The current study is focused on the development of a novel nanofluid for efficient thermal management in the automotive sector. For this, novel Cr 2 AlC-based nanofluids were prepared and its properties were compared with conventional nanofluids prepared under similar condition. h-BN, MoS 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and Cr 2 AlC powders of <60 nm were prepared by high energy ball mill and were added into the EG fluid in 0.25 and 0.50 wt%. The nanofluids were investigated for viscosity, flash point, fire point, thermal conductivity, stability, and freezing temperature. The flash and fire points of EG increase with the addition of nanocrystalline powders. The viscosity of nanofluids decreases and thermal conductivity increases with increase in temperature. Among all addition, nanofluid containing 0.50 wt% of Cr 2 AlC shows maximum enhancement in the thermal conductivity and freezing temperature by 57.91% and 42.15%, respectively. It also shows a good stability up to 20 days. K E Y W O R D S cooling agent, Cr 2 AlC MAX Phase, ethylene glycol, nanofluids, thermal conductivity 1072 | DAVIS et Al.