Antifreeze question

[Kristi2k]

I have a 2002 Chevy Malibu and the antifreeze/coolent level is low, I purchased (but not opened yet) antrifreeze that is 50/50 and says that it works with all models and makes but my car manual says to use Dexcool.

Will the stuff I purchased work fine with my car?

 

[FoBoT]

the 50/50 just means it has been pre-mixed with water

you can use it

 

[jemcam]

Dexcool is rated to last longer than normal coolant. If you mix Dexcool with regular anti-freeze, you lower the life expectancy. Also, some coolants will sludge when mixed together.

As long as they are the same colors, you'll be okay.

 

[sonoma1993]

Originally posted by: Kristi2k
I have a 2002 Chevy Malibu and the antifreeze/coolent level is low, I purchased (but not opened yet) antrifreeze that is 50/50 and says that it works with all models and makes but my car manual says to use Dexcool.

Will the stuff I purchased work fine with my car?

look for antifreeze that says dex-cool approve or somethen like that.

dex-ccol is like a redish color

the one that say works with all makes and model ( if the container doesn't say dex-cool approve or somethen like that) it usually a green color

 

[mooseracing]

Originally posted by: sonoma1993

Originally posted by: Kristi2k
I have a 2002 Chevy Malibu and the antifreeze/coolent level is low, I purchased (but not opened yet) antrifreeze that is 50/50 and says that it works with all models and makes but my car manual says to use Dexcool.

Will the stuff I purchased work fine with my car?

look for antifreeze that says dex-cool approve or somethen like that.

You mean like where the OP says that the bottle stated it works with all models?

There are at least 3 specific types of antifreeze available easily. GM likes the orange Dex cool, the universal will work fine as long as it states waht you said. It will be of different color. The only thing you need to do later is flush the coolant sooner than what the recommended time is. I would go by the recommended interval for regular Green coolant. Or just take it to your local shop and let them flush and refill with the proper stuff

 

[Captante]

Also I suggest staying away from the pre-mixed 50/50 stuff unless it costs half as much ... your paying anti-freeze price for water!

 

[Rock Hydra]

Originally posted by: Kristi2k
I have a 2002 Chevy Malibu and the antifreeze/coolent level is low, I purchased (but not opened yet) antrifreeze that is 50/50 and says that it works with all models and makes but my car manual says to use Dexcool.

Will the stuff I purchased work fine with my car?

IF IT IS GREEN/YELLOW COLORED, DO NOT USE THAT! You must use a special coolant!

 

[biggestmuff]

Do what the manual says. If you're still unsure, call the dealership.

 

[tfinch2]

Why didn't you read the manual before you bought the antifreeze?

 

[pontifex]

yes, drinking it will kill you. Just because it looks like some kool-aid flavor, doesn't mean it is.

 

[mike2fix]

IF IT IS GREEN/YELLOW COLORED, DO NOT USE THAT! You must use a special coolant!

This is incorrect, Prestone makes green coolant that is compatible with Dexcool or standard anti-freeze.

 

[ni4ni]

Originally posted by: mike2fix

IF IT IS GREEN/YELLOW COLORED, DO NOT USE THAT! You must use a special coolant!

This is incorrect, Prestone makes green coolant that is compatible with Dexcool or standard anti-freeze.

This is what I use in my Pontiac...

 

[Scarpozzi]

Read your manual. It will tell you what to put in it.

 

[herbiehancock]

My suggestion is...........DO NOT MIX ANYTHING WITH THE DEXCOOL UNLESS IT SPECIFICALLY STATES IT IS DEXCOOL.

There is a reason mechanics call Dexcool antifreeze Dexsludge for a reason. Mixing universal with Dexcool antifreeze will almost guarantee the mixture will gel and sludge in your cooling system. Look for DexCool antifreeze ONLY!!!

Why are the two types incompatible?

Most automotive antifreeze/cooling systems in this country use ethylene glycol as the main component in their coolant. Because ethylene glycol is naturally corrosive, however, coolant manufacturers have long used inorganic salts such as borate, phosphate, silicate and other chemicals to prevent automotive cooling systems from rusting and corroding. Most automakers recommend these coolants be changed every three years or 36,000 miles.

In 1996, GM began switching its vehicle fleet to Dex-Cool, an antifreeze/coolant that uses carboxylate or organic acid technology (OAT) as its main corrosion inhibitor compound, instead of inorganic salts. Dex-Cool is a registered trademark of GM, for coolant that meets GM specification 6277M. Currently, ChevronTexaco and Prestone are the only two suppliers of Dex-Cool coolant.


The best answer, of course, is to completely flush the DexCool antifreeze from your system and refill with the green universal-type of antifreeze. But you have to make sure you do a COMPLETE cleaning and flush of your system....leave no traces of the DexCool in your system. Drain the system, refill with water, use the Prestone heavy duty radiator flush, drain, refill with water, drain, then refill with universal. You'll be glad you did.

BTW..........just Google DexCool sludge.

 

[Kristi2k]

The stuff I bought is Prestone and says it mixes with all. So you're saying I should return it? I'll have to go pick Dexcool then.... I will probably not drain everything as its low right now and the weather is ~ 15 degrees out.

 

[SVT Cobra]

I've seen some coolants sludge together if they are not the same. Look for somewhere on the container that says "Dex-Cool approved" and you should be fine.

EDIT:
Just checked the website (FFS people is that not the smart thing to do)

DO NOT USE IT!! It says all vehicles, but only after you flush it, otherwise do not mix, Prestone makes a Dex-Cool formula in a seperate gray container. Get that.

http://www.prestone.com/products/antifreezeCoolant.php#antifreezeCoolant1

 

[Slickone]

The Prestone All Makes and Models in the yellow jug is Dex Cool, AKA a dex clone as some call it, since it's not labeled as Dex Cool. It's a bright fluorescent yellowish green. Dex Cool isn't as bad as some might try to tell you it is. Most of the problems were due to the GM intake manifold gasket problems letting air in.
Just don't let your coolant level get very low and you'll be fine. I use it in my Nissan with zero problems.

Prestone doesn't even sell a traditional green antifreeze anymore.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: herbiehancock
My suggestion is...........DO NOT MIX ANYTHING WITH THE DEXCOOL UNLESS IT SPECIFICALLY STATES IT IS DEXCOOL.

There is a reason mechanics call Dexcool antifreeze Dexsludge for a reason. Mixing universal with Dexcool antifreeze will almost guarantee the mixture will gel and sludge in your cooling system. Look for DexCool antifreeze ONLY!!!

Why are the two types incompatible?

Most automotive antifreeze/cooling systems in this country use ethylene glycol as the main component in their coolant. Because ethylene glycol is naturally corrosive, however, coolant manufacturers have long used inorganic salts such as borate, phosphate, silicate and other chemicals to prevent automotive cooling systems from rusting and corroding. Most automakers recommend these coolants be changed every three years or 36,000 miles.

In 1996, GM began switching its vehicle fleet to Dex-Cool, an antifreeze/coolant that uses carboxylate or organic acid technology (OAT) as its main corrosion inhibitor compound, instead of inorganic salts. Dex-Cool is a registered trademark of GM, for coolant that meets GM specification 6277M. Currently, ChevronTexaco and Prestone are the only two suppliers of Dex-Cool coolant.


The best answer, of course, is to completely flush the DexCool antifreeze from your system and refill with the green universal-type of antifreeze. But you have to make sure you do a COMPLETE cleaning and flush of your system....leave no traces of the DexCool in your system. Drain the system, refill with water, use the Prestone heavy duty radiator flush, drain, refill with water, drain, then refill with universal. You'll be glad you did.

BTW..........just Google DexCool sludge.

Chevron, Prestone, Shell, Valvoline, Recycled Fluid Technologies, GM Vehicle Care, AC Delco.

 

[mcvickj]

This is the stuff I just purchased for my 2003 Chevy Impala. Says Dex-Cool right on the bottle and GM approved.

http://www.prestone.com/enlarged/images/prestoneAntiCool1.jpg

 

[Unheard]

Just add water (note, only do this if it doesn't freeze in your area)

 

[Kristi2k]

Thanks SVT Cobra and mcvickj + everyone else. Looks like I'll go with the dex-cool specific then.

 

[Slickone]

Originally posted by: Kristi2k
Thanks SVT Cobra and mcvickj + everyone else. Looks like I'll go with the dex-cool specific then.

As I said, the Prestone All Makes and Models is Dex Cool. And I think cheaper than the Dex Cool labeled stuff in the grey jug. But *exact* same stuff.
Also, the Wal Mart Supertec coolant in the blue jug (I think it says all makes) is the same stuff, made by Prestone for Wal Mart. But it's priced quite a bit cheaper. Sort of a hidden 'gem' if you will.