Can You Change From Dexcool To Regular Antifreeze?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you want to change over to the traditional coolant from Dexcool (I would, I've gotten to see some of the damage it's done on fairly new vehicles) then

you need to flush the system

. How I've seen shops do this is to start the car up and let the engine run a bit to build the coolant pressure.

What can I substitute for Dex Cool antifreeze?

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).

Can I use regular antifreeze instead of Dex cool?

For a couple decades now, GM has used a type of coolant known as Dex-Cool. Despite not being called , 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. … Firstly, Dex-Cool and traditional anti-freeze

don't mix well

.

What happens if you use the wrong color antifreeze?

Mixing different engine coolants or using the wrong coolant can

impair the performance of the special additive packages

; this can result in increased corrosion to the radiator. … Using the wrong engine coolant can gradually lead to corrosion and damage to the water pump, radiator, radiator hoses and cylinder gasket.

What is Dex Cool compatible antifreeze?

DEX-COOL is a specific type of antifreeze, found in select brands of coolants, created using

organic acid technology

. The manufacturers as well as General Motors have claimed that DEX-COOL can extend the service life and function of your vehicle.

What is the problem with Dexcool?

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. The acid eats away at head gaskets and intake gaskets. Rust builds up in the system, inhibiting coolant flow, which causes overheating.

What's the difference between Dexcool and regular antifreeze?

The main way to tell the difference between Dex-Cool and regular antifreeze is that

Dex-Cool is typically orange, whereas antifreeze is usually green

. … The idea was simple really Dex-Cool lasts longer than traditional antifreeze.

What color is Prestone 50/50 antifreeze?

Prestone is

yellow

, but many other coolant manufacturers use different colours.

Does it matter what color antifreeze you put in your car?

The truth is,

color is not a reliable predictor for what type of coolant you have

. … Then the older IAT coolant is green. Coolants that manufacturers sell can confuse matters even more, like Honda's blue coolant. That's why you need to read what the bottle says and and not rely specific color you're pouring.

Can I use green antifreeze instead of orange?

Can I Mix Different Engine Coolant Types? The short answer –

no

. When orange and green antifreeze mix, there's likely to be a chemical reaction that causes it to thicken into a gel-like substance. Since your engine needs fluid rather than gel, it's unable to effectively cycle it through the system.

What happens if you mix Dexcool and regular antifreeze?

Firstly, Dex-Cool and traditional anti-freeze don't mix well. Though they can work together in a pinch, after extended use,

they can react and create a gel

, which can be very damaging to multiple components of your cooling system. For that reason, the best thing for your Chevy or GM vehicle is to stick with Dex-Cool.

Can you mix Dexcool with Prestone antifreeze?

The new Prestone bright yellow coolant is compatible with

any coolant used by any car brand or manufacturer

. It says so right on the label. I have 2 gallons of the stuff, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. 2 quarts of it mixed with 2 quarts of DEX-COOL results in a lighter “orange”, clear coolant.

Does Walmart sell Dex-cool?

Prestone DEX-COOL Antifreeze+Coolant; Extended Life -1 Gal- Ready to Use, 50/50 – Walmart.com – Walmart.com.

Is DexCool toxic?

It is ethylene glycol based.

It is toxic

. While it does reduce coolant waste, it is not environmentally safer than conventional EG coolant.

Is green antifreeze better than DexCool?

Dex-Cool uses a combination of organic acids as its corrosion inhibitors (OAT – Organic Acid Technology). GM believes that

it provides better corrosion protection than regular green coolant

for cooling system composed of different metals (primarily iron, aluminum, and brass), and provides a longer 5-year service life.

What years did GM use 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.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.