What type of coolant does a 2013 Chevy Equinox take?
When it comes to maintaining your 2013 Chevy Equinox, 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 specific coolant type recommended for the 2013 Chevy Equinox and provide tips for proper maintenance.
Recommended Coolant for the 2013 Chevy Equinox
The 2013 Chevy Equinox is designed to use a specific type of coolant to ensure compatibility with its engine components. General Motors (GM), the manufacturer of the Equinox, recommends using DEX-COOL®, an orange-colored, long-life coolant. This coolant is specifically formulated for GM vehicles and provides excellent corrosion protection for aluminum and other engine materials.
Using DEX-COOL® ensures that your cooling system remains efficient and free from deposits that could clog the radiator or other components. It is important to avoid mixing DEX-COOL® with other types of coolant, as this can lead to chemical reactions that may reduce its effectiveness and potentially damage your engine.
Why Is Using the Correct Coolant Important?
Using the right coolant is crucial for several reasons:
- Prevents Overheating: The coolant helps dissipate heat from the engine, preventing it from overheating during operation.
- Protects Against Freezing: In colder climates, coolant prevents the engine's fluids from freezing, ensuring smooth operation.
- Corrosion Protection: DEX-COOL® contains additives that protect the engine and cooling system components from rust and corrosion.
- Maintains Efficiency: The correct coolant ensures that the engine operates at its optimal temperature, improving fuel efficiency and performance.
How to Check and Replace Coolant
Maintaining the proper coolant level and condition is essential for the health of your 2013 Chevy Equinox. Follow these steps to check and replace your coolant:
- Step 1: Allow the engine to cool completely before opening the radiator cap or coolant reservoir to avoid burns from hot coolant.
- Step 2: Locate the coolant reservoir under the hood. It is usually a translucent plastic tank with markings for "MIN" and "MAX" levels.
- Step 3: Check the coolant level. If it is below the "MIN" line, add DEX-COOL® coolant until it reaches the "MAX" line.
- Step 4: Inspect the coolant's color and condition. If it appears dirty or discolored, it may be time for a coolant flush.
- Step 5: If replacing the coolant, drain the old coolant, flush the system with distilled water, and refill with a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL® and distilled water.
Final Thoughts
Using the correct coolant, such as DEX-COOL®, is vital for maintaining the performance and longevity of your 2013 Chevy Equinox. Regularly checking and replacing your coolant as needed will help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly. If you’re unsure about performing these tasks yourself, don’t hesitate to visit a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos for professional assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Does Chevy take orange antifreeze?
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, ...
What is the coolant light on a Chevy Equinox?
The light with the arrow pointing down is the low coolant light. You will need to top off the cooling system, this should fix the problem. Then check to see if there are any coolant leaks on the engine or radiator. Chevrolet Equinox: My daughter has a "Check Engine" light th ...
Is orange coolant the same as Dexcool?
You should know that the term “orange coolant” has come to mean a DexCool-approved brand but that doesn't mean it's really true. If you make this assumption, you'd be wrong.
Can I use unleaded 88 in my 2013 Chevy Equinox?
The U.S. EPA says Unleaded 88 can be used in vehicles that are newer than 2001.
Does it matter what coolant I put in my car?
What Coolant Does Your Car Need? Different vehicles require different coolants. There are varieties for every type of vehicle, from diesel engines to American, Asian and European vehicles. Each one is specifically formulated to keep its designated engine type running in extreme temperatures.
Are antifreeze and coolant the same thing?
The ratio of water to antifreeze in engine coolant is usually 50/50, but it can be as high as 70% water and as low as 30% antifreeze. The main difference between engine coolant and antifreeze is that engine coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze, whereas antifreeze is an ethylene glycol-based liquid.
What kind of coolant does a 2013 Chevy Equinox take?
Prestone – MAX Antifreeze + Coolant: All Vehicles, Concentrate, 1 Gallon (Part No. AF2800)
What color coolant does a Chevy Equinox take?
What color coolant does 2018 Chevy Equinox use? It's crucial 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.
Is it OK to use the wrong coolant?
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.
