What type of antifreeze does a 2002 Dodge Intrepid use?

Answer 1

The short answer: use a MOPAR-approved antifreeze! You can also safely use ZEREX G-05 in your 'Trep. (I'm an Eagle Vision owner myself.)

If you read nothing further, read this:

1) antifreezes are not generic,

2) antifreezes are not all the same, and

3) antifreezes are not interchangeable.

Info for the interested...

Antifreeze/coolant does three things for you. It disperses heat. This prevents your fluid from boiling over in hot temps. It also protects against corrosion. Via additives. These are depleted over time so if you keep your coolant in your car forever, you're asking for trouble. Lastly, it lubes the water pump and engine seals while preventing freezing. Freeze protection is the result of the solution being properly diluted. Best bet is a 50/50 mix of coolant to demineralized water. (Buy your antifreeze premixed. It's easier.)

Coolant formulas have changed since the days of the electric green stuff, so color has got nothing to do with your antifreeze. Again, don't select a coolant based on its color! You can't go by the color of the dye in the coolant because two coolants with the same color can have differing chemistry, and two antifreezes with different colors may have similar chemistries. Further, what happens if somebody topped off your system with a different coolant than what was in the radiator? Color change! Orange, red, blue, yellow, pink and... green. You get the idea. Systems in newer cars combine elements of cast-iron, aluminum, copper, brass, solder, steel and many nonmetallics like nylon and silicone. This diversity has produced three basic chemistries in use today for coolant.

IAT, or Inorganic Additive Technology. The electric green stuff and traditional coolant found in most older vehicles. This solution offers a fast-acting silicate and phosphate corrosion protection, although these additives are quickly consumed. OAT, or Organic Acid Technology. An updated formula containing sebacate, 2-ethylhexanoic (2-EHA) and other organic acids, usually the antifreeze/coolant of choice for VW and many Japanese/Asian vehicles. (It is also GM approved.) OAT is typically silicate and phosphate free. (Toyota has a pink extended-life OAT containing a dose of phosphate, but Honda's dark-green extended-life OAT has no 2-EHA.) Ford, DaimlerChrysler and others tell you not to use this type of coolant in their newer models. HOAT, or Hybrid Organic Acid Technology. Found in newer Ford, Chrysler and Mercedes vehicles, containing organic acids, but no 2-EHA, and a touch of silicate. It uses the best aspects of both IAT and OAT. HOAT is a very protective, long-life coolant.

What's a universal coolant? It's an antifreeze containing unique OAT-based corrosion packages along with proprietary organic acids, e.g. carboxylate, designed to provide broad spectrum protection. It's up to you whether you feel like putting this into your beast.

Remember, don't keep your coolant in your car forever, no matter what kind it is, or what it's made of! Finally, if you *do* mix your coolants, for whatever reason, it's not the end of the world. Your car won't explode, your timing belt won't jump a tooth, and neither will your water pump fall off. What *will* happen is you'll neutralize the beneficial properties your pure coolant formula was providing you. If you've mixed them, do yourself a favor and flush the radiator ASAP.