There are so many different types of coolant addons like Dexcool, anti-rust, and so on. This raises eyebrows about their compatibility with each other.
So, can you mix the universal coolant with Dexcool? Absolutely no. Each car has different cooling system materials and coolant needs. A mixture would be catastrophic to coolant systems designed to work with one type. This would void your warranty and lead to costly repairs and damages.
In this article, I will be answering this burning question and unearthing the truth. By the end, you will be able to make an informed choice for your vehicle’s cooling system.
Why Do People Consider Mixing Universal Coolant with Dexcool?
People ponder mixing universal coolant and Dexcool for various reasons:
- Cost savings: Dexcool is more expensive than universal coolant. If your car needs Dexcool, mixing it with universal coolant is seen as a cost-saving measure.
- Extended change interval: Dexcool lasts for up to 5 years. Mixing it with universal coolant is seen as a way to increase lifespan. This saves you time and money on coolant replacements
- Anti-corrosion benefits: Dexcool does an excellent job in corrosion protection, especially in aluminum engines. Mixing it with universal coolant gives you this benefit without the full cost.
Can You Mix Universal Coolant with Dexcool? Here Is the Answer
You now know why people consider having this mixture in their vehicle. But can the two be mixed? Well, no. You should never mix universal coolant and Dexcool.
Here are the reasons why you should never mix the two:
1. Different Chemical Formulations
Universal coolant and Dexcool are two different chemicals. Dexcool primarily uses Organic Acid Technology (OAT) and is orange/red in color. Traditional green universal coolant is ethylene glycol-based. Mixing the two will result in reactions that will produce compounds that can mess up your cooling system.
The universal coolant also has phosphates and silicates. These are incompatible with Dexcool, which is free from these compounds. Their chemical reaction is unpredictable.
2. Engine Materials and Compatibility
Modern engines are designed with specific materials. Each engine does better with a certain type of coolant recommended by the manufacturer. Hence, using such a mixture can lead to premature wear and damage to engine parts like the radiator, water pump, and heater core.
Also, mixing red and green coolant results in a diluted solution that does not have the best properties to protect your engine. The diluted mix will lead to more corrosion and damage.
3. Warranty Implications
Many automakers specifically prohibit the mixing of Dexcool with other types of coolant. Doing so is grounds for voiding your engine warranty coverage. You will be on the hook for thousands of repairs that should have been covered.
To give you a perspective of the risk involved in using this mix on your vehicle, here is a breakdown:
- A damaged heater core due to premature corrosion costs $1,500 and above.
- Radiator replacement costs $450
- Water pump replacement is over $400
4. Shortened Service Life
How long can you drive with mixed coolant? Well, Dexcool lasts about 5 years or 150,000 miles. Universal coolant needs changing every 2 to 3 years.
Mixing the two results in a solution that rapidly breaks down since it’s chemically unstable. Hence, you need frequent flushing and replacements. This is a waste of money for unnecessary coolant changes.
5. Sludge Formation
The two chemicals will react together and form a gel-like substance. In worst-case scenarios, you might have solids being formed in the cooling system. These gels and solid particles inhibit the flow of coolant. They will lead to overheating and damage to the engine.
6. Hard to Flush
Flushing the compounds formed when the two react is also a task in itself. The sludge and solid particles formed need you to perform several rounds of flushing till they are cleared.
For those of you who are aware of the flushing process, you know that it takes hours, numerous refills, drains, driving, and patience. Now imagine having to repeat the procedure 3 times to remove all the sludge and particles.
What Do Manufacturers Say About The Idea of Mixing Coolants?
There is a Gates Bulletin TT002-13 that reinforces the principle that mixing different coolants is not recommended. The bulletin says that the corrosion inhabitants from one type (read universal coolant) can negate those of the other type (read Dexcool).
In line with this stance, various manufacturers have been quoted highlighting their consensus on the matter:
- Valvoline: This is the maker of Zerex antifreeze. The manufacturer states clearly that you should never attempt to mix different coolants. Further, they state it can lead to engine damage and failure.
- Ford: The manufacturer distributes Q&A documents to dealers and users warning them of using other types of coolant mixes other than the recommended.
- GM: GM, too, has a stand that each car has a specific type of coolant. Not all coolants are compatible with all cars.
- Chrysler: On their vehicle manuals, they state clearly that their coolant should not be mixed or interchanged with another. They say it could lead to damages not covered by the warranty.
- AA Gaskets: This company manufactures gaskets for engine rebuilding and twerking. It researched and found out that a coolant can kill your engine if it’s not the right type.
Safe Alternatives to Use in Place of Dexcool
If you are in an emergency or have concentrated coolant and you need to mix it with something else, that something else can’t be Dexcool. Instead of the compound, use the following.
Tap water
Pour in water into the radiator if you have dangerously low levels of universal coolant in your car. Once you arrive at your destination, flush out the mixture.
Tap water has additives and lacks antifreeze and boiling protection features. So, it needs to be removed as soon as possible in your coolant system.
Distilled water
This is the best option over tap water. It doesn’t have any impurities and combines well with universal coolant. Use it at a ratio of 50/50 to the concentrated coolant.
In case of emergencies, just pour it in till the radiator is full. However, be sure to flush it out and have the right ratio of mixture once at your destination.
The distilled water: We recommend purchasing Ice Mountain Distilled Water. It has undergone meticulous distillation and comes in 1-gallon bottles for easy measurement.
Conclusion
The above answers the question: can you mix the universal coolant with Dexcool? You cannot mix the universal coolant with Dexcool. It will potentially result in damages that your warranty won’t cover. What’s more, you will need to flush the coolant system thoroughly before you can pour in the right type.
Overall, you need to stick to the coolant type that is dictated by your vehicle manual. If it’s Dexcool, stick to that. If it’s the universal coolant, only use that. Using a mixture of other types of coolant is catastrophic. You are better off using tap water if it’s an emergency before topping up with the right coolant.
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