Factory Coolant

[rbattelle]

I notice the factory coolant appears to be Dexcool (red stuff). Is that really what it is, or is it something else.



Has anyone considered changing over to Fleetguard premix?

 

[Casey Balvert]

The red stuff is hybrid organic acid technology coolant or HOAT. They do not recommend mixing it with the etylene glycol coolant as it can decrease the life of the coolant. This stuff is supposed to be good for five years. GM has apparently been using it for several years now. Mercedes was the first DC product to use it.



Casey

 

[preleeguy]

OoooK

Where, besides the dealer, can one find this red coolant? Is it available at a regular auto parts store?

 

[rbattelle]

Dexcool is available anywhere. GM originally developed it because they were experiencing frequent water pump failures. It has extra lubricating qualities, but I've heard it's no better quality than regular ethylene glycol (the green stuff). I have a friend with a 99 Cougar that came from the factory with the red stuff, and his cooling system has this red goo in the coolant recovery tank. I don't trust it.



I'll leave it in a year, then have the system flushed and refilled with Fleedguard premix (blue color).

 

[socal_rattler]

I am using the Fleetguard ES Complet EG premix (blue stuff) and am very happy with it. It is also supposed to be a lifetime mix. I got mine from local Cummins outlet.