Can I use regular antifreeze instead of Dex cool? check this out | what is dexcool

So if you don’t want to use dex-cool, the system needs to be drained and thoroughly flushed. Then it should be ok to use regular anti freeze. VW however warns against using anything other than their coolant, saying it can erode gaskets etc. So ultimately stick with what your recommended fluids.

Dexcool is an exceptionally refined GM coolant that won’t blend in with universal antifreeze and was utilized in different GM applications up through the 2004 model year. A blend of exchange synthetic substances will void the GM support, will corrupt coolant uprightness, and perhaps harm the coolant arrangement of your GM vehicle.

ACDelco DEX-COOL® is an ethylene glycol based fluid that provides maintenance-free protection against freezing and boiling but also against corrosion. Extended coolant life, often for the whole life of the engine or vehicle, is obtained through the use of virtually non-depleting corrosion inhibitors.

Is Dex cool better than antifreeze?

For a couple decades now, GM has used a type of coolant known as Dex-Cool. Despite not being called antifreeze, it still accomplishes the same task, so you don’t have to worry about replacing Dex-Cool for the winter months or anything like that.

Is DexCool bad for your engine?

In the 1990s, GM introduced an engine coolant called Dexcool. It’s supposed to last 5 years or 150,000 miles, but there have been problems with this coolant. Cooling systems that use Dexcool exhibit more acid buildup and rust in the system when the coolant level gets low and oxygen is allowed to enter the system.

What is Dex Cool made of?

Dex-Cool® is an OAT, an ethylene glycol based antifreeze that is nitrite-, borate-, phosphate-, nitrate-, amine-, and silicate-free with the same metal wear protection as an IAT antifreeze. Dex-Cool® is trademarked by GM. HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Mixture of OAT and IAT antifreeze.

What can I replace Dexcool with?

I recommend Yellow. Prestone extended life. Either 50/50 or cut it yourself with distilled. It is GM certified as a DEX Cool replacement and can be mixed with Dex Cool (don’t mix it outright, drain it, just that what does not drain out it’s ok when it intermixes).

What years did GM go to Dexcool?

Back in 1995, GM began to use “Dex-Cool” coolant in its vehicles; in fact, you may very well be driving a vehicle that uses Dex-Cool.

Does GM still use Dexcool?

Dex-Cool is now used in almost 40 million vehicles sold by GM since 1996. On its website, GM claims Dex-Cool will last 5 years or 150,000 miles but a steady stream of consumers insist the product is defective and has damaged their vehicles.

Is all orange coolant Dexcool?

The Colors of Coolant

What color is Dex-Cool®?” It’s true, coolant liquid comes in different colors, most commonly green (orange for Dex-Cool®). Each color is a unique formula that should not be mixed. The below chart will help you decipher which fluid is in your vehicle.

What happens if you use the wrong color antifreeze?

What Happens if You Use the Wrong Coolant? It’s important to note that the type of coolant you should use can’t accurately be identified by color. Using the wrong coolant can lead to corrosion and other damages to the radiator, water pump, radiator hoses, cylinder gasket, and more.

Why is DexCool so bad?

For years the DexCool coolant used in GM Engines ate the Intake Manifold Gasket. It caused a 100% failure rate in gaskets used in the 3.1 and 3.4 V6 engines. They later changed the gasket to a newer part number, but were on the hook for 10,000 intake gasket replacements.

What antifreeze does my car need?

For most vehicles, a glycol based antifreeze coolant is the best type of coolant to be used in any vehicle radiator. However, using the glycol based antifreeze alone is usually not a good idea. In most cases, you will need to mix the glycol based antifreeze with a certain amount of water.

Can I use water instead of coolant?

Water by itself can’t do the job of antifreeze due to its lack of boiling and freezing point range and its inability to protect your vehicle’s engine. Plus, it doesn’t absorb heat as effectively. In the case of an absolute emergency, you can use water in your coolant rank.

Is DexCool still a problem?

GM still uses Dex-Cool coolant and there is no longer a problem with gasket coolant interaction. So contrary to the ranting, DexCool IS the recommended coolant for GM engine. Shops reported other problems with DexCool engines besides the 3.1 and 3.4-liter engine.

Does DexCool turn pink?

Current:

Dex cool turns pink when you mix it with distilled water. Pink factory Dex Cool is the same exact thing as orange dex cool concentrate.

Why is coolant orange?

Why is Antifreeze Orange? Coolant manufacturers updated the formula to combat corrosion in new materials and changed the color to orange. While OAT antifreeze is designed to last much longer than IAT antifreeze, it’s still a good idea to have your orange coolant checked about every 50,000 miles.

What antifreeze has ethylene glycol?

Inorganic antifreeze is formulated using Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT), and it contains ethylene glycol.