What kind of coolant does a 2017 Dodge Caravan take?
When it comes to maintaining your 2017 Dodge Caravan, using the correct type of coolant is essential for ensuring optimal engine performance and longevity. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a critical role in regulating your engine's temperature, preventing overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. In this article, we’ll explore the type of coolant your Dodge Caravan requires and why it’s important to use the right one.
The Recommended Coolant for a 2017 Dodge Caravan
The 2017 Dodge Caravan is designed to use a specific type of coolant to ensure compatibility with its engine components. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the recommended coolant for this vehicle is Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology). This coolant is typically orange or purple in color and is formulated to provide long-lasting protection for your engine.
Why Is It Important to Use the Correct Coolant?
Using the correct coolant is crucial for several reasons:
- Prevents Corrosion: The OAT formula is designed to protect the aluminum and other metal components in your engine from corrosion.
- Ensures Proper Cooling: The specific chemical composition of Mopar OAT coolant ensures that your engine maintains the correct operating temperature under various conditions.
- Extends Engine Life: By preventing overheating and freezing, the right coolant helps extend the life of your engine and its components.
- Avoids Compatibility Issues: Using a non-recommended coolant can lead to chemical reactions that may damage your engine or cooling system.
How to Check and Refill Your Coolant
Maintaining the correct coolant level is just as important as using the right type. Here’s how you can check and refill your coolant:
- Ensure the engine is completely cool before opening the radiator cap or coolant reservoir.
- Locate the coolant reservoir, which is usually a translucent plastic tank near the radiator.
- Check the coolant level against the "MIN" and "MAX" markings on the reservoir.
- If the level is low, add Mopar OAT coolant mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio, unless the coolant is pre-diluted.
- Secure the cap tightly and start the engine to allow the coolant to circulate. Check for leaks and recheck the level after the engine cools down again.
When to Replace Your Coolant
While Mopar OAT coolant is designed to last up to 10 years or 150,000 miles, it’s a good idea to inspect it regularly and replace it sooner if it appears dirty or degraded. A professional mechanic can perform a coolant flush to remove old coolant and contaminants, ensuring your system stays in top condition.
Final Thoughts
Using the correct coolant for your 2017 Dodge Caravan is essential for maintaining its performance and reliability. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific recommendations, and don’t hesitate to consult a trusted mechanic if you’re unsure about your vehicle’s needs. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance and repair needs. Feel free to contact us for expert advice or to schedule a service appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dodge use orange coolant?
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, ...
Does Dodge use special coolant?
Every vehicle manufacturer, including Dodge has developed its own coolant or requires a apparent coolant that is unique to individual years and models. There are copious colors of coolants to aid distinguish each including green, blue, purple red, yellow, and orange.
Can you put the wrong type of coolant in your car?
In fact if they're added into a cooling system together the results can be catastrophic, creating a gelatinous substance that blocks the system and causes widespread damage to internal components. The fact that drivers can no longer distinguish different types of coolant by colour is a problem.
Does it matter which antifreeze coolant I use?
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 color is Mopar antifreeze coolant?
Developed for new vehicle technologies. Green-colored coolant formulated as an ethylene glycol-based product for long-lasting protection. Provides corrosion and rust protection for aluminum and all other cooling system components.
Can you mix universal coolant with pink coolant?
If you mix coolant colors, you can come across two different opinions. Some people do not see anything bad with it, as long as the type of coolant matches the one already in the system. However, according to experts, it is best not to mix different coolant colors - just for safety.
Does it matter what coolant I put in my van?
There are many different types of antifreeze, so it's crucial to understand that there is no single antifreeze that's suitable for all makes and models. The best thing to do is to always use the antifreeze that's recommended by your car manufacturer.
What kind of coolant does a 3.6 L V6 take?
Mopar 10 Year/150,000 Mile Coolant 50/50 Premixed
Original equipment mopar coolant for the 3.6 liter pentastar engine. These coolants are specifically formulated for engines requiring OAT coolant, do not use the universal or HOAT coolant in your pentastar engine or it will eat up your head gaskets.
What color is Dodge coolant?
What color coolant does Dodge Journey use? It's big to understand that color doesn't matter. While most Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants are usually orange, yellow, red or purple, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants are orange and yellow.
What color is Dodge Caravan coolant?
Then you have Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) coolants that are ordinarily green, however, some manufacturers sell them in blue.
