What can I substitute for Dex Cool antifreeze?

I recommend Yellow. Prestone extended life. Either 50/50 or cut it yourself with distilled. It is GM certified as a DEX Cool replacement and can be mixed with Dex Cool (don’t mix it outright, drain it, just that what does not drain out it’s ok when it intermixes).

Is universal coolant really universal?

No. Several coolant manufacturers claim their coolant work in all makes and all models. In other words, they want you to think their product is a universal coolant / antifreeze. There are many different types of coolant and each one has a different type of anti-corrosion additive.

What is Dex Cool compatible antifreeze?

DEX-COOL is a specific type of antifreeze, found in select brands of coolants, created using organic acid technology. The manufacturers as well as General Motors have claimed that DEX-COOL can extend the service life and function of your vehicle.

Can I mix DexCool with universal antifreeze?

Do not mix Dex-Cool with regular anti-freeze! Dex-Cool is a specially formulated GM coolant which will not mix with traditional coolants, and was used in various GM applications up through the 2004 model year.

What happens if you mix DexCool and regular antifreeze?

The green and orange coolants do not mix. When mixed together they form a gel-like substance that stops coolant flow, and consequently, the engine overheats.

Can I mix universal coolant?

Check in your owners manual to see what type of coolant is specified for your vehicle. Even so, universal coolants are formulated to mix with virtually any coolant. The makers of these product say their antifreeze can be safely used in any year, make or model of vehicle.

What is the difference between regular antifreeze and Dex-cool?

The main way to tell the difference between Dex-Cool and regular antifreeze is that Dex-Cool is typically orange, whereas antifreeze is usually green. The idea was simple really Dex-Cool lasts longer than traditional antifreeze.

Does GM still use Dexcool?

GM still uses Dex-Cool coolant and there is no longer a problem with gasket coolant interaction. So contrary to the ranting, DexCool IS the recommended coolant for GM engine. Other DexCool problems. Shops reported other problems with DexCool engines besides the 3.1 and 3.4-liter engine.

What is DEX-COOL compatible?

Carquest Dex-Cool Compatible Antifreeze/Coolant is an orange-colored, ethylene-glycol based, antifreeze that may be used in all General Motors vehicles requiring DEX-COOL antifreeze and coolant, as well as other cars and light-duty trucks with aluminum radiators.

Is DEX COOL propylene glycol?

Dex-Cool ( ethylene glycol ) is identical to the Chrysler & General Motors factory fill. Havoline had the original patent on Dex-Cool and manufactures it for GM. The benefits of Dex-Cool are: Lower alkalinity Contains NO silicates, resulting in longer lasting water pump and engine seals; longer shelf life.

What is DEX COOL coolant?

Dex-Cool coolant is a registered trademark for a coolant used in GM vehicles. Dex-Cool coolant is based on an organic acid technology that provides longer life than traditional silicate based formulas.