How Much Coolant Does a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Hold?

A 2020 Chevrolet Equinox typically holds between 7.4 and 8.0 quarts (7.0 to 7.6 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity:
  • 1.5L Engine: ~7.4 quarts (7.0 liters)
  • 2.0L Engine: ~8.0 quarts (7.6 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Dex-Cool (Orange/Reddish-Orange, OAT - Organic Acid Technology) meeting GM Standard GMW3420 (specifically DEX-COOL®).
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 prediluted or mix 50% concentrate with 50% distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

For a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, the recommended coolant flush interval can vary based on driving conditions:

• Normal Duty: Replace coolant every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently drive in heavy city traffic in hot weather, tow, or drive in mountainous terrain, consider inspecting your coolant more frequently and potentially flushing sooner, around the 3-year or 45,000-mile mark, though the 150,000-mile interval is quite robust for Dex-Cool under most conditions.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system on a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is a critical step to ensure proper cooling and prevent air pockets. Here's a general procedure:

1. Preparation: Ensure the engine is cool. Place a drain pan under the radiator draincock (or lower radiator hose if draining there).
2. Drain Old Coolant: Open the radiator draincock and remove the radiator cap to allow the system to drain completely.
3. Flush (Optional but Recommended): If performing a full flush, close the draincock, fill with distilled water, run the engine with the heater on until it reaches operating temperature, then drain. Repeat until the water runs clear. Some prefer to use a specific cooling system flush product, following its instructions.
4. Refill: Close the draincock. Slowly add the correct Dex-Cool 50/50 coolant mix to the coolant reservoir (and potentially the radiator directly if a radiator cap is present) until it reaches the FULL COLD line. Many modern vehicles, including the Equinox, are designed to self-bleed to a degree.
5. Bleeding Procedure:
   • Start the engine with the heater on high and the fan on low. Leave the reservoir cap off.
   • Run the engine at idle. As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open, and coolant will begin to circulate. You may see air bubbles rise in the reservoir.
   • Maintain the coolant level by adding more 50/50 mix as needed, keeping it between the MIN and MAX lines. Squeeze upper and lower radiator hoses gently to help dislodge air bubbles.
   • Some Equinox models may have a small bleeder screw on a hose or thermostat housing; if present, open it carefully until a steady stream of coolant (without air bubbles) emerges, then close it.
   • Once the engine reaches operating temperature and no more air bubbles appear, install the reservoir cap.
6. Final Check: Drive the vehicle, monitoring the temperature gauge. After the engine has cooled, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation (2018-2024 Chevrolet Equinox)

While the 2020 Equinox generally has a reliable cooling system, some common concerns across this generation can include:

• Water Pump Leaks: This can manifest as a coolant leak near the front of the engine. Early detection is key to prevent overheating.
• Thermostat Issues: A faulty thermostat can cause the engine to run too hot (stuck closed) or not reach operating temperature (stuck open), often indicated by an erratic temperature gauge or "Check Engine" light.
• Coolant Leaks from Hoses or Degas Bottle: Over time, hoses can degrade, clamps can loosen, or the plastic coolant reservoir (degas bottle) can develop cracks, leading to visible coolant leaks.
• Radiator Fan Problems: Issues with the electric cooling fan or its relay can lead to overheating, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
• Improper Coolant Use: Using the wrong type of coolant (non-Dex-Cool) can lead to corrosion and damage to cooling system components over time. Always use GM-approved Dex-Cool.

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