2005 Buick Rendezvous
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1
From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
There are a number of coolants out there that meet GM 6277M standard. Dexcool is what it is because of the 100,000 coolant change interval. Our shop could build a pretty good argument over why it isn't a good idea to wait that long. A flush at 50,000 miles is the simple, no brainer solution to potential future problem.
As far as avoiding GM products because of it- how many other brands do you think uses GM Dexcool?
That's not a reasonable statement- especially in this class where the only competitors are farn (The small Lexus SUV is the closest competitior- Ford makes zero models in this class).
As far as avoiding GM products because of it- how many other brands do you think uses GM Dexcool?
That's not a reasonable statement- especially in this class where the only competitors are farn (The small Lexus SUV is the closest competitior- Ford makes zero models in this class).
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
What is wrong with using standard old ordinary coolant in a GM and replacing it every year or two? Is there some reason they are stuck on using alternative coolants? Would they deny warranty coverage for some reason? Maybe I should just call GM and find out what their position is directly.
I have no idea what other brands use dexcool. If GM "requires" it then that is a good enuf reason to avoid buying from them. Personally I can care less what "class" a vehicle is in and whether there are domestic equivalents. None of the automakers anywhere (even Ford) come close to building what I want anymore, I gave up on that a long time ago.
I have no idea what other brands use dexcool. If GM "requires" it then that is a good enuf reason to avoid buying from them. Personally I can care less what "class" a vehicle is in and whether there are domestic equivalents. None of the automakers anywhere (even Ford) come close to building what I want anymore, I gave up on that a long time ago.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1
From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Eric-
they could only deny a warranty claim if (and only if) they could prove that the failure was directly caused by the use of an alternate brand of coolant. As with all warranty claims, how that's handled will be determined in a greater degree by the service manager of the dealership, not GM policy. SM's have a lot of room to interperet, one of the many reasons I keep saying "pick your dealer carefully." It really is more important, ultimately, than what you actually wind up buying.
Back to Dexcool- the issue is the length of time it spends in the cooling system, not the coolant per se. If folks just swap it out at a normal interval instead of the 100,000 mile recommended interval, they'll be fine. BTW- in the fine print, it says "Up to 100,000 miles," not "don't change until 100,000 miles. A lot of this issue goes back to lack of basic maintenance.
they could only deny a warranty claim if (and only if) they could prove that the failure was directly caused by the use of an alternate brand of coolant. As with all warranty claims, how that's handled will be determined in a greater degree by the service manager of the dealership, not GM policy. SM's have a lot of room to interperet, one of the many reasons I keep saying "pick your dealer carefully." It really is more important, ultimately, than what you actually wind up buying.
Back to Dexcool- the issue is the length of time it spends in the cooling system, not the coolant per se. If folks just swap it out at a normal interval instead of the 100,000 mile recommended interval, they'll be fine. BTW- in the fine print, it says "Up to 100,000 miles," not "don't change until 100,000 miles. A lot of this issue goes back to lack of basic maintenance.
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
The local GM dealership loves my father in law. He comes in to the dealership for everything and pays cash. The local Ford dealership ignored him when he came in looking for a Lincoln. Big mistake, he won't set foot in any Ford dealership since. He is even more cantankerous than I am, -if that is possible.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
Originally Posted by Torque1st
.......... Is there some reason they are stuck on using alternative coolants? ........
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
dexcool was also used to make the tree huggers happy, it is better for the environment. but like most things it screws the consumer. r-12 refrigerent was safe and almost non toxic, but then some tree hugging lobbyist who was in duponts pockets made r-12 illegal and now we have r134a. its safe for the earth but mkaes phosgene gas when light.
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