Chevrolet Captiva Owners Manual: Engine Coolant

The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL® engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in the vehicle for 5 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever occurs first, if only DEX-COOL extended life coolant is added.

The following explains the cooling system and how to add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating on page 10-18.

A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant will:

• Give freezing protection down to −37°C (−34°F).
• Give boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
• Protect against rust and corrosion.
• Help keep the proper engine temperature.
• Let the warning lights and gauges work as they should.

Caution

Using coolant other than DEX-COOL® can cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant could require changing sooner. Any repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant in the vehicle.

What to Use

Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and one-half DEX-COOL coolant which will not damage aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do not need to add anything else.

Warning

Adding only plain water or some other liquid to the cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water and other liquids, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will.

With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but you would not get the overheat warning. The engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/ 50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant.

Caution

If improper coolant mixture, inhibitors, or additives are used in the vehicle cooling system, the engine could overheat and be damaged. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack engine cooling parts. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Use only the proper mixture of engine coolant for the cooling system. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11-12.

If coolant has to be added more than four times a year, have the dealer check the vehicle cooling system.

Never dispose of engine coolant by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water. Have the coolant changed by an authorized service center, familiar with legal requirements regarding used coolant disposal. This will help protect the environment and your health.

Checking Coolant

The coolant surge tank is located on the driver side of the engine compartment. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10-4 for more information on location.

Warning

Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure cap—even a little—when the engine and radiator are hot.

The vehicle must be on a level surface. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be between the MIN and MAX lines.

Adding Coolant

If more coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL coolant mixture at the coolant surge tank, but only when the engine is cool. See below for instructions on "How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank."

Warning

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.

Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.

When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is hand-tight and fully seated.

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank

Caution

This vehicle has a specific coolant fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause the engine to overheat and be severely damaged.

If a problem yet has not been found, check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at between the MIN and MAX lines, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool before doing it.

See Engine Overheating on page 10-18 for more information.

Warning

Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge tank pressure cap—even a little—they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is hot.

Wait for the cooling system and coolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.

Warning

• Adding only plain water or some other liquid to the cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water and other liquids, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will.
• The coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture.

  With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but you would not get the overheat warning. The engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/ 50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant.

Caution

In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant mixture.

Warning

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.

Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.

1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.

Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise about one-quarter of a turn. If a hiss is heard, wait for that to stop. This will allow any pressure still left to be vented out the discharge hose.

2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.

3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper DEX-COOL coolant mixture, to between the MIN and MAX lines.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until the upper radiator hose can be felt getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fan.

   By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX-COOL coolant mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level reaches between the MIN and MAX lines.

5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.

Caution

If the pressure cap is not tightly installed, coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.

Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling system has cooled down. If the coolant is not at the proper level, repeat Steps 1-3 and reinstall the pressure cap. If the coolant still is not at the proper level when the system cools down again, see the dealer.

The Chevrolet Captiva's engine coolant is a critical component for maintaining optimal engine performance and preventing overheating. The coolant not only helps regulate the engine temperature but also protects the cooling system from corrosion and freezing in cold temperatures.

It's essential to check the engine coolant level regularly, especially before long drives or during extreme weather conditions. The coolant reservoir is typically located under the hood, and the level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir.

When topping up coolant, always use a mixture of antifreeze and distilled water as recommended in the owner's manual or by the manufacturer. Avoid using plain water, as it doesn't provide sufficient protection against freezing or corrosion.

Additionally, inspect the coolant hoses and connections for any signs of leaks or damage. Leaking coolant can lead to engine overheating and potential damage if not addressed promptly. If you notice coolant leaks or consistently low coolant levels, have the cooling system inspected by a qualified technician to identify and resolve any issues.

Regular coolant maintenance, including periodic flushing and refilling according to the recommended schedule, is crucial for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your 2018 Chevrolet Captiva's engine cooling system. Following the manufacturer's guidelines for coolant type and maintenance intervals helps protect your vehicle's engine and maintain reliable performance.