Quick answer
US Federal Spec A-A-870: A-A-870 is a US federal commercial item description for engine antifreeze/coolant, used in government purchasing.. 8 products in our directory list it. Buy one that names the exact code from your manual.
Key takeaways
- 8 coolants in our data list this code.
- Match the exact code and suffix in your manual, not the colour.
- A listed code is the coolant maker's claim.
Confirm the specification in your owner’s manual before buying. Product examples are not a fitment guarantee.
On this page
What the code means
A-A-870 is a US federal commercial item description for engine antifreeze/coolant, used in government purchasing.
In our directory, 8 products from 3 brands (Recochem, Valvoline, Zerex) list this code. Chemistries their makers state: HOAT (2), OAT (1), IAT (1). Forms: Concentrate (4), Concentrate and Premix 50/50 (2), Premix 50/50 (1).
Products by code
| Code | Products listing it |
|---|---|
| US Fed. Spec A-A-870A | 6 |
| US Fed. Spec A-A-870 | 2 |
Codes with a letter or number suffix are different requirements. Buy the one your manual names, not the nearest neighbour.
Coolants whose maker lists it (8)
Each row is a product whose manufacturer lists this code on its own page or datasheet (data checked 22 Oct 2026). A listed code is the maker's claim; we have not tested the products. Products with a checked Amazon listing come first.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions never change which products we list or what the data says.
How to use this list
- Find the exact code in your owner's manual, service book or equipment documentation.
- Pick a product above that lists the same code, including any letter or suffix.
- Open the product page to read the maker's exact wording ("approved", "meets" or "suitable for" are not the same).
- Do not mix chemistries. Check with the mixing checker before topping up.
Related spec codes
BS 6580 · SAE J1034, J814 and J1941 · ASTM D3306 · ASTM D4985 · ASTM D6210 · All coolant specs
Frequently asked questions
Which coolants meet US Fed. Spec A-A-870A?
In our directory, 8 products list it, including Valvoline MaxLife/Multi-Vehicle Antifreeze Coolant 50/50, Zerex Asian Vehicle Blue Antifreeze Coolant, Zerex Dex-Cool Concentrate Coolant. The full list is on this page.
Can I use a universal coolant instead of US Fed. Spec A-A-870A?
Only if the maker of that universal coolant lists this exact code on the label or datasheet. "Compatible with all makes" is not the same as listing the code.
Where do I find the US Fed. Spec A-A-870A requirement?
In the owner's manual or service literature, usually in the fluids or capacities section, and sometimes on the reservoir cap.
How we source this page
- Facts come from manufacturer pages, datasheets, owner's manuals and standards bodies, linked under Sources.
- We do not test products, and no brand pays to be listed or ranked. Advertising and affiliate links are labelled and never change the data.
- Anything we could not find is marked "not published" rather than guessed. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Sources
- Valvoline: Valvoline MaxLife/Multi-Vehicle Antifreeze Coolant 50/50 (manufacturer page)
- Zerex: Zerex Asian Vehicle Blue Antifreeze Coolant (manufacturer page)
- Zerex: Zerex Dex-Cool Concentrate Coolant (manufacturer page)
- Zerex: Zerex G05 Antifreeze Coolant (manufacturer page)
- Zerex: Zerex Original Green Antifreeze Coolant (manufacturer page)
- Recochem: OEM Extended Life GOLD Antifreeze/Coolant (manufacturer page)
- Recochem: OEM Extended Life ORANGE II Antifreeze/Coolant (manufacturer page)
- Zerex: Zerex G40 Antifreeze Coolant (manufacturer page)