What is Dexcool made of?

Regular antifreeze is composed of water mixed with methanol and ethylene glycol. These products are mixed and placed into your cars engine to allow higher boiling points to prevent your car from overheating. DEX-COOL, as well as other organic acid antifreezes, are not glycol based.

Similarly one may ask, what is 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.

Secondly, is all orange coolant 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. All DexCool-approved coolants to date use two organic acid rust/corrosion inhibitors, one called sebacate, the other called 2-EHA (which stands for 2-ethylhexanoic acid).

Similarly, it is asked, is DexCool bad for your engine?

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. The “rusting” usually NOT affect newer aluminum engines. But, running ANY engine when it's low on organic acid type coolant cause form sludge.

Why does GM use DexCool?

In the 1990s GM introduced an engine coolant called 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.

Can I put water in Dex cool?

On GM's own consumer site, the debate regarding its Dexcool antifreeze continues. And in mixing any antifreeze with water for a 50/50 mix, the use of distilled water is highly recommended.

Is Dex Cool necessary?

Dex-Cool (the orange fluid) is a type of coolant not a brand name. Yes, you have to use dex-cool in a system that requires it (most GM vehicles). However, different manufacturers make Dex-Cool fluid. Prestone is one of them.

What happens if you put the wrong coolant in your car?

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.

Can I mix Prestone with Dex cool?

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 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.

Can I mix Dex cool with regular antifreeze?

How to Mix Dexcool With Regular Antifreeze. Do not mix Dex-Cool with regular anti-freeze! Dex-Cool is a specially formulated GM coolant which will not mix with traditional coolants, and was used in various GM applications up through the 2004 model year.

Does Dexcool turn pink?

Dexcool is orange until you mix it with distilled water, then it becomes pink. No it does not. Dex Cool is an (OAT) Organic Acid Technology coolant. The pink should be (HOAT) or Hybrid Organic Acid Technology type coolant.

Can you mix Dexcool with universal antifreeze?

Mixing universal with Dexcool antifreeze will almost guarantee the mixture will gel and sludge in your cooling system.

Is Dex Cool poisonous?

Organic Acid Technology or OAT: Commonly referred in GM vehicles as Dex-Cool or to other manufacturers, propylene glycol. GM introduced Dex-Cool in 1995. It is made from a propylene glycol base, which makes it less poisonous than conventional IAT for children and pets.

How long is Dex cool good for?

No problems experienced with the cooling system and plenty of heat from the heater core. GM says that DEX-COOL is only good for five years / 150,000 miles before it must be changed out.

Is Dex cool red or orange?

ORANGE DEXCOOL LOOKS RED WHEN VIEWING THROUGH THE PLASTIC OF THE COOLANT TANK.

When did GM start using Dexcool?

1995

What causes Dexcool sludge?

Dex-Cool sludge is caused by oxidation A faulty radiator cap, coolant additives and stop leak products, mixing a different coolant into Dex-Cool, running low on coolant or using Dex-Cool in an engine not approved for its use can all cause oxidation and corrosion that forms as a sludge.

What does Dex Cool mean?

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.

Does Dex cool need to be diluted?

No dilution is recommended. Used Chevron DEX-COOL Extended Life Antifreeze/ Coolant was tested in laboratory controlled corrosion tests for new coolants after it had already been in service for more than 100,000 miles. This coolant is suitable for a five year or 150,000 miles service life in automotive applications.

What is GM DEX cool?

PRODUCT DETAILS GM OE Dex-Cool Antifreeze Extended Life Coolant Concentrate is an orange, silicate and phosphate free, premium-grade coolant/antifreeze that is formulated with a chemical composition that minimizes breakdown of metal components in contact with the fluid.