Chevrolet Silverado Coolant Type
Chevrolet Silverado coolant type chart by generation. Dex-Cool specification, capacity by engine, and service interval notes.
Last updated: 2026-10-28 • Reading time: 8 min • By AllOEMManuals Editorial Team
Quick Answer
The Chevy Silverado 1500 uses Dex-Cool orange OAT coolant. 5.3L V6 capacity is ~16.5L (17.4 qt) dry fill. Mix 50/50 with distilled water. Change every 5 years or 240,000 km.
| Generation | Years | Top spec |
|---|---|---|
| T1XX (2019-2024) | 2019-2024 | Dex-Cool OAT (GM 6277M) |
| K2XX (2014-2018) | 2014-2018 | Dex-Cool OAT |
| GMT900 (2007-2013) | 2007-2013 | Dex-Cool OAT |
This vehicle's factory manual
The spec is above. This opens the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado factory book. Use another year if yours is older.
Chevrolet Silverado maintenance schedule
Know the exact coolant type job for your Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevy Silverado 1500 uses Dex-Cool orange OAT coolant. 5.3L V6 capacity is ~16.5L (17.4 qt) dry fill. Mix 50/50 with distilled water. Change every 5 years or 240,000 km.
Fluid type and capacity can change by engine, drivetrain, and transmission. Verify the exact branch before filling anything. Once the spec is confirmed, use the supplies and purchase links below to build the full one-trip shopping list before you start the repair.
Exact Vehicle Check
The button opens the factory book for this vehicle. Use the engine picker only when your trim is not the one this page already matched.
GMT900 (2007-2013)
Representative 2007 manual branch for 2007-2013
External Pages
Silverado Classic 1500 HD, 4WD
External Pages — 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic 1500 HD, 4WD Service Manual ~ LEMON Manuals LEMON Manuals: Repair Knowledge Reimagined Home >> Chevrolet >> 2007 >> Silverado Classic...
Open factory section →External Pages
Silverado Classic 1500 HD, RWD
External Pages — 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic 1500 HD, RWD Service Manual ~ LEMON Manuals LEMON Manuals: Repair Knowledge Reimagined Home >> Chevrolet >> 2007 >> Silverado Classic...
Open factory section →T1XX (2019-2024)
- →Must use Dex-Cool — green coolant causes sludge
- →Diesel uses different inhibitor package — verify spec
K2XX (2014-2018)
GMT900 (2007-2013)
Manual already checked Amazon for you
You came here for the exact spec. Now here is the exact part — plus the two things people always forget and have to run back to the store for.
Chevrolet Silverado coolant
Get the exact coolant chemistry your Chevrolet Silverado needs. Wrong coolant = sludge and overheating.
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links — at zero extra cost to you. We only suggest items that match the factory specs on this page.
Coolant Service — Manual's Parts List
Flush or top-off — here is exactly what you need.
- 1Engine CoolantShop →
Dex-Cool — verify concentrate vs pre-mixed
- 2Distilled WaterShop →
If using concentrate — never use tap water
- 3Spill-Free FunnelShop →
Bleeds air from the heater core automatically
- 4Hose Clamp PliersShop →
Spring clamps are a pain without these
- 5Shop RagsShop →
Coolant is slippery — clean spills immediately
Get everything at once
One search shows all of the above on a single page.
Links go to Amazon via our affiliate store (aiautorepair-20). We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it keeps the site running and the data free.
One-Trip Shopping List
Recommended supplies and tools for this job, grouped so you can buy everything before the repair starts.
Engine Coolant / Antifreeze
Match the color/spec (e.g. OAT, HOAT) to your car.
Spill-Free Funnel
The best way to bleed air from the cooling system.
Coolant Tester
Check the freeze and boil protection level.
Hose Clamp Pliers
Helps move spring clamps without mangling hoses.
Shop Towels
Cleanup gear for coolant drips and burps.
Project Essentials
Basic tool sets, gloves, and cleaning supplies for your Chevrolet Silverado so the job is ready when the parts arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What color coolant does a Chevy Silverado use?
- All 2007+ Silverado 1500 models use orange Dex-Cool OAT coolant. Never mix with green IAT coolant — it creates gel and can clog the radiator.
- How much coolant does a Silverado 5.3 hold?
- The 5.3L V8 Silverado holds approximately 16.5 litres (17.4 quarts) on a dry fill. A drain-and-fill typically removes about half the total capacity.
- What coolant type does a Chevrolet Silverado use?
- The Chevy Silverado 1500 uses Dex-Cool orange OAT coolant. 5.3L V6 capacity is ~16.5L (17.4 qt) dry fill. Mix 50/50 with distilled water. Change every 5 years or 240,000 km.
- Can I use universal coolant in a Chevrolet Silverado?
- Factory manuals specify exact coolant chemistry for the Chevrolet Silverado. Using the wrong coolant type can cause corrosion, overheating, or gasket damage. Always match the OEM specification exactly — do not mix incompatible coolant types.
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Author & Review
Published by AllOEMManuals, founded by Lyndon Bedford, an automotive technician with 20 years of experience. He owned and operated a mechanic shop in Hurst, Texas from 2014 to 2022 and continues hands-on repair work.
Content may combine manual references, general repair templates, and AI-assisted drafting. Confirm the source, vehicle configuration, and applicability before working. Report corrections through our contact page.
Last updated: 2026-10-28