Does Chevy use a special coolant?
Yes, Chevrolet (Chevy) vehicles do use a special coolant that is different from the standard green or orange coolants found in many other cars. Chevy's recommended coolant is a long-life, dexcool-based coolant that is designed to provide extended protection and performance in Chevy engines.
What is Dexcool Coolant?
Dexcool is a type of engine coolant that was introduced by General Motors (GM) in the mid-1990s as a replacement for traditional green or orange ethylene glycol-based coolants. Dexcool is an extended-life coolant that is designed to last up to 5 years or 150,000 miles before needing to be flushed and replaced.
The key differences between Dexcool and traditional coolants are:
- Composition: Dexcool is made from a different chemical base, using a propylene glycol formula instead of ethylene glycol.
- Longevity: Dexcool is formulated to last much longer than conventional coolants before needing to be changed.
- Color: Dexcool has a distinctive orange or red color, compared to the green or yellow of traditional coolants.
Chevy recommends using only Dexcool or an approved equivalent coolant in their vehicles to ensure proper performance and protection of the engine and cooling system. Using the wrong type of coolant can lead to issues like corrosion, overheating, and reduced lifespan of the coolant.
Why Does Chevy Use Dexcool?
Chevy uses Dexcool coolant for a few key reasons:
- Improved Corrosion Protection: Dexcool is formulated to provide better protection against corrosion and deposits buildup in the cooling system compared to traditional coolants.
- Longer Service Life: As mentioned, Dexcool is designed to last up to 5 years or 150,000 miles before needing replacement, reducing maintenance costs.
- Compatibility with Chevy Engines: Dexcool was specifically developed by GM to work optimally with the materials and designs used in Chevy engines and cooling systems.
Using the correct Dexcool coolant is important for maintaining the health and performance of Chevy vehicles. Mixing Dexcool with other coolant types can lead to compatibility issues and potential damage to the cooling system.
What color is Chevy coolant?
If the vehicle is before 1996 then it is the green color coolant, ethylene glycol. Or if it is from later then Dex-cool (orange). “Dex-Cool is made up of combinations of different phosphates and silicates as well as an organic acid technology that helps minimize corrosion in aluminum engines.
What type of coolant does a Chevy Silverado use?
It is recommended to use Dexcool, which is a type of hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT) coolant and typically a 50/50 mix of coolant and clean drinking water.
Can you use regular antifreeze in a Chevy?
You should NEVER use light duty coolant in a heavy duty engine, this will cause damage!
Do all GM vehicles use the same coolant?
Can I Use Any Type of Coolant In My Vehicle? We don't recommend it. All GM vehicles use a special type of coolant known as ACDelco® DEX-COOL®. This coolant is designed to last longer, resist corrosion better, and protect the engine better at high temperatures.
Why is Chevy coolant orange?
The orange coolants are organic acid technologies (OAT). These were created for newer vehicles that had more nylon and aluminum parts in them. OAT coolants use organic acids in order to prevent corrosion. Some people believe that they can mix the two.
What color coolant does GMC use?
What color coolant does GMC use? It's crucial to understand that color doesn't matter. While most Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants are normally orange, yellow, red or purple, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants are orange and yellow.
Why is GM coolant orange?
The orange coolants are organic acid technologies (OAT). These were created for newer vehicles that had more nylon and aluminum parts in them. OAT coolants use organic acids in order to prevent corrosion.
Can I put GM coolant in a Chevy?
Prime Orange antifreeze+coolant is designed to work with these specific vehicles: All GM ® vehicles 1995 & newer/GM approved (GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Saturn, Oldsmobile, Hummer), most Ford ® vehicles 2011 – 2018 (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury) and most Chrysler ® vehicles 2013 & newer (Ram, Dodge, Jeep, ...
What kind of coolant does GM use?
PEAK® DEX-COOL® Antifreeze + Coolant is a factory -approved technology that contains a well-balanced mix of Organic Acid Technology (OAT) and corrosion inhibitors for complete protection of modern, high-performance GM vehicle engines.
Do chevys take special coolant?
Every vehicle manufacturer, including Chevrolet has developed its own coolant or requires a conspicuous coolant that is unique to particular years and models. There are many colors of coolants to help distinguish each including yellow, red, green, blue, purple and orange.
