What antifreeze does GM recommend?
GM generally recommends Dex-Cool long-life antifreeze (orange), a GM-approved organic acid technology coolant, for most modern GM vehicles.
Details vary by model and year, so check the owner’s manual or ask a GM dealer to confirm the exact specification for your car. Avoid mixing coolant types, and use a GM-approved product to prevent corrosion, deposits, or cooling-system damage.
What GM Recommends for Most GM Vehicles
The core guideline is to use Dex-Cool or another GM-approved long-life OAT coolant that is compatible with your engine. Dex-Cool is silicate-free and designed for extended service intervals, but compatibility matters, especially if your vehicle is older or has a different cooling system.
- Dex-Cool (orange) long-life coolant, based on Organic Acid Technology and approved by GM for most GM engines.
- GM-approved long-life OAT coolants other than Dex-Cool, used only if GM specifies compatibility for your model.
- Do not rely on traditional green or HOAT (silicate-containing) coolants in Dex-Cool-equipped GM engines unless your manual explicitly allows it.
Following these guidelines helps ensure optimal cooling-system performance and avoids issues like corrosion and deposits that can occur from improper coolant mixing.
Practical Guidance for Maintenance and Servicing
Before performing a service or topping off the cooling system, consult the owner’s manual for the exact specification and follow GM's recommended service intervals. The following points summarize best practices for maintaining an GM cooling system.
- Always use a GM-approved coolant that matches the specification for your vehicle (Dex-Cool or other approved OAT coolant).
- Do not mix Dex-Cool with green or HOAT coolants; if you are unsure what’s in the system, have it flushed and refilled with the correct product.
- If you need to top off or replace, opt for premixed 50/50 coolant or mix with distilled water according to the product’s label and GM guidance.
- Dispose of used coolant responsibly at an approved facility and never pour it down a drain.
When in doubt, contact a GM dealer or a qualified automotive technician to verify the right coolant and service procedure for your specific vehicle.
Summary
GM’s coolant guidance centers on Dex-Cool long-life coolant, an orange, silicate-free Organic Acid Technology solution, or other GM-approved long-life OAT coolants. Use the correct GM-approved product, avoid mixing coolant types, and follow the owner’s manual and dealer guidance for service intervals and replacements.
