GMC Terrain: Cooling System / What to Use

Warning

Plain water, or other liquids such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but there would not be an 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. If using this mixture, nothing else needs to be added. This mixture:

  • Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C (−34 °F), outside temperature.
  • Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C (265 °F), engine temperature.
  • Protects against rust and corrosion.
  • Will not damage aluminum parts.
  • Helps keep the proper engine temperature.

Caution

Do not use anything other than a mix of DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable water. Anything else can cause damage to the engine cooling system and the vehicle, which would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Never dispose of engine coolant by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, or pouring 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.

    Engine Coolant

    The engine cooling system in the vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant mixture. This coolant needs to be checked and changed at appropriate levels...

    Checking Coolant

    The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level. Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down...

    Other information:

    GMC Terrain 2018-2023 Owners Manual: Liftgate


    Manual Liftgate Operation Unlock the vehicle before opening the liftgate. To open the liftgate, press the touch pad on the bottom of the liftgate and lift up. Do not press the touch pad while closing the liftgate. This may cause the liftgate to be unlatched...

    GMC Terrain 2018-2023 Owners Manual: Additional Factors Affecting System Operation


    Seat belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Seat Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use...

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