The cooling system in a 2020 Chevy Trax uses GM Dex-Cool, an orange long-life coolant (OAT). It is typically used at a 50/50 mix with distilled water, and you should avoid mixing with green or universal coolants unless the product explicitly states compatibility with Dex-Cool.
For owners of the 2020 Trax, using the correct coolant type is essential for engine protection and reliable cooling performance. Dex-Cool is GM’s approved option for these engines, designed to prevent corrosion in aluminum and other metals used in modern GM cooling systems. Below is a practical guide to what to use, how to mix it, and how to maintain the system.
Recommended coolant type
To ensure the Trax cooling system stays protected, follow GM’s Dex-Cool guidance and choose an approved OAT coolant. The orange Dex-Cool formulation is widely specified for GM vehicles and is compatible with the Trax’s cooling-system materials. Always verify the exact specification in your owner’s manual or GM service information for your VIN, as regional recommendations can vary.
- Coolant type: GM Dex-Cool, an orange long-life coolant based on Organic Acid Technology (OAT).
- Mixing ratio: typically 50/50 with distilled water; if you buy concentrate, mix 50% concentrate with 50% distilled water.
- Color and compatibility: orange Dex-Cool; do not mix with green/legacy coolant or universal formulas unless the product label confirms Dex-Cool compatibility.
- Service interval: Dex-Cool is designed for longer life, generally up to about 5 years or 150,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and GM maintenance guidelines.
- Where to buy: GM Dex-Cool or any GM-approved Dex-Cool-compatible coolant that carries the Dex-Cool/OAT specification; always check the label for the correct designation.
Using the correct Dex-Cool specification helps prevent corrosion, scale buildup, and overheating in the Trax’s cooling system.
Maintenance steps: topping off, flushing and refilling
When topping off or performing a coolant flush, follow a careful procedure to avoid air pockets and ensure proper protection.
- Ensure the engine is completely cool before opening any caps or draining the coolant to prevent burns and pressure-related injuries.
- Locate the radiator drain and the reservoir. Consult the owner's manual for the exact locations and steps specific to your engine variant.
- Drain the old coolant into an appropriate container and dispose of it at a certified recycling facility according to local regulations.
- If flushing, use a GM-approved coolant flush product or distilled water and follow the product instructions; flush until the drain water runs clear.
- Refill with a 50/50 mixture of Dex-Cool and distilled water (or use pre-mixed Dex-Cool) until the coolant level reaches the full line on the reservoir with the engine cold.
- Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature with the radiator cap off briefly to bleed air, then reinstall the cap and recheck the level once the engine has cooled; top off as needed.
- Check for leaks around hoses, clamps, and the radiator; monitor the coolant level over the next several days and top off as necessary.
Always follow local disposal regulations for used coolant and refer to the vehicle’s service manual for any model-specific bleeding or refill procedures.
Common questions and troubleshooting
Many Trax owners ask whether they can use a universal or green coolant. The recommended approach is to use GM Dex-Cool or another GM-approved OAT coolant that explicitly states compatibility with Dex-Cool. Mixing different coolant chemistries can cause gel formation, reduced corrosion protection, and potential cooling-system problems.
If you discover a different-colored coolant or overheating symptoms, it’s prudent to have the system flushed and refilled with the correct Dex-Cool specification and to inspect for leaks or degraded hoses and components.
Summary
The 2020 Chevy Trax requires GM Dex-Cool orange long-life coolant (OAT). Use a GM-approved Dex-Cool product, typically pre-mixed at a 50/50 ratio with distilled water, and avoid mixing with green or universal coolants unless specifically stated as compatible. When topping off or replacing, follow proper flushing, bleeding, and disposal procedures, and always consult the owner’s manual or GM service information for your exact engine variant and regional recommendations.