What type of antifreeze does a 2013 Chevy Sonic take?
The 2013 Chevy Sonic uses Dex-Cool Extended Life coolant (the orange, organic-acid type) that meets General Motors specifications. It is typically purchased as a premixed 50/50 solution with distilled water. Do not mix Dex-Cool with green or other non-OAT coolants unless the product explicitly states compatibility.
Coolant specification for the Sonic
Understanding the exact specification helps you choose the right product and avoid damaging deposits or corrosion in the cooling system.
Exact specification
The Sonic is designed to use Dex-Cool Extended Life coolant, an orange-colored OAT (Organic Acid Technology) formulation that GM uses across many of its vehicles. For proper performance, use a product that meets GM specification GM6277M (Dex-Cool). You can buy it as premixed 50/50 or as concentrate to be mixed with distilled water according to the label.
Color and compatibility
Dex-Cool is distinctively orange. Mixing it with green or universal coolants is not recommended unless the product explicitly states it is compatible with Dex-Cool. If you are unsure about a product’s compatibility, rely on the GM Dex-Cool listing or consult a GM-certified technician.
To summarize, the recommended route is Dex-Cool Extended Life (orange) that meets GM6277M, used in a 50/50 premixed form or as concentrate you mix with distilled water per the product directions.
Buying and mixing guidelines
Before you shop for coolant or begin a top-up, here are the essentials to ensure you get the right product and mix correctly.
- Use Dex-Cool Extended Life coolant (orange) that meets GM specification GM6277M.
- Choose premixed 50/50 coolant or concentrate to mix with distilled water according to the product label.
- Avoid using green, yellow, or universal coolants unless explicitly stated as Dex-Cool-compatible.
- Check the label for vehicle compatibility and follow the recommended service life.
- Dispose of old coolant properly and never pour it down drains or onto the ground.
Following these guidelines helps maintain cooling-system performance and prevents corrosion or deposits that can affect engine temperature control.
Maintenance and replacement guidance
Maintaining the Sonic’s cooling system includes regular checks, top-ups, and periodic flushes per GM recommendations. Here are practical steps for upkeep.
- Allow the engine to cool completely before opening the radiator cap or reservoir cap.
- Check coolant level in the reservoir when the engine is cold; top up with Dex-Cool 50/50 if needed.
- If changing or flushing, drain old coolant, rinse if advised, then refill with Dex-Cool GM-spec coolant to the recommended level.
- Run the engine to operating temperature, check for leaks, and recheck levels after cooling down.
- Follow GM’s recommended service interval for coolant replacement, typically around every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, noting regional or driving-condition variations.
Proper disposal of used coolant and adherence to the service interval help protect the engine, radiator, and heater core from damage and maintain optimal cooling efficiency.
Summary
The 2013 Chevy Sonic uses Dex-Cool Extended Life coolant (orange) that meets GM specification GM6277M. It is typically used in a 50/50 premixed form or as concentrate mixed with distilled water. Avoid mixing Dex-Cool with non-Dex-Cool coolants unless the product specifically states compatibility. Follow the owner’s manual for service intervals, and dispose of old coolant responsibly.
What color antifreeze does a Chevy take?
What color coolant does Chevrolet use? It's essential to understand that color doesn't matter. While most Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants are frequently orange, yellow, red or purple, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants are orange and yellow.
What coolant does Chevy Sonic use?
The correct coolant type for a Chevrolet Sonic is Dex-Cool orange-colored antifreeze, which is a GM-approved, extended-life formula. You can use a 50/50 pre-mixed version or a concentrate that needs to be mixed with distilled water. It is crucial to use the correct type to avoid damaging the cooling system.
Recommended coolant
- Dex-Cool: This is the specific GM-approved coolant for most models, and it has an orange color.
- Type: You can buy it either as a 50/50 pre-mixed ready-to-use product or as a concentrate.
- For concentrate: If you purchase the concentrate, you must mix it with distilled water to the correct ratio before adding it to the system.
Important considerations
- Avoid mixing: Do not mix Dex-Cool with other coolant types, as this can cause the coolant to gel and block the system.
- Check your reservoir: Always look at the color of the coolant currently in your reservoir. If it's orange, stick with Dex-Cool.
What kind of coolant does a 2014 Chevy Sonic use?
A 2014 Chevrolet Sonic uses a Dex-Cool compatible, orange-colored coolant, specifically the Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) type. You can use either a pre-mixed 50/50 solution or a concentrate mixed with distilled water, but it's critical to use a product compatible with Dex-Cool to avoid damaging the system.
Coolant details
- Type: Dex-Cool compatible, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
- Color: Orange
- Ratio: A 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water is recommended for optimal performance and protection. Pre-mixed versions are readily available.
- Why it's important: Using the wrong type of coolant can lead to corrosion and damage to the cooling system. It's crucial to use a coolant specifically compatible with the factory-fill Dex-Cool to ensure proper operation.
What to look for
- Check the bottle: Always confirm the product is explicitly stated as "Dex-Cool compatible" or intended for GM vehicles from 1995 and newer.
- Avoid mixing: Do not mix different types or colors of coolant, as this can cause the coolant to fail and lead to damage.
- Buy pre-mixed: To simplify the process, purchase a pre-mixed 50/50 "ready-to-use" coolant to add directly to your vehicle.
What color coolant does a 2013 Chevy Sonic take?
Orange fluid. Extended life 50/50 prediluted DexCool antifreeze coolant.
