What color antifreeze does a Ford Flex take?
The Ford Flex, a popular SUV, requires a specific type of antifreeze to maintain its cooling system. According to the owner's manual, the Ford Flex takes a yellow or orange-colored antifreeze. This antifreeze is typically a long-life, ethylene glycol-based coolant that is designed to provide optimal protection for the vehicle's engine and other cooling system components.
Understanding Antifreeze Types
Antifreeze, also known as coolant, is a vital component of a vehicle's cooling system. It helps regulate the temperature of the engine, preventing it from overheating or freezing in extreme weather conditions. Different vehicles may require different types of antifreeze, depending on the manufacturer's specifications.
The color of the antifreeze can provide clues about its composition and compatibility with a particular vehicle. Some common antifreeze colors include:
- Green - Traditional ethylene glycol-based antifreeze
- Orange or yellow - Long-life, extended-life, or hybrid organic acid technology (OAT) antifreeze
- Red - Dex-Cool or other extended-life, OAT-based antifreeze
- Blue - Propylene glycol-based antifreeze, often used in European vehicles
It's important to use the correct type of antifreeze for your Ford Flex to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to the cooling system.
Maintaining the Ford Flex Cooling System
In addition to using the recommended yellow or orange antifreeze, it's essential to regularly maintain the Ford Flex's cooling system. This includes:
- Checking the antifreeze level and topping it up as needed
- Flushing and replacing the antifreeze at the recommended intervals, typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles
- Inspecting the hoses, belts, and other cooling system components for wear or damage
- Ensuring the radiator and cooling fans are functioning properly
By following the manufacturer's recommendations and maintaining the cooling system, you can help ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Ford Flex.
When did Ford discontinue orange coolant?
Ford has discontinued the orange coolant used on many of its vehicles from 2011 to 2018 model years. Hence why, on any vehicles requiring as such, we are now instructed to use the new yellow coolant used on its 2019 and newer model years.
Can I use Dex cool antifreeze in a Ford?
Designed to work with all GM ® vehicles 1995 & newer (GM ®-approved), most Ford ® vehicles 2011-2018 and most Chrysler ® vehicles 2013 & newer. Manages engine temperature, prevents freezing and protects the engine from corrosion. Protects vital engine parts for up to 5 years/150,000 miles with Extended Life Formula.
Can you mix Ford orange and green coolant?
Mixing green and orange anti-freeze coolants doesn't lead to efficient cooling in the engine. Both coolants are designed differently and are made for specific engine types. If they are mixed, they might not perform well and can create a dangerous, hazardous solution. It can lead to overheating and engine damage too.
How much coolant does a Ford Flex hold?
Capacities and Specifications
| Item | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Engine oil. | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| Engine coolant. | 12.4 qt (11.7 L) |
| Brake fluid. | Between MIN/MAX on brake fluid reservoir |
| Rear differential fluid. | 28.07 ± 1.01 fl oz (830 ± 30 ml) |
Does it matter what color antifreeze you put in your vehicle?
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.
What happens if you use the wrong color antifreeze?
Putting the Wrong Engine Coolant in Your Car
Mixing coolants of various types can have extensive and expensive consequences. As mentioned above, the mix can solidify, block your engine, and cause overheating, which can, in turn, cause the following problems: Degraded cylinder heads. Head gasket breakage.
What kind of coolant does a 2010 Ford Flex take?
Factory fill as specified by the 2010 owners manual is 13.2 quarts/12.5 L of Motorcraft Specialty Green Engine Coolant.
What color of coolant does Ford use?
Motorcraft® Premium, Gold and Orange Antifreeze/Coolants are now available pre- mixed 50/50 with deionized water.
Can you use universal coolant in a Ford?
The "universal" coolants may not be compatible with Ford's recommended supplemental coolant additive, Motorcraft® Diesel Cooling System Additive, VC-8, specified for use in diesel engine-equipped vehicles factory- filled with either Motorcraft® Premium Antifreeze/Coolant (ESE-M97B44-A) or Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/ ...
Why does Ford use orange antifreeze?
Why is Antifreeze Orange? If antifreeze is orange, it was most likely made with a more modern formula based around what are known as Organic Acid Technologies. Towards the end of the 1990's, vehicle manufacturers began to use more aluminum and nylon in cooling systems.
