freezing in winter.
Dodge vehicles typically use purple OAT coolant in newer models and orange/yellow HOAT coolant in older ones. Always check your owner’s manual, since coolant color alone can vary and doesn’t guarantee the correct antifreeze type.
In this guide, we’ll break down the history, chemistry, and practical tips about Dodge coolants—so you’ll know exactly which coolant your car or truck needs.
Understanding the Basics: What Is Engine Coolant?
Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a fluid made from ethylene glycol or propylene glycol mixed with water and special additives. Its main jobs include:
- Regulating temperature – Keeps the engine from overheating or freezing.
- Preventing corrosion – Protects aluminum, steel, and other metals in the cooling system.
- Lubricating seals – Extends the life of the water pump and cooling components.
Coolant is not universal. Different carmakers, including Dodge, use different chemical formulas. These formulas are often identified by color, making it easier for owners and mechanics to distinguish them.
Dodge Coolant Types: HOAT vs. OAT
Dodge primarily uses two coolant technologies:
1. HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)
- Color: Usually orange or yellow.
- Used in: Older Dodge vehicles (pre-2013 models).
- Spec: Mopar HOAT, MS-9769.
- Features: Combines traditional silicates with organic acids for corrosion protection.
2. OAT (Organic Acid Technology)
- Color: Usually purple or pink.
- Used in: Newer Dodge vehicles (2013 and later).
- Spec: Mopar OAT, MS-12106.
- Features: Long-life formula, lasts up to 10 years or 150,000 miles.
The biggest mistake owners make is mixing HOAT and OAT. They are not compatible. Mixing them can cause sludge, corrosion, and overheating.
Dodge Coolant Color by Model Year
Here’s a quick timeline to help you identify which coolant color your Dodge likely uses:
| Model Year | Coolant Type | Color | Mopar Spec |
| Pre-2013 | HOAT | Orange / Yellow | MS-9769 |
| 2013–Present | OAT | Purple / Pink | MS-12106 |
Example:
- A 2008 Dodge Charger will need orange/yellow HOAT coolant.
- A 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 will use purple OAT coolant.
Always confirm with your owner’s manual before topping off.
Why Dodge Switched from HOAT to OAT
Dodge (through Mopar, its parts division) made the switch around 2013. Here’s why:
- Longer lifespan: OAT coolant lasts 10 years / 150,000 miles, compared to 5 years / 100,000 miles for HOAT.
- Better compatibility: Newer engines use more aluminum and composite parts, which benefit from OAT chemistry.
- Reduced maintenance: Owners don’t need to flush and refill as often.
This move aligns with the automotive industry trend toward long-life coolants that save time and money.
Mopar Coolant Products You’ll See
When shopping for Dodge coolant, you’ll likely encounter these Mopar products:
- Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile
- Purple OAT formula.
- For newer Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and Ram models.
- Mopar HOAT Coolant (MS-9769)
- Orange/yellow formula.
- For older Dodge vehicles (pre-2013).
- Mopar MS-90032
- OAT specification often required for newer models.
These coolants are available in concentrate (must mix 50/50 with distilled water) or premixed versions.
Can You Use Aftermarket Alternatives?
Yes—but with caution. Some trusted aftermarket brands offer coolants that meet Dodge/Mopar specs:
- Zerex G05 – A HOAT coolant compatible with Dodge’s older MS-9769 spec.
- Peak OET Purple – A premixed OAT coolant that meets MS-12106.
- Prestone All Vehicles – Marketed as “universal,” but not always ideal. Only use if it explicitly says it meets Dodge specs.
Warning: Don’t just grab any green, red, or blue coolant off the shelf. Always check the label for Mopar compatibility.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Coolant
Using the wrong coolant color (or mixing types) can cause serious problems:
- Sludge formation – Incompatible chemicals can gel together, blocking coolant passages.
- Corrosion – Wrong inhibitors fail to protect metals, leading to radiator or heater core leaks.
- Overheating – Sludge or corrosion prevents heat transfer, risking engine failure.
- Warranty issues – Using non-approved coolants may void your Dodge warranty.
If you accidentally mix coolants, the best solution is a complete system flush and refill with the correct type.
How to Check and Maintain Coolant in Your Dodge
Maintaining the right coolant level and quality is simple if you follow these steps:
- Locate the reservoir – Under the hood, marked with MIN and MAX lines.
- Check color – Purple/pink = OAT, Orange/yellow = HOAT.
- Test coolant – Use a tester strip or hydrometer to check freeze/boil protection.
- Top off – Only with the correct Mopar coolant type.
- Flush when due – Follow manual intervals (usually 5 years for HOAT, 10 years for OAT).
Pro Tip: Always use distilled water when mixing concentrate. Tap water can add minerals that cause scale buildup.
Real Dodge Owner Experiences
- Ram 1500 Owners: Many report that Mopar OAT coolant looks pink in the bottle but turns purple once inside the system.
- Charger Owners: Some have seen OAT coolant fade to reddish-brown over time but confirmed it was still effective until flush intervals.
- Forum Advice: Longtime Dodge mechanics stress: “Don’t mix HOAT and OAT. If you’re unsure, flush it and start fresh with Mopar OAT.”
These real-world stories show how confusing coolant colors can be, but also why sticking to Mopar specs is the safest bet.
FAQs
What color coolant does a Dodge take?
Most Dodge vehicles use purple OAT coolant today, while older models used orange or yellow HOAT coolant. Always check your owner’s manual for the right type.
Does Dodge use orange coolant?
Yes, older Dodge vehicles used orange HOAT coolant. However, newer models switched to purple OAT coolant for longer life and better protection. Always confirm based on your model year.
Do all Dodges use the same coolant?
No, not all Dodges use the same coolant. Older models require orange/yellow HOAT coolant, while most modern Dodges use purple OAT coolant. Always check your vehicle’s manual.
What color is Mopar engine coolant?
Mopar engine coolant comes in different colors depending on type: orange/yellow HOAT for older vehicles and purple OAT for newer ones. Always match your Dodge’s specifications.
Is Mopar coolant green?
No, Mopar coolant is not green for Dodge vehicles. Mopar coolants are usually orange/yellow (HOAT) or purple (OAT), depending on the model year. Green is not recommended.
What coolant for Dodge Ram?
Most newer Dodge Ram trucks use purple OAT coolant (MS-12106). Older Dodge Rams may require orange HOAT coolant (MS-9769). Always follow your Ram’s owner’s manual for exact compatibility.
Is Mopar coolant purple?
Yes, Mopar coolant for most newer Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles is purple OAT coolant. It’s designed for long life, lasting up to 10 years or 150,000 miles.
What is Prestone coolant for Dodge?
Prestone makes coolants compatible with Dodge, but you must choose the one that meets Mopar specs. Some Prestone products match OAT or HOAT formulas—always confirm before using.
Conclusion
Choosing the right coolant for your Dodge is more than just picking a color—it’s about matching the correct chemistry and Mopar specification. While older Dodge models typically rely on orange or yellow HOAT coolant (MS-9769), most newer models after 2013 are designed to use purple OAT coolant (MS-12106) for extended protection and longevity.
Never assume based on color alone, since shades can fade or vary between brands. The safest approach is to check your owner’s manual and use coolant that specifically meets Mopar’s requirements. Mixing the wrong types can lead to sludge, corrosion, overheating, and even costly engine repairs.
By sticking to the correct coolant type, following flush intervals, and avoiding shortcuts, you’ll ensure your Dodge’s engine runs cooler, lasts longer, and performs the way it was built to.