Can I Use Regular, Peak or Universal Coolant Instead Of Dex Cool: Yes or NO? With Detail Explanation

Dex Cool is a very reliable coolant especially designed for GM vehicles. The orange coolant prevents aluminum engines from rusting. One thing that commonly bothers curious car lovers is if dex cool is the only suitable coolant for their cars or if they can also use other coolants instead of dex cool.

Yes, you can use other types of coolants, such as peak coolant or universal coolant, instead of Dex cool. However, you should not use regular coolant in place of dex cool as it is not suitable for aluminum engines. 

I have designed the blog to explain to you the reasons why you can or cannot use other types of coolant instead of dex cool. Keep reading, as it can help you protect your car from potential danger. 

Regular, Peak, and Universal Coolant vs. Dex Cool: An Overview 

Below is a comparative overview of Regular, Peak, and Universal Coolants in comparison to Dex-Cool. The table will highlight key characteristics and considerations for each type of coolant.

Aspect	Regular Coolant	Peak Coolant	Universal Coolant	Dex Cool
Composition	Ethylene glycol	Propylene glycol	Mix of Glycols	Organic Acid
Corrosion Protection	Limited	Enhanced	Broad Protection	Enhanced
Compatibility	Limited	Broad	Moderate	Moderate
Silicate Content	Present	Absent	Present	Absent
Aluminum Compatibility	May Cause Damage	Compatible	Compatible	Compatible
Change Interval	2 years/30,000 miles	5 years/150,000 miles	5 years/150,000 miles	5 years/150,000 miles
Cost	Economical	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Peak  or Universal Coolant Instead Of Dex-Cool

Using Peak or Universal Coolant has both its advantages and disadvantages. You should consider both before making your decision. 

Advantages of Using Peak or Universal Coolant

Compatibility

Peak or Universal Coolant is designed to be compatible with a broader range of vehicle models. This makes it a versatile option for mixed fleets or vehicles not specifically designed for Dex-Cool.

Ease of Availability

Universal coolant is readily available in auto parts stores and service centers, making it convenient for vehicle owners to obtain and replace when needed.

Lower Cost

Peak or Universal Coolant is often less expensive than Dex-Cool, which can be appealing to budget-conscious consumers and fleet managers.

Reduced Risk of Coolant Incompatibility

Using Peak or Universal Coolant minimizes the risk of mixing different types of coolant and potentially causing cooling system damage. Mixing different types of coolants can lead to chemical reactions and reduced coolant effectiveness.

Compatibility with Older Vehicles

Universal coolants are suitable for older vehicles that were not originally equipped with Dex-Cool. This is particularly advantageous for those with classic cars or vehicles that predate the introduction of Dex-Cool.

Disadvantages of Using Peak or Universal Coolant:

Limited Long-Term Testing

Universal coolants may not have undergone as extensive long-term testing as Dex-Cool, which has been used in GM vehicles for years. This raises questions about their ability to provide the same level of protection and longevity.

Shorter Service Intervals

Some universal coolants may require more frequent replacement compared to Dex-Cool. This could result in higher maintenance costs and more frequent downtime for vehicles.

Potential Performance Differences

Dex-Cool is formulated to meet the specific requirements of certain engines, and its performance characteristics may differ from those of universal coolants. Switching to a different coolant could affect cooling system performance and efficiency.

Manufacturer Recommendations

Some vehicle manufacturers recommend using specific coolants for their vehicles, and deviating from these recommendations could void warranties or lead to unforeseen issues.

Lack of Proprietary Additives

Dex-Cool is known for its unique additives that provide superior corrosion protection. Universal coolants may not have the same proprietary additives, potentially leading to reduced protection against cooling system corrosion.

Why You Should Not Use Regular Coolant Instead of Dexcool

Using regular coolant instead of Dex-Cool can have significant drawbacks and potentially harm your vehicle’s cooling system. Here’s why you should avoid substituting regular coolant for Dex-Cool:

Corrosion Protection

Dex-Cool contains unique additives that provide enhanced protection against corrosion and cavitation, which can lead to cooling system damage over time. Regular coolants may lack these specialized additives, increasing the risk of internal corrosion and reduced cooling system lifespan.

Cooling System Compatibility

Some vehicles, especially newer models, are designed to work optimally with Dex-Cool. Using regular coolant may not provide the same level of heat transfer and cooling efficiency, potentially leading to engine overheating and performance issues.

Warranty Concerns

Many vehicle manufacturers recommend specific coolants to maintain warranty coverage. Using a coolant other than the one recommended, such as substituting regular coolant for Dex-Cool, could void your warranty and leave you responsible for costly repairs.

Long-Term Performance

Dex-Cool is known for its extended service intervals, reducing the frequency of coolant changes. Using regular coolant might necessitate more frequent coolant replacements, increasing maintenance costs and downtime.

FAQs

Conclusion

If you want to change your coolant and for some reason are not satisfied with dex cool, then you can choose either universal or peak coolants. However, regular coolant is not recommended, as it is not good for aluminum engines. Consider the pros and cons once again before making the change. 

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