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What coolant does GM recommend?

When it comes to maintaining the health and longevity of your General Motors (GM) vehicle, the coolant you use plays a crucial role. GM has specific recommendations for the type of coolant that should be used to ensure your car or truck runs at its best. In this article, we'll explore the details of GM's recommended coolant and why it's important to follow their guidelines.


GM's Recommended Coolant


GM recommends the use of Dexcool, a long-life, ethylene glycol-based coolant that is specifically designed for GM vehicles. Dexcool is formulated to provide superior corrosion protection, extended service life, and improved compatibility with various engine components.


Why Dexcool?


GM has chosen Dexcool as their recommended coolant for several key reasons:



  • Corrosion Protection: Dexcool contains additives that help prevent the buildup of rust and scale in the cooling system, extending the life of critical components like the water pump, radiator, and engine block.

  • Extended Service Life: Dexcool is designed to last for up to 5 years or 150,000 miles, significantly longer than traditional green or yellow coolants. This reduces the need for frequent coolant changes.li>
  • Compatibility: Dexcool is formulated to be compatible with the materials used in modern GM engines, including aluminum, which is more susceptible to corrosion than traditional metals.


By using Dexcool, GM vehicle owners can be confident that their cooling system is being properly maintained and protected, helping to ensure the long-term health and performance of their vehicle.


Importance of Following GM's Recommendations


It's crucial to use the coolant recommended by GM for your specific vehicle model. Using a different type of coolant, even if it seems similar, can lead to a variety of problems, including:



  • Accelerated Corrosion: Non-Dexcool coolants may not provide the same level of corrosion protection, leading to premature wear and tear on cooling system components.

  • Compatibility Issues: Incompatible coolants can cause seals and gaskets to swell, crack, or degrade, potentially leading to leaks and other issues.li>
  • Reduced Efficiency: Coolants that are not specifically formulated for GM vehicles may not provide the same level of heat transfer and cooling performance, potentially leading to overheating problems.


To ensure your GM vehicle's cooling system operates at its best and to maintain your warranty coverage, it's essential to use the Dexcool coolant recommended by the manufacturer.


Conclusion


Maintaining the health and performance of your GM vehicle's cooling system is crucial, and using the recommended Dexcool coolant is a key part of that process. By understanding the benefits of Dexcool and the importance of following GM's recommendations, you can help ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

What color is GM OEM coolant?


OEM Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant ORANGE.



What is orange coolant for GM?


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, ...



Is Dexcool only for GM vehicles?


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



When did GM start using orange coolant?


1996
General Motors® has been using this coolant technology in their cars and light trucks since the start-of-production of the 1996 model year vehicles (except Saturn®, which began in 1997).



What type of coolant does GMC use?


GMC ACDelco GM Original Equipment Dex-Cool 50/50 Pre-Mix Engine Coolant - 1 gal | 12378390 | GMC Parts.



Which antifreeze is better, orange or green?


Green coolant is the most common type of anti-freeze for vehicles which doesn't last long as compared to the orange coolant. Yet, green coolant works best in old cars with many steel and copper components in their cooling systems.



What kind of coolant does GM use?


Dex-Cool™ Coolant
Another common antifreeze formula is Dex-Cool®, a coolant formula approved for use in GM vehicles. An option like ZEREX™ Dex-Cool Antifreeze/Coolant, is automaker-approved and meets or exceeds multiple industry specifications.



What color is AC Delco antifreeze?


Product Specifications

Ethylene GlycolYes
ClassificationOE
Recommended Dilution Ratio50/50
ColorGreen
BiodegradableNo



Who makes ACDelco coolant?


Product specifications

Brand‎General Motors
Item Weight‎9.6 pounds
Product Dimensions‎11.7 x 7.4 x 4.2 inches
Item model number‎13
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer‎No



Does Chevy use a 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.


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.