What color antifreeze does Chevy Traverse use?

The Chevrolet Traverse uses Dex-Cool orange long-life antifreeze, GM’s orange OAT coolant.

As a GM product, the Traverse’s cooling system is designed for Dex-Cool, which is orange in color. Always confirm the exact specification for your model year in the owner's manual or with a dealer, and avoid mixing Dex-Cool with non-GM/green coolants unless you know the system has been flushed properly.

Dex-Cool: the color, the chemistry, and what it means for maintenance

Dex-Cool is GM’s extended-life coolant formulated with organic acids (OAT) and is typically orange in color. The orange hue helps distinguish it from conventional green coolant. This color coding helps prevent misidentification and improper mixing, which can cause deposits or other cooling-system issues.

What you should know about compatibility

Do not mix Dex-Cool with traditional green coolant or universal mixes unless your manual explicitly allows it after a thorough system flush. If you’re unsure what’s in your system, have it drained and refilled with the correct Dex-Cool product from GM or an approved brand, and keep careful service records.

Which model years and engines in the Traverse use Dex-Cool?

The Traverse, launched in 2009, uses Dex-Cool orange coolant across its generations, including the latest models. Always verify for your specific year and engine variant (for example, the 3.6L V6) by checking the owner’s manual or the under-hood label on your vehicle.

Maintenance and replacement intervals

GM typically recommends replacing Dex-Cool-based coolant every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, though actual intervals can vary by model year and driving conditions. If you suspect contamination or improper mixing, a professional flush may be advised.

Summary

The Chevy Traverse uses Dex-Cool orange long-life antifreeze. This GM-approved coolant color helps ensure you’re using the correct product, and adherence to the Dex-Cool specification—without mixing with incompatible formulas—supports optimal cooling system performance. Always consult the owner’s manual for your exact model year and engine, and have service performed by a qualified technician if you’re unsure.

What color coolant does a 2016 Chevy Traverse take?

Orange fluid. Extended life 50/50 prediluted DexCool antifreeze coolant.

Do I have to use Dexcool in my Chevy?

You should use the coolant recommended in your owner's manual, which is typically Dex-Cool for many Chevy vehicles, to avoid potential issues like gasket and hose damage. While other modern coolants are labeled as compatible with Dex-Cool, using a different type without a proper flush is not recommended because mixing can lead to gelling and damage the cooling system. 
This video explains the history of Dex-Cool and its impact on the auto industry: 50sCars SimplifiedYouTube · Feb 1, 2020
What you need to know

• Stick with the recommendation: For long-term use, stick with the coolant specified in your owner's manual to ensure compatibility with the engine's components, like gaskets and hoses. 
• Avoid mixing: Do not mix different types of coolant, such as Dex-Cool and traditional green antifreeze, as this can cause them to react and form a gel, which can clog the cooling system. 
• Flushing is required for switching: If you decide to switch to a different type of coolant, you must completely flush the old coolant out of the system first to prevent mixing. 
• Check labels: When topping off, use a coolant that is confirmed to be compatible with Dex-Cool. Many brands now offer "universal" or "extended life" coolants that are safe to use, but always check the label and your owner's manual to confirm compatibility. 
• Use distilled water: If you are flushing the system or mixing coolant yourself, use distilled water to avoid introducing minerals from tap water that can cause issues with the coolant. 

This video demonstrates what can happen when different types of coolant are mixed in an engine: 21sSM Auto Repair LLCYouTube · Apr 1, 2023

Does it matter what color antifreeze you use in your car?

No, coolant color does not matter; only the specific type of coolant recommended by your vehicle manufacturer matters for compatibility and to prevent damage. Colors are often used for marketing and identification by specific brands or manufacturers, and there is no universal standard for what color corresponds to which chemical composition. You should always consult your owner's manual or a professional to determine the correct type of coolant for your car.
 

• Color is not a reliable indicator: Coolant is clear before dye is added, and manufacturers choose colors for branding, not for a universal standard. For example, some "green" coolants are made with Organic Acid Technology (OAT), while historically green was associated with Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT). 
• Focus on the specification: The most important factor is the additive package in the coolant, which is determined by the chemical technology used (e.g., OAT, HOAT, or IAT). These technologies dictate the coolant's ability to prevent corrosion and protect your engine's components. 
• Mixing can be harmful: Mixing different types of coolant, regardless of color, can lead to chemical reactions that reduce effectiveness and cause sludge, which can clog your cooling system. 
• Always check the label: The correct coolant for your vehicle will be specified in the owner's manual. When buying a new coolant, look for one that meets your manufacturer's specifications, regardless of its color. 
• Universal coolants are an option: Some coolants are marketed as "universal" or "compatible" with multiple vehicle types, but it is still crucial to verify the product's specifications meet your vehicle's needs before using it. 

What color is Chevrolet coolant?

Chevy coolant is typically orange, which is GM's Dex-Cool formula, but older models might use green coolant. However, the color can vary, so it is crucial to check your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm the correct type of coolant, as mixing different types can cause damage. 
This video explains the differences between orange and green coolant: 42sC&S CorvettesYouTube · Apr 5, 2024

• Modern Chevys: Most models made after 1996 use an orange coolant called Dex-Cool. This is a modern Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant designed to protect engines with more aluminum and nylon components and has a longer service interval. 
• Older Chevys: Before 1996, many Chevys used traditional green coolant. 
• Important note: Coolant color is not a definitive guide, as some manufacturers use different colors for similar formulas or have unique requirements. Always consult your owner's manual to ensure you use the correct type of coolant for your specific vehicle to prevent damage.