Many drivers have heard of DEX-COOL antifreeze and regular antifreeze but may need to be aware of their differences. Many people wonder if they can mix DEX-COOL antifreeze with regular antifreeze, and the answer is no. DEX-COOL and regular antifreeze are incompatible, and mixing them can cause extensive damage to your engine. It is essential to know the differences between DEX-COOL and regular antifreeze and to use the correct type for your vehicle. In this article, we will discuss the differences between DEX-COOL and regular antifreeze and why it is essential to use the correct type for your vehicle. We will also discuss how to ensure you use the correct type of antifreeze for your car.

Can I Mix Dex Cool With Regular Antifreeze?

No, you cannot mix Dex-Cool with regular antifreeze. Dex Cool is an antifreeze that lasts up to 5 years or 150,000 miles in most GM vehicles. It contains a different inhibitor type than standard antifreeze and is incompatible with regular antifreeze. Mixing the two could cause corrosion and damage to your engine, so you must ensure you use the correct antifreeze for your vehicle. If you need help determining which type of antifreeze your vehicle requires, it’s best to check your owner’s manual or consult a professional.

Why You Should Not Mix DEX-COOL And Regular Antifreeze

1. Different Chemical Composition: DEX-COOL and regular antifreeze have different chemical compositions. DEX-COOL is made with an organic acid technology (OAT) inhibitor package, while regular antifreeze does not use this technology. This means that the two types of antifreeze are not compatible with each other and should never be mixed.
2. Different Corrosion Inhibitors: DEX-COOL and regular antifreeze also have different corrosion inhibitors. The OAT inhibitor package in DEX-COOL helps to prevent corrosion in aluminum parts, while regular antifreeze does not provide this protection. Mixing the two types of antifreeze can cause corrosion and damage to your engine over time.
3. Different Performance Levels: DEX-COOL and regular antifreeze also have different performance levels. The OAT inhibitor package in DEX-COOL provides superior protection against overheating and freezing, while regular antifreeze does not provide this level of protection.
4. Different Intermixability: DEX-COOL and regular antifreeze are not interminable. This means that if you mix the two types of antifreeze, it will cause extensive damage to your engine.
5. Different Color: One way to tell the difference between DEX-COOL and regular antifreeze is by color. DEX-COOL is usually bright orange, while regular antifreeze is typically green.

How To Identify The Type Of Antifreeze Used In Your Vehicle

Check your owner’s manual

The best way to determine the type of antifreeze used in your vehicle is to check the owner’s manual. Most vehicles require a specific type of antifreeze, and this information can be found in the manual. If you are still looking for the information in your manual, contact your local dealership or a trusted mechanic for assistance.

Check the coolant reservoir

If you cannot find the information in your owner’s manual, you can also check the coolant reservoir for clues about which type of antifreeze is used in your vehicle. DEX-COOL antifreeze is typically pink or orange, while regular antifreeze is usually green or yellow.

Have it tested by a professional

If you are still trying to decide which type of antifreeze is used in your vehicle, you can have it tested by a professional. A mechanic or technician can quickly test the antifreeze to determine the type used in your vehicle.

Replace with the correct type

Once you have identified the type of antifreeze used in your vehicle, it is essential to replace it with the same type. If you need help deciding which type to use, consult your owner’s manual or a professional.

Do not mix DEX-COOL and regular antifreeze

It is important to note that mixing DEX-COOL and regular antifreeze can cause extensive damage to your engine. If you are unsure which type of antifreeze is used in your vehicle, it is best to replace it with the correct type rather than risk damaging your engine.

What Type Of Antifreeze Should I Use In My Vehicle?

1. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual: The best way to know what type of antifreeze your vehicle requires is to check your owner’s manual. Your owner’s manual will specify the type of antifreeze recommended for your vehicle.
2. Check the color of your current antifreeze: If you don’t have access to the owner’s manual, then you can check the color of the current antifreeze in your vehicle. DEX-COOL antifreeze is typically orange, while regular antifreeze is usually green or yellow.
3. Consult a professional: If you are still trying to decide which type of antifreeze to use, then it is best to consult a professional mechanic who can help you determine the correct type for your vehicle.
4. Change your antifreeze regularly: It is essential to change it, as old antifreeze can become contaminated and cause engine damage regularly. It is recommended to change your antifreeze every two years or 24,000 miles.
5. Monitor the antifreeze level in your vehicle: Make sure to regularly check your antifreeze level and top it off if necessary. Low antifreeze levels can cause your engine to overheat, leading to extensive damage.
6. Use DEX-COOL antifreeze: DEX-COOL is a particular type of antifreeze that is designed to protect your engine from freezing. If your vehicle requires DEX-COOL antifreeze, then be sure to use it.

How Often Should I Change My Antifreeze?

• It is important to remember that regular antifreeze will work best in a car that is kept at a cold temperature. DEX-COOL antifreeze is formulated to work best at warmer temperatures, so it is essential to change your antifreeze more often if you have a car that is kept at a warm temperature.
• It is also essential to keep in mind the type of car you have. Many cars with engines made in the 1980s and 1990s use regular antifreeze, while cars made after 2000 use DEX-COOL antifreeze. If you are still determining which type of antifreeze your car uses, consult your owner’s manual.
• It is also important to keep in mind the season. In the winter, it is essential to change your antifreeze more often because the cold temperatures can cause the antifreeze to thicken and form ice.
• It is crucial to remember how your car is used. If you drive in cold weather conditions, it is essential to use DEX-COOL antifreeze, so the engine does not freeze. If you drive in warm weather conditions, regular antifreeze will work just fine.

Benefits Of Using DEX-COOL Antifreeze

Prolongs Engine Life

DEX-COOL antifreeze can help to prolong the life of your engine by protecting it from corrosion and overheating. DEX-COOL is made with an additive that helps to prevent corrosion, and it also has a higher boiling point than traditional antifreeze, which means it can better withstand the high temperatures that are produced by engines.

Protects Against Freeze-Ups

DEX-COOL antifreeze can also help to protect your engine against freeze-ups. Freeze-ups occur when water in the engine freezes, expands and damages the engine. DEX-COOL’s higher boiling point can help to prevent this from happening by keeping the water in the engine from freezing.

Reduces Emissions

DEX-COOL antifreeze can also help to reduce emissions from your vehicle. DEX-COOL’s additive helps to reduce engine wear, which can lead to less oil being burned and fewer emissions being produced.

Improves Fuel Efficiency

DEX-COOL antifreeze can also help to improve fuel efficiency by reducing engine wear and keeping the engine running cooler. The cooler an engine runs, the less fuel it will consume.

Easy to Use

DEX-COOL antifreeze is also easy to use. It can be added to your vehicle’s radiator just like traditional antifreeze, and it does not require any special equipment or knowledge.

Affordable

DEX-COOL antifreeze is also very affordable. It is typically slightly more expensive than traditional antifreeze, but it can provide many benefits worth the extra cost.

Tips For Proper Antifreeze Maintenance

• Keep your car’s cooling system in good condition by flushing and refilling the system with coolant every two years or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This will help to keep your engine running at its best and prevent corrosion.
• Use the correct type of antifreeze for your vehicle. DEX-COOL antifreeze is designed for gasoline engines, while regular antifreeze is best used in cars with diesel or hybrid engines.
• Ensure you replace your antifreeze every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Over time, old antifreeze can form deposits that can damage your engine.
• Check the expiration date on your antifreeze bottle. If it has expired, replace it immediately. Do not use antifreeze that is past its expiration date.
• Keep your car’s cooling system clean by flushing and refilling the system with coolant every two years or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This will help to keep your engine running at its best and prevent corrosion.

Conclusion

DEX-COOL antifreeze is designed for gasoline engines, while regular antifreeze is best used in cars with diesel or hybrid engines. Ensure you replace your antifreeze every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Over time, old antifreeze can form deposits that can damage your engine. Keep your car’s cooling system clean by flushing and refilling the system with coolant every two years or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.