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..
Consequently, can I use regular coolant instead of Dex cool?
Technically, you can mix coolant types, but before you go ahead and do it, let's cover some things. Firstly, Dex-Cool and traditional anti-freeze don't mix well. Currently, many coolant producers make solutions that aren't Dex-Cool but are safe to mix with Dex-Cool.
Additionally, what color is Dex Cool antifreeze? orange
Also 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.
Do I have to use Dex cool in my Chevy?
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. I believe Prestone also makes a fluid that can be put into any type of system if you are just TOPPING OFF.
Related Question Answers
Can you 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.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.What happens if you put the wrong coolant in your car?
Using the wrong engine coolant can gradually lead to corrosion and damage to the water pump, radiator, radiator hoses and cylinder gasket. This can lead to damage to the engine in the worst case.Can you mix Dex cool with universal coolant?
Mixing universal with Dexcool antifreeze will almost guarantee the mixture will gel and sludge in your cooling system.Can you use Dex cool in older cars?
Dex-Cool IS NOT backward compatible. If you noticed ALL of the vehicles that it was put in from the factory DO NOT have any soldered components. Dex-Cool will literally eat the soldered welds on older (mostly copper) cooling components.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.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.How long does Dex Cool antifreeze last?
five years
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.Is Dex cool the same as antifreeze?
The Difference Between DEX-COOL Coolant & Regular Coolant. 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.When did GM stop using Dex cool?
11,300 owners of 1995-2004 GM vehicles are nearing the end of a long road. 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.Is Motorcraft orange coolant DexCool?
Motorcraft Orange is DexCool.Does Walmart sell Dex cool?
Prestone Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant Quickfill, 1-Gallon - Walmart.com.Can you use water instead of coolant?
While water does help to keep your engine cool, it does not work nearly as well as coolant does. First of all, water boils faster and at a lower temperature than coolant. If it is winter, then you risk having your engine block crack if you run your engine with only plain water.Can you mix pink and green antifreeze?
It's simple: if your anti-freeze coolant is pink, add Dex-Cool or clean tap water only; if your anti-freeze coolant is green, you may use standard anti-freeze coolant and conventional cooling system additives. If you discover you have Dex-Cool in your cooling system, I suggest you carry a spare gallon of Dex-Cool.What is the difference between red and green antifreeze?
The purpose of using an antifreeze is to lower the freezing point and increase the boiling point of the coolant. The key difference between red and green antifreeze is that red antifreeze lasts longer than green antifreeze. An antifreeze contains ethylene glycol and propylene glycol as the bases.Can you mix antifreeze and Dex cool?
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.Is Dex cool pink or orange?
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.Is Prestone Dex cool?
Prestone Dex-Cool Antifreeze is formulated for use in all vehicles that require Dex-Cool coolant, and can also be used in all other cars and light-duty trucks that use extended life coolant. Prestone Prime Green Antifreeze is an ethylene glycol based low silicate formula. 
