CarCareTruth

#1 in Coolant / Antifreeze

2 days running

Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate

#21 in Antifreezes & Coolantsliquid
$17.99$21.99

Priced as of May 13, 2026

4.8(1,948 ratings)Subscribe & Save: $17.09 (5% off)Buy on Amazon

Saved to your guest loadout. Sign up to also save to your Cabinet (consumables) or Kit (tools you own).

As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, CarCareTruth earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure

Prices may vary
How we score →
CCT

CarCareTruth's Analysis

Last reviewed May 15, 2026

TL;DR A low-silicate HOAT coolant with documented Ford and Chrysler OEM application compatibility — the right spec for a wide range of 2002–2012 Ford and Chrysler vehicles, and also suited for older Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and other Asian and European applications per the back label. HOAT inhibitor technology (hybrid organic acid); the label states 5 years / 150,000 miles. Ethylene glycol base — H302 classification (harmful if swallowed, Cat 4) means the standard ingestion-hazard precautions apply; households with pets or children may prefer a propylene glycol alternative.

What it is and how it performs

Zerex G-05 is a low-silicate, phosphate-free HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant that meets Ford and Chrysler OEM application requirements and carries a manufacturer-stated 5-year / 150,000-mile service interval. The HOAT inhibitor system combines organic acids with a reduced silicate level — a formulation originally developed for Ford and Chrysler platforms that also suits older Asian-market vehicles. Ethylene glycol base; concentrate requires 50/50 dilution with distilled water. The 1-gallon format is concentrate only — a separate 50/50 pre-diluted ASIN exists for buyers who prefer ready-to-use.

Who should buy this — and who should skip it

Best for owners of 2002–2012 Ford trucks, Ford SUVs, and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles that call for a low-silicate HOAT coolant, as well as owners of older Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, or other Asian-market vehicles listed on the back label. Also suited for Mercedes-Benz (1998 and older) and many heavy-duty diesel applications. Skip this if your vehicle calls for a silicate-free OAT formula (such as Dex-Cool for GM platforms, or a modern VW/BMW G12/G13 Si-OAT specification) — using the wrong inhibitor system can cause corrosion or seal degradation.

Safety and environmental impact

SDS signal word is WARNING. The H302 classification (harmful if swallowed, Cat 4 acute oral toxicity) applies to ethylene glycol at the 90–100% concentration in this concentrate — keep stored coolant secured from pets and children. H320 (eye irritation, Cat 2B) applies during concentrate handling; SDS §8 specifies eye protection where splash risk exists. The SDS uses H320 (a Cat 2B subdivision) rather than the more common H319. No inhalation hazard classification applies at ambient temperature: ethylene glycol vapor pressure is negligible at room temperature during a standard pour-fill. California Prop 65 warning is present (ethylene glycol, oral route). Spent coolant must be collected for recycling — do not drain to the ground or storm sewer. AutoZone, O'Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts accept used coolant.

Frequently asked questions

Which vehicles is Zerex G-05 designed for?

Per the back label and Amazon listing, G-05 is formulated for Ford SUVs and trucks (2002–2012), Ford passenger cars (2004–2011), Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep passenger cars (2002–2012), and Mercedes-Benz (1998 and older). The back label also lists Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Audi, Jaguar, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Land Rover applications. For heavy-duty diesel, compatibility includes Case New Holland, Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, John Deere, MAN, MTU, Navistar, and Perkins engines. Always verify against your vehicle's owner's manual before switching coolants.

Is Zerex G-05 the same as Motorcraft Gold coolant?

Zerex G-05 and Motorcraft Gold are both low-silicate HOAT formulations with similar inhibitor chemistry and the same yellow color. They are widely regarded as cross-compatible for Ford applications. However, they are separate product formulations — Motorcraft is the OEM-branded product; Zerex G-05 is the aftermarket equivalent. The chemistry match is well-documented in the community but is not an official OEM equivalency statement. If you want OEM-labeled fluid, use Motorcraft.

Does Zerex G-05 need to be mixed with water?

Yes — this is a full-strength concentrate. Per the label: mix 50/50 with clean tap water or demineralized water for −34°F / +265°F protection; 60/40 for −62°F / +270°F; 70/30 for −84°F / +267°F. Do not use in the cooling system undiluted — ethylene glycol at full concentration has a higher freezing point than a 50/50 mix.

Is G-05 safe around pets and children?

The SDS §2 classifies this product as H302 (harmful if swallowed, Cat 4 acute oral toxicity) — ethylene glycol is the hazardous ingredient. The front label prominently warns 'HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED.' This product does include approximately 30–50 ppm of denatonium benzoate, a bittering agent that makes the fluid unpalatable, which is a meaningful deterrent — but the H302 hazard classification still applies. Store out of reach of pets and children; spent coolant should be collected for recycling, not left in drip pans or puddles.

What inhibitor technology does G-05 use, and how long does it last?

G-05 uses Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) — specifically a low-silicate, phosphate-free variant sometimes called G-05 HOAT or low-silicate HOAT, which differs from standard silicate-heavy HOAT used in some European formulations. Zerex labels the service interval as 5 years or 150,000 miles for the initial fill. No independent coolant analysis (VOA) data at the full claimed interval is available in the community — the interval is based on the inhibitor chemistry and is consistent with HOAT service life expectations.

How should spent G-05 coolant be disposed of?

Collect spent coolant in a sealed container — do not drain to the ground, storm sewer, or household drain. Ethylene glycol is attractive to animals due to its sweet taste and is harmful if ingested. Most auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts) accept used coolant for recycling at no charge. Check your local store's policy before arrival.

From the manufacturer

Marketing copy from Zerex, via Amazon. Not editorial.

  • Unsurpassed freeze protection and anti-boil performance outperforms industry standards
  • Hybrid organic acid technology fights rust, scale & corrosion while protecting all cooling system metals (including aluminum)
  • High-quality additives protect against leaks and won’t harm gaskets, hoses, plastics or original vehicle finish
  • Yellow concentrate formula should be mixed with clean tap water or demineralized water at 50/50 ratio for temperatures -34 to 265F; 60/40 for -62 to 270F; and 70/30 for -84 to 267F
  • 5 year/150,000 mile guarantee protects against engine failure caused by freeze-ups or boil-overs
  • Batch-tested in the lab, fleet-tested in the real world to help car and truck owners achieve optimal performance and maximize engine life.
  • Contains 30 – 50 ppm of denatonium benzoate as a bittering agent

Weekly pick

One product, one safety verdict, every week. No spam.

Manufacturer videos

Manufacturer images

zerex by valvoline
made for your car made by valvoline zerex by valvoline
zerex is the number 1 selling OEM approved coolant brand
proven to maximize engine life
zerex by valvoline antifreeze coolant made specifically for your vehicle
valvoline supports mechanics - mechanics month 2025
Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate — image 7
Valvoline Restore & Protect Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil 5 QT
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil 5 QT
Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage
Valvoline European Vehicle SAE 5W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5 QT
Valvoline Multi-Vehicle 50/50 Prediluted Ready-to-Use Antifreeze/Coolant 1 GA, Light Yellow/Green.
Valvoline VR1 Racing 20W-50 High Performance High Zinc Motor Oil 5 QT
Valvoline MaxLife ATF Multi-Vehicle Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 GA
Valvoline FlexFill Full Synthetic SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil 1 QT Pouch
Manufacturer specifications
Manufacturer
‎Valvoline
Brand
‎Valvoline
Model
‎G05
Item Weight
‎9.62 pounds
Product Dimensions
‎7.38 x 3.83 x 12 inches
Item model number
‎ZXG051
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
‎No
Manufacturer Part Number
‎ZXGO51
ASIN
B0033QNZZ0
Customer Reviews
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,948) 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank
#3,017 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive) #21 in Antifreezes & Coolants
Date First Available
January 11, 2010

More in Coolant / Antifreeze

See all coolant / antifreeze

As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, CarCareTruth earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure