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Kia switches coolant color for KMC vehicles

April 22, 2025

Kia changed its coolant color from green to pink for KMC vehicles built starting July 20, 2020, KMM vehicles built starting Nov. 23, 2020, and KMMG vehicles starting Oct. 26, 2020.

Mike Mavrigian

Related To:

Mitchell 1

The new pink coolant has replaced green coolant in an effort to aid in distinguishing between gas engine and EV applications.

Kia changed its coolant color from green to pink for KMC vehicles built starting July 20, 2020, KMM vehicles built starting Nov. 23, 2020, and KMMG vehicles starting Oct. 26, 2020.

The color change is to help easily distinguish between combustion engine and specialized EV/PHEV type coolants (non-conductive blue). The chemical specifications (pH, boiling/freezing point) for the new pink coolant remain the same as the green coolant.

Only the color has changed.

DO NOT mix the two types of coolant together, as it could create a murky brown color, which could be perceived as bad coolant.

The new pink coolant is P/N UM020 CH263.

About the Author

Mike Mavrigian | Motor Age Editor

Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.