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Can you use dex cool in any car?

The short answer is no, you cannot use Dex Cool in just any car. Dex Cool is a specific type of engine coolant that is designed for use in certain vehicles, primarily those made by General Motors (GM). Using Dex Cool in the wrong vehicle can potentially cause damage to the cooling system and engine.


What is Dex Cool?


Dex Cool is a long-life, extended-life coolant that was introduced by GM in the mid-1990s. It is a silicate-free, organic acid technology (OAT) coolant that is designed to last up to 5 years or 150,000 miles before needing to be replaced. Dex Cool is formulated to be compatible with the materials used in GM's engine cooling systems, including aluminum components.


Compatibility with Non-GM Vehicles


Dex Cool is not recommended for use in non-GM vehicles. The chemical composition of Dex Cool is different from traditional green or yellow coolants, and it may not be compatible with the materials and components used in other automakers' cooling systems. Using Dex Cool in a non-GM vehicle could potentially lead to corrosion, leaks, and other cooling system issues.


Recommended Coolants for Non-GM Vehicles



  • For most non-GM vehicles, it is recommended to use the coolant specified by the vehicle manufacturer. This is typically a green or yellow ethylene glycol-based coolant.

  • Some vehicles may also be compatible with universal or "all-makes" coolants, which are designed to work in a variety of makes and models. However, it's important to check the vehicle's owner's manual or consult with a mechanic to ensure compatibility.

  • Mixing different types of coolants is generally not recommended, as it can lead to compatibility issues and potential damage to the cooling system.


In summary, while Dex Cool is a high-quality coolant for GM vehicles, it should not be used in non-GM vehicles unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer. Using the correct coolant for your vehicle is important to maintain the integrity of the cooling system and prevent potential issues.

What happens if you use the wrong color antifreeze?


Using the wrong antifreeze color can damage your engine by causing overheating, freezing, and corrosion within the cooling system.



Can a car overheat with the wrong coolant?


There's a problem with your coolant: If your vehicle has the wrong coolant or you have an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper), your engine may be prone to overheating.



Is DexCool only for GM?


Product Description
PEAK® DEX-COOL® Antifreeze + Coolant is a GM-approved ethylene glycol based premium coolant that can be used in all GM vehicles 1995 and newer.



Is dex-cool compatible with other coolants?


ACDelco DEX-COOL® is compatible with most other coolants based on ethylene glycol. Exclusive use of ACDelco DEX-COOL® is however recommended for optimum corrosion protection and sludge control.



Is universal coolant really universal?


Some manufacturers make a “universal coolant” that can go in just about any vehicle, but if you settle for a generic product like this, you could end up with a hefty bill at the mechanic a year later—and those few dollars you saved will feel pretty insignificant.



Can you use DexCool in any car?


Designed to work with all GM ® vehicles 1995 & newer (GM ®-approved), most Ford ® vehicles 2011-2018 and most Chrysler ® vehicles 2013 & newer.



What happens if you mix DexCool and regular antifreeze?


What are the dangers of mixing green and orange coolants? At one time mixing DexCool (the orange coolant) and conventional coolant (the green stuff) would turn itself into a gelatinous mix that would behave like anything but a proper coolant. DexCool (orange or salmon-color) is the GM long drain interval coolant.



What's the difference between DexCool and regular antifreeze?


The main way to tell the difference between Dex-Cool and regular antifreeze is that Dex-Cool is typically orange. As always we highly recommend checking your owners manual to find the antifreeze/coolant that's best for your vehicle.



Can you use Dexcool in any car?


Designed to work with all GM ® vehicles 1995 & newer (GM ®-approved), most Ford ® vehicles 2011-2018 and most Chrysler ® vehicles 2013 & newer.



Is it OK to mix antifreeze colors?


As a general rule, you shouldn't mix different types of coolant. However, nowadays, with new vehicle models, the colour of the coolant you choose doesn't always matter. Whereas on older models, using the wrong type of coolant could cause damage to the cooling system and engine.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.