Dex-Cool Antifreeze
#1
08-19-08, 06:58 PM
Dex-Cool Antifreeze
Hi,
I have a 2003 Dodge Dakota and a 2005 Hyundai Accent. I also have 2 gallons of Prestone Dex-Cool antifreeze in the garage that has never been opened. I was wondering if I can use this or take it back to the store where I purchased it and swap it for the green kind. I have heard of some people tell me to use it, while others say to swap it. I originally bought the Dex-Cool because I had a Buick Century that used it and the parts store didn't have any more of the "use in all systems" kind, so I had to get the Dex-Cool. Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks,
I have a 2003 Dodge Dakota and a 2005 Hyundai Accent. I also have 2 gallons of Prestone Dex-Cool antifreeze in the garage that has never been opened. I was wondering if I can use this or take it back to the store where I purchased it and swap it for the green kind. I have heard of some people tell me to use it, while others say to swap it. I originally bought the Dex-Cool because I had a Buick Century that used it and the parts store didn't have any more of the "use in all systems" kind, so I had to get the Dex-Cool. Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks,
#2
08-20-08, 02:45 AM
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It would be best to check your service manuals for each vehicle to see what the manufacturer reccomends as mixing antifreezes of different types (e.g. green and orange) can result in degraded protection as each contains rust and corrosion inhibitors and the like. A small inconvenience like returning to the parts store for the correct antifreeze can save a big headache and major repair later.
#3
08-20-08, 11:34 AM
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Checking a Service Manual would tell you what coolant to use, however that information is likely included in the Owners Manual also. Use only what the vehicle manufacturer specifies for coolant, don't second guess them! I also recommend using only disstilled or de-mineralized water to mix with coolant. I personally am not sold on the idea of a universal coolant. It has to be a compromise to work in everything.
#4
08-20-08, 02:10 PM
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the parts store didn't have any more of the "use in all systems" kind,
I personally am not sold on the idea of a universal coolant. It has to be a compromise to work in everything.
What makes the coolants different are there chemical structures, and compositions. In theory, a universal coolant is Impossible. In real life, Ive seen more than a few vehicles come in with a "Tan Colored" substance in the radiator, more comparable to "Jello" than liquid coolant. The story is always the same. "I had my car at The quickie Lube" and they used the universal stuff to top off my coolant.
On a lighter note....Look at the overflow bottle on the Dakota....If it states "SPECIAL COOLANT REQUIRED"..you MAY use the dex-cool.....
Someone else will be along shortly , about the hyundai...I honestly dont have a clue..
#5
08-20-08, 04:10 PM
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I would suggest to return those Dex-cool as they spell trouble. Google Dex-cool you will find many articles about it & it spells trouble. Even some repair manuals will recommend flushing the Dex-cool & changing to the green Ethylenne-glycool type. If you need more info here is a good place to start www.radiatorinfo.com As what Littlemike69 said a little inconvenience will save a lot of headache. Hyundai's uses the Ethylene -Glycol.
#6
08-20-08, 04:19 PM
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Google Dex-cool you will find many articles about it & it spells trouble.
#7
08-20-08, 07:18 PM
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Absolutely Do not use Dex-Cool in anything but GM products that recommend it. Your 2003 Dakota uses a 5 year/100,000 mile Embittered Coolant. Your Hyundai should use regular Ethylene Glycol coolant of a green color. If it is a color other than green, then Hyundai has changed it, but I dont think so. Check your owners manual or contact a respective dealer to be 100% sure of what coolant to use. It is very important not to mix different types of coolants. I have seen alot of messes because someone added "green" coolant to GM vehicles that have Dex in them. It turns to jelly and clogs everything up. It isnt pretty.
Hope this helps ya,
Billy
Hope this helps ya,
Billy
