Designation: D 3306 – 03

Standard Specification for

Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty
Service1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3306; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope TABLE 1 General Requirements

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for ethylene Property Specified Values ASTM Test Method
Color Distinctive ...
glycol or propylene glycol base engine coolants used in Effect on nonmetals No adverse effect under consideration
automobiles or other light duty service cooling systems. When
concentrates are used at 40 to 70 % concentration by volume in
water, or when prediluted glycol base engine coolants (50
volume % minimum) are used without further dilution, they D 1119 Test Method for Percent Ash Content of Engine
will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, Coolants and Antirusts3
boiling, and corrosion. D 1120 Test Method for Boiling Point of Engine Coolants3
1.2 The coolants governed by this specification are catego- D 1121 Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine
rized as follows: Coolants and Antirusts3
Coolant Type Description D 1122 Test Method for Density and Relative Density of
Engine Coolant Concentrates and Engine Coolants by the
I Ethylene glycol base concentrate
II Propylene glycol base concentrate
Hydrometer3
III Ethylene glycol predilute (50 vol %) D 1123 Test Methods for Water in Engine Coolant Concen-
IV Propylene glycol predilute (50 vol %) trate by the Karl Fischer Reagent Method3
D 1126 Test Method for Hardness in Water2
D 1177 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine
NOTE 1—This specification is based on the knowledge of the perfor- Coolants3
mance of engine coolants prepared from new or virgin ingredients.
Separate specifications exist for engine coolants prepared from recycled or
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water2
reprocessed used coolant or reprocessed industrial-source glycols. D 1287 Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Anti-
rusts3
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D 1293 Test Methods for pH of Water2
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
D 1384 Test Method for Corrosion Test for Engine Coolants
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
in Glassware3
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D 1881 Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of Engine
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Coolants in Glassware3
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
D 1882 Test Method for Effect of Cooling System Chemical
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Solutions on Organic Finishes for Automotive Vehicles3
NOTE 2—This specification applies to automobiles and light duty D 1888 Test Methods for Particulate and Dissolved Matter,
service. Specifications D 4985 and D 6210 exist for heavy duty engine Solids, or Residue in Water4
service. D 2570 Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion Test-
2. Referenced Documents ing of Engine Coolants3
D 2809 Test Method for Cavitation Corrosion and Erosion-
2.1 ASTM Standards: Corrosion Characteristics of Aluminum Pumps with En-
D 512 Test Methods for Chloride Ion in Water2 gine Coolants3
D 516 Test Methods for Sulfate Ion in Water2 D 3321 Test Method for Use of the Refractometer for Field
Test Determination of the Freezing Point of Aqueous
Engine Coolants3
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D15 on Engine
Coolants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D15.07 on Specifications.
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 2003. Published November 2003. Originally
3
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D 3306 – 01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01. Discontinued—See 1990 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 3306 – 03
TABLE 2 Physical and Chemical Requirements
Property Type I Type II Type III Type IV ASTM Test Method
Relative density 1.110 to 1.145 1.030 to 1.065 1.065 min 1.025 min D 1122, D 5931
15.5/15.5°C (60/60°F)

Freezing point, °C (°F): D 1177, D 6660

50 vol % in DI water −37 (−34) max −32 (−26) max
Undiluted −37 (−34) max −32 (−26) max

A
Boiling point, °C (°F): D 1120
50 vol % in DI water 108 (226) min 104 (219) min
Undiluted 163 (325) min 152 (305 min) 108 (226) min 104 (219) min

Ash content, mass % 5 max 5 max 2.5 max 2.5 max D 1119

pH: D 1287
50 vol % in DI water 7.5 to 11 7.5 to 11
Undiluted 7.5 to 11 7.5 to 11

Chloride, ppm 25 max 25 max 25 max 25 max D 3634, D 5827

Water, mass % 5 max 5 max not applicable not applicable D 1123

Reserve alkalinity, mL reportB reportB reportB reportB D 1121

Effect on automotive finish (use clear no effect no effect no effect no effect D 1882C
coat thermoset urethane or acrylic
urethane finish)
A
Some precipitate may be observed at the end of the test. This should not be cause for rejection.
B
Value as agreed upon between the supplier and the customer.
C
Currently, many vehicle manufacturers prepare test panels using the specific paint finishes employed on their actual products. Coolant suppliers and vehicle
manufacturers should agree on the exact test procedures and acceptance criteria on an individual basis.

TABLE 3 Performance RequirementsA

Test Solution Concentration,
Property Specific Values ASTM Test Method
vol % Glycol
Corrosion in glassware D 1384B 33
Weight loss, mg/specimen
copper 10 max
solder 30 max
brass 10 max
steel 10 max
cast iron 10 max
aluminum 30 max
Simulated service test D 2570C 44
Weight loss, mg/specimen
copper 20 max
solder 60 max
brass 20 max
steel 20 max
cast iron 20 max
aluminum 60 max
Corrosion of Cast Aluminum Alloys at
Heat-Rejecting Surfaces, mg/cm2/week 1.0 max D 4340D 25
Foaming D 1881E 33
Volume, mL 150 max
Break time, s 5 max
Cavitation-Erosion 8 min D 2809F 17
Rating for pitting, cavitation, and erosion of the
water pump

A
For engine coolant concentrates, test solutions shall be prepared in accordance with the directions provided in the individual ASTM test methods noted. For prediluted
engine coolants, prepare test solutions using the directions provided in Footnotes B through F.
B
For prediluted coolants, prepare the test solution by mixing 67 volume % of the adjusted (see 4.6) prediluted product with 33 volume % ASTM Type IV reagent water.
Add 99 mg of sodium sulfate, 110 mg of sodium chloride, and 92 mg of sodium bicarbonate per litre of test solution.
C
For prediluted coolants, prepare the test solution by mixing 88 volume % of the adjusted (see 4.6) prediluted product with 12 volume % ASTM Type IV reagent water.
Add 83 mg of sodium sulfate, 92 mg of sodium chloride, and 77 mg of sodium bicarbonate per litre of test solution.
D
For prediluted coolants, prepare the test solution by mixing 50 volume % of the adjusted (see 4.6) prediluted product with 50 volume % ASTM Type IV reagent water.
Add 165 mg of sodium chloride per litre of test solution.
E
For prediluted coolants, prepare the test solution by mixing 67 volume % of the adjusted (see 4.6) prediluted product with 33 volume % ASTM Type II reagent water.
F
For prediluted coolants, prepare the test solution by mixing 33 volume % of the adjusted (see 4.6) prediluted product with 67 volume % ASTM Type IV reagent water.
Add 123 mg of sodium sulfate, 137 mg of sodium chloride, and 115 mg of sodium bicarbonate per litre of test solution.

2
 D 3306 – 03
D 3634 Test Method for Trace Chloride Ion in Engine 3.5 Prediluted glycol base engine coolants shall be formu-
Coolants3 lated using water that meets the following requirements:
D 4327 Test Method for Anions in Water by Chemically Property Specific Values ASTM Test Method
Supressed Ion Chromatography2
Chlorides, ppm (grains/gal) 25 (1.5) max D 512, D 4327
D 4340 Test Method for Corrosion of Cast Aluminum Sulfate, ppm (grains/gal) 50 (3.0) max D 516, D 4327
Alloys in Engine Coolants Under Heat-Rejecting Condi- Hardness, as CaCO3, ppm (grains/gal) 20 (1.2) max D 1126
tions3 pH 5.5 to 8.5 D 1293
Iron, ppm (grains/gal) 1.0 (0.06) max E 394
D 4725 Terminology for Engine Coolants3
D 4985 Specification for Low Silicate Ethylene Glycol
NOTE 3—Prediluted coolants are intended for direct addition to an
Base Engine Coolants for Heavy Duty Engines Requiring
engine cooling system with no further dilution. However, if circumstances
a Pre-Charge of Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)3 require addition and prediluted aqueous engine coolant is not available,
D 5827 Test Method for Determination of Chloride in use the appropriate engine coolant concentrate (Type I or II) diluted to 50
Engine Coolant by Ion Chromatography3 volume % with water of at least the quality outlined in Table X1.1.
D 5931 Test Method for Density and Relative Density of 3.6 When diluting engine coolant concentrates for actual
Engine Coolant Concentrates and Aqueous Engine Cool- service, use a municipal (treated) water, or a low-mineral
ants by Digital Density Meter3 content well water (see Appendix X1, Table X1.1). If such
D 6210 Specification for Fully Formulated Glycol Base water is not available, use deionized (demineralized) or dis-
Engine Coolant for Heavy Duty Engines3 tilled water. This procedure will minimize the formation of
D 6660 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Ehty- hard water scale and avoid the introduction of mineral com-
lene Glycol Base Engine Coolants by Automatic Phase ponents, such as chlorides and sulfates, that can increase the
Transition Method3 corrosion rate of aluminum and iron.
E 394 Test Method for Iron in Trace Quantities Using the 3.7 When installed in accordance with the vehicle manufac-
1,10-Phenanthroline Method3 turer’s recommendations and those on the product label, engine
E 1177 Specification for Engine Coolant Grade Glycol3 coolant concentrates or prediluted glycol base engine coolants
2.2 Other Documents shall be suitable for use in a properly maintained cooling
SAE HS40 Maintenance of Automotive Engine Cooling system (Appendix X1) in normal light-duty service for a
Systems5 minimum of one year without adversely affecting fluid flow
ASTM MNL 6 Manual on the Selection and Use of Engine and heat transfer.
Coolants and Cooling System Chemicals6
3. General Requirements 4. Detailed Requirements
3.1 Engine coolant concentrates or prediluted glycol base 4.1 Glycol base coolant concentrates and prediluted cool-
engine coolants shall be formulated with either ethylene glycol ants shall conform to the physical and chemical requirements
or propylene glycol meeting Specification E 1177, water, and prescribed in Table 2 depending on coolant type (see 1.2).
shall contain suitable corrosion inhibitors, dye, and a foam 4.2 The requirements listed in Table 2 for prediluted cool-
suppressor. ants (Types III and IV) are prescribed for the coolant as
3.2 Ethylene glycol base engine coolant concentrates (Type packaged, without further dilution or adjustment.
I) may contain a maximum of 15 % other glycols, as long as 4.3 All coolant concentrates and prediluted coolants shall
the physical, chemical, and performance requirements of this conform to the performance requirements listed in Table 3.
specification can be met. Similarly, prediluted ethylene glycol 4.4 Coolant concentrates shall be diluted for performance
base coolants (Type III) may contain a maximum of 7.5 % testing as described in the individual ASTM test methods.
other glycols as long as all of the requirements of this 4.5 If necessary, the freezing point of prediluted coolants
specification can be met. shall be adjusted with deionized water before proceeding with
3.3 Propylene glycol base engine coolant concentrates performance testing. The freezing point of prediluted ethylene
(Type II) may contain a combined maximum of 1 % other glycol base coolants (Type III) shall be −37°C (−34°F) and that
glycols (less than 0.5 % for prediluted propylene glycol base of prediluted propylene glycol base coolants (Type IV) shall be
coolants, Type IV) and all of the physical, chemical, and −32°C (−26°F).
performance requirements of this specification must be met. 4.6 Adjusted, prediluted engine coolant performance test
3.4 All engine coolant concentrates or prediluted glycol solutions shall be prepared as described in Table 3, Footnotes
base engine coolants shall conform to the general requirements B through F.
given in Table 1.
5. Keywords
5 5.1 engine coolant; engine coolant concentrate; ethylene
SAE Handbook, available from Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Com-
monwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096. glycol; light duty engine coolant; prediluted engine coolant;
6
Available from ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. propylene glycol

3
 D 3306 – 03

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

X1.1 Filling the Cooling System: X1.2.2 Check coolant level and condition. Replace coolant
X1.1.1 Before installing engine coolant, the cooling system at service intervals recommended by the engine manufacturer,
should be inspected and necessary service work completed. vehicle manufacturer, or designated service organization. Fol-
X1.1.2 Cooling system fill should consist of coolant con- low recommended practices.
centrate and water or prediluted glycol base engine coolant (50 X1.2.3 Pressure test system for leaks (preferably when
volume % minimum). cold).
X1.1.3 When preparing solutions, the water should be of X1.2.4 Test pressure cap and inspect radiator filler neck.
such quality that it does not contain excessive solids, hardness X1.2.5 Inspect hoses and tighten hose connections.
salts, sulfates, or chlorides. In the absence of specific recom- X1.2.6 Inspect drive belts and check for proper tension.
mendations from the engine or vehicle manufacturer (see Table X1.2.7 Test thermostat if the engine is running too hot or too
X1.1). Contact your local water department, the responsible cold. Replace with a thermostat recommended by the manu-
government agency, or submit a water sample for analyses, if facturer.
there is a question on water quality.
X1.3 Premix coolant concentrate and water before adding
X1.1.4 The recommended coolant concentration is 40 to
to the cooling system.
70 %.
X1.2 Essential Cooling System Service:7 X1.4 When preparing additions or when replacing the
coolant in the engine system, use only clean, low mineral
X1.2.1 Check coolant concentration (freeze point). The
content water. ASTM MNL 6 provides suggestions for proper
most accurate and preferred means of determining coolant
water quality limits.
concentration is by the refractometer. (See X2.1 and Table
X2.1). X1.5 Caution—Do not remove the radiator pressure cap
7
when the engine is hot. The cooling system will likely be under
Engine Coolant System Care, Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association
(CSMA), Washington, DC, Ninth revision, 1984. Available from CSMA, 1913 I St.
pressure. When the engine has cooled, carefully turn to the first
NW, Washington, DC 20006. notch to vent the system pressure, then remove. If coolant
overflows when the cap is vented, immediately retighten and
TABLE X1.1 Suggested Water Quality LimitsA permit the system to cool further.
Property Specific Values ASTM Test Method
X1.6 Additional information can be found in ASTM MNL
Total solids, ppm (grains/gal) 340 (20) max D 1888 6.
Total hardness, ppm (grains/gal) 170 (10) max D 1126
Chlorides, ppm (grains/gal) 40 (2.4) max D 512, D 4327
Sulfate, ppm (grains/gal) 100 (5.9) max D 516, D 4327 X1.7 Other sources of information are SAE HS40 and
pH 5.5–9.0 D 1293 Engine Cooling System Care,7 published by the Chemical
A
Adopted from a survey by the Committee D15 Water Quality Task Force. Specialties Manufacturers Association.

X2. DETERMINATION OF FREEZE POINT

X2.1 If propylene glycol (PG) base coolants and ethylene point of PG base coolants. A convenient and preferred means
glycol (EG) base coolants are mixed in a cooling system, of determining the freeze points for PG coolants or mixtures of
problems may result when attempting to determine the freezing PG and EG coolants is by the refractometer. Table X2.1 lists
point in the field. The hydrometers used in North America are methods for determining the freeze point of PG base engine
calibrated to the higher relative density of EG base coolants. coolants when used either alone in the cooling system or mixed
These hydrometers cannot be used to determine the freeze with EG base coolants. The refractometer provides the most
point of PG base engine coolants or mixtures of PG and EG accurate method for measuring freeze points in the field.
coolants. Using this type of hydrometer to determine the freeze Dip–and-read test strips will provide only an approximation of
point is likely to result in a high coolant to water mix ratio freeze point.
(e.g., 80/20), which, in turn may cause engine and cooling
system problems. A hydrometer specifically calibrated to the X2.2 It is recommended that PG base coolant (either Type
relative density of PG must be used to determine the freezing II or IV) containers be labeled with an appropriate cautionary

4
 D 3306 – 03
TABLE X2.1 Methods for Determining Freeze Points statement to alert the user to the differences described in X1.1.
Base Glycol It is also recommended that a peel-off label be attached to the
Method Ethylene Propylene Mixture
Refractometer yes yesA yesB
filler-neck of the radiator to advise the user that the system has
Hydrometer yes C
yesD no been charged with a PG base coolant.
Test Strips yes yes yes
A
Must be a refractometer with either a PG freeze point scale or a dual scale with
both PG and EG.
B
Approximate freeze point determinations can be made for mixtures of EG and
PG base coolants by calculating the average of readings on each scale. The
freeze point determined by this method will be within 64°C (7°F), regardless of
whether the coolant is all EG, PG, or a mixture of both.
C
Conventional field service hydrometers calibrated for use with ethylene glycol
base coolants.
D
Hydrometer shall be specifically calibrated for use with PG base coolants.

X3. VIRGIN COOLANT ADVISORY

X3.1 Current coolant product specifications are based on X3.2 Committee D15 has investigated the effects of poten-
performance experience developed when these products are tial contaminants and has established separate specifications
prepared from new or virgin ingredients. Therefore, this for recycled and reformulated coolants.
specification does not take into account the effect(s), if any, of
any elements or chemical compounds that may have been X3.3 Users of this specification should be aware that it
added or may be residual, if the coolant product is prepared applies only to coolants manufactured from new or virgin
from recycled or reprocessed used coolant or reprocessed ingredients.
industrial-sourced glycols.

X4. LABELING

X4.1 It is recommended that prediluted engine coolants X4.1.3 Warning—The freezing point of the final coolant in
(Type III and IV) meeting this specification have the following the cooling system is determined by the extent of dilution of
information on the package label: this product with any liquid remaining in the cooling system at
X4.1.1 Prediluted engine coolant, the time of filling.
X4.1.2 Ready for use, do not add water, and

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