Quick answer
Coolant specs explained: a spec code (such as WSS-M97B44-D, GMW 3420, MS-12106 or JIS K2234) is the standard a coolant claims to meet. Match the code in your owner's manual to a product that lists it. We track 83 codes across our product data.
What to buy
Start with the genuine coolant your car maker sells, if your owner's manual calls for it.
Have a spec code from your manual? Look it up in coolant specs explained.
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Key takeaways
- A spec code beats colour or brand.
- Car maker codes and industry standards (ASTM, JIS) are different things.
- A listed code is the coolant maker's claim.
- Your manual is the authority.
Spec pages
| Spec | Products listing it |
|---|---|
| WSS-M97B44-D coolant | 11 |
| Dex-Cool coolant | 13 |
| Mopar MS-12106 vs MS-9769 coolant | 21 |
| JIS K2234 coolant | 29 |
Most-listed codes in our data
| Code | Products | Search |
|---|---|---|
| JIS K2234 | 29 | Find products |
| BS 6580 | 17 | Find products |
| MS-7170 | 14 | Find products |
| SAE J814 | 12 | Find products |
| GM 6277M | 11 | Find products |
| GM 1825M | 11 | Find products |
| WSS-M97B44-D | 10 | Find products |
| SAE J1034 | 10 | Find products |
| GMW 3420 | 9 | Find products |
| MS-12106 | 9 | Find products |
| MS-9769 | 9 | Find products |
| GM 1899M | 9 | Find products |
| Detroit Diesel 7SE298 | 7 | Find products |
| VW TL 774-G | 7 | Find products |
| WSS-M97B51-A1 | 6 | Find products |
| MAN 324 Typ SNF | 6 | Find products |
| MTU MTL 5048 | 6 | Find products |
| MAN 324 Typ Si-OAT | 6 | Find products |
| Cummins CES 14603 | 6 | Find products |
| US Fed. Spec A-A-870A | 6 | Find products |
Counts are products in our directory whose maker lists the code (data checked 22 Oct 2026).
Not sure which coolant your car takes?
Find your coolant →OEM code vs industry standard
An OEM code (Ford WSS, GM GMW, Mopar MS, VW TL 774, MB 325.x) is written by a car maker. An industry standard such as ASTM D3306 or JIS K2234 sets general requirements for any coolant. A product meeting ASTM D3306 alone has not necessarily been approved by your car maker. See does universal coolant work?
Buying by make
Toyota · Honda · Nissan · Subaru · Ford · Chevy & GM · Jeep, Ram & Dodge · Hyundai & Kia · VW & Audi · Mercedes-Benz
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my coolant spec?
In the owner's manual (fluids or capacities section), sometimes on the reservoir cap or a sticker under the bonnet.
Does colour tell me the spec?
No. Colour is dye chosen by the maker.
New to cooling systems? Start with how a car cooling system works. Looking for a product? Search the coolant directory or match your manual's spec with Find my car coolant. See also coolant by car make and coolants by brand.
Next step
Not sure which coolant to buy? Match the spec code in your owner's manual, then buy the coolant that lists it.
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