2020 Ford Explorer Coolant Type – The Right Fluid For Your Adventure
Getting the coolant right for your 2020 Ford Explorer is crucial for keeping your engine running cool, especially when you’re pushing it on the trail or on a long road trip. This guide will help you identify the correct coolant type and understand why it matters for your Explorer’s longevity and performance.
Your 2020 Ford Explorer requires a specific type of engine coolant to prevent overheating and protect its cooling system from corrosion. Using the wrong coolant can lead to serious engine damage and costly repairs. This article clarifies the exact coolant specification needed for your Explorer and provides essential maintenance tips.
The journey of maintaining your 2020 Ford Explorer, whether it’s for daily commutes, weekend off-roading escapades, or cross-country road trips, hinges on the proper functioning of its cooling system. A vital component of this system is the engine coolant, often referred to as antifreeze. Choosing the correct 2020 Ford Explorer coolant type isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a necessity for protecting your investment and ensuring reliable performance, no matter the terrain.
Many owners wonder about the specific requirements for their vehicle, and understanding the nuances of coolant chemistry can seem daunting. This guide aims to demystify the process, providing clear, actionable information so you can confidently maintain your Explorer’s cooling system. We’ll cover the exact specifications, why they matter, and how to perform basic checks, ensuring your Explorer stays cool and ready for whatever adventure lies ahead.
Identifying the Correct 2020 Ford Explorer Coolant Type
Ford specifies a particular coolant formulation for the 2020 Explorer to ensure optimal performance and protection. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation; using the wrong type can cause significant damage.
The official recommendation for the 2020 Ford Explorer coolant type is a high-quality, orange-colored, silicate-free, long-life coolant. This is often referred to as Ford’s Super Plus 50/50 Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant or an equivalent meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B44-D. Always verify this information in your owner’s manual, as specifications can sometimes have minor updates.
This specific coolant is designed to provide excellent heat transfer capabilities and superior corrosion protection for the various metals found in your Explorer’s cooling system, including aluminum, cast iron, steel, copper, and brass. Its extended service life means fewer flushes and fills over the vehicle’s lifespan.
Why the Right Coolant Matters for Your Explorer
The cooling system is the unsung hero of your engine, working tirelessly to dissipate heat generated during combustion. The coolant is the lifeblood of this system, and its properties are critical.
Using the 2020 Ford Explorer coolant type that meets the WSS-M97B44-D specification ensures it has the right chemical additives. These additives prevent freezing in cold weather, boiling in hot weather, and most importantly, inhibit rust and corrosion within the engine block, radiator, water pump, and heater core.
If you use a generic or incompatible coolant, you risk introducing contaminants or chemicals that can react negatively with your system. This can lead to scale buildup, blockages, and accelerated wear on critical components like the water pump seals and thermostat.
Understanding Coolant Chemistry: Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
The coolant specified for your 2020 Explorer utilizes a specific technology designed for longevity and superior protection. Understanding this technology helps reinforce why sticking to the correct type is essential.
The WSS-M97B44-D specification generally points towards an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant. OAT coolants are known for their extended service intervals, often lasting up to 100,000 miles or five years, compared to older conventional coolants.
OAT coolants work by forming a protective layer on metal surfaces. This layer prevents corrosion and erosion without the need for silicates or phosphates, which can deplete over time and leave deposits. This is particularly important for modern engines with complex aluminum alloys.
Checking Your Coolant Level: A DIY Essential
Regularly checking your coolant level is one of the simplest yet most effective maintenance tasks you can perform. It’s a quick way to catch potential issues before they become serious problems.
Safety First: Always ensure the engine is completely cool before opening the radiator cap or coolant reservoir. The cooling system is pressurized when hot, and opening it can cause scalding hot coolant to erupt.
Locate the coolant reservoir, usually a translucent plastic tank near the radiator. You’ll see ‘MIN’ and ‘MAX’ or ‘LOW’ and ‘FULL’ markings on the side. The coolant level should be between these marks when the engine is cold.
If the level is low, it could indicate a leak somewhere in the system. While topping it off with the correct coolant is a temporary fix, you should investigate the source of the loss.
Topping Off vs. Flushing: When to Do What
Understanding when to simply add coolant and when a full flush is necessary is key to maintaining your cooling system’s health. Topping Off: If the coolant level is slightly low due to normal evaporation over time, you can add a 50/50 mixture of the specified coolant and distilled water. Always use distilled water, as tap water contains minerals that can cause scale buildup.
Flushing and Refilling: Over time, the protective additives in the coolant degrade. Ford recommends a coolant flush and refill at specific intervals, typically outlined in your owner’s manual. This process removes old, degraded coolant and any accumulated sediment, replacing it with fresh coolant.
A full flush is also advisable if you suspect you may have accidentally added the wrong type of coolant or if you’ve had a cooling system component replaced. This ensures no contamination remains.
How to Perform a Coolant Flush on Your 2020 Ford Explorer
While many owners opt for professional service, a coolant flush is a manageable DIY project for those comfortable with basic automotive maintenance. This is a crucial step in maintaining the integrity of your cooling system and ensuring it performs at its best, especially when dealing with the demanding conditions of off-roading or towing.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- The correct 2020 Ford Explorer coolant type (enough for a full system capacity, typically around 2-3 gallons for a 50/50 mix).
- Distilled water (for mixing if you buy concentrated coolant).
- A radiator flush kit (optional, but recommended for thorough cleaning).
- A drain pan capable of holding at least 5 gallons.
- A set of pliers for hose clamps.
- A funnel.
- Safety glasses and gloves.
Step-by-Step Flush Procedure:
- Ensure the Engine is Cool: This is the most critical safety step. Wait at least a few hours after driving, or preferably overnight.
- Locate the Radiator Drain Plug: This is usually at the bottom of the radiator. Some radiators have a petcock (a small valve). Place your drain pan underneath.
- Open the Radiator Cap: This allows the old coolant to drain more freely.
- Drain the Old Coolant: Open the drain plug or petcock and let all the old coolant drain into the pan.
- Flush the System (Optional but Recommended): If using a flush kit, follow its instructions. Typically, this involves adding a flushing agent and filling the system with distilled water, then running the engine for a specified period (e.g., 10-15 minutes) with the heater on high.
- Drain the Flush Water: Once the flush is complete, drain the system again as you did with the old coolant.
- Close the Drain Plug: Ensure the drain plug is securely reinstalled.
- Add New Coolant: Mix your concentrated coolant with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio if you didn’t buy pre-diluted. Slowly fill the system through the radiator neck until it’s full.
- Fill the Reservoir: Fill the coolant reservoir to the ‘MAX’ line with the 50/50 mixture.
- Bleed the System: This is a crucial step to remove air pockets. Start the engine with the radiator cap off (or loosened, depending on your vehicle’s bleed procedure). Turn the heater to its highest setting. Let the engine run until it reaches operating temperature. As air escapes, the coolant level in the radiator neck may drop. Keep adding coolant as needed until no more air bubbles appear.
- Secure the Radiator Cap: Once no more air is escaping, securely tighten the radiator cap.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect all hoses and connections for any signs of leaks.
- Monitor the Level: After a short drive, let the engine cool down and re-check the coolant level in the reservoir. Top off if necessary.
Properly bleeding the system is vital. Air pockets can cause hot spots and lead to overheating, even with fresh coolant. If you’re unsure about bleeding, it’s best to consult a professional.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
Even with the best intentions, issues can arise. Knowing what to look for can save you from a breakdown. Low Coolant Level: As mentioned, this usually indicates a leak. Check hoses, the radiator, water pump, and heater core for signs of coolant residue or drips. A persistent sweet smell could indicate a coolant leak into the cabin via the heater core. Overheating: This can be caused by low coolant, a faulty thermostat, a failing water pump, a clogged radiator, or a malfunctioning cooling fan. If your temperature gauge climbs into the red zone, pull over safely and shut off the engine immediately.
Discolored or Dirty Coolant: If your coolant looks rusty, sludgy, or has particles floating in it, it’s a sign of internal corrosion or contamination. This is a clear indicator that a flush and refill are overdue. Incorrect Coolant Type: Mixing different types of coolant, especially OAT with older inorganic additive technology (IAT) coolants, can cause gelling, sludge formation, and damage to the cooling system. If this has happened, a complete system flush and refill with the correct coolant are essential.
Using Your 2020 Ford Explorer for Off-Road Adventures
When you’re heading off the beaten path, your Explorer’s cooling system is put under extra strain. Heavy towing, steep inclines, and slow-speed crawling generate significant heat.
Ensuring you have the correct 2020 Ford Explorer coolant type is paramount for these situations. A robust cooling system helps prevent your engine from overheating in demanding off-road conditions. Always check your coolant level before a long off-road trip.
Consider upgrading your cooling system for extreme off-road use. This might include a higher-capacity radiator or a more efficient electric cooling fan. However, for most users, maintaining the factory-specified coolant and ensuring the system is in top condition is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2020 Ford Explorer Coolant Type
What happens if I use the wrong coolant in my 2020 Ford Explorer?
Using the wrong coolant can lead to corrosion, scale buildup, and premature wear of cooling system components like the water pump and radiator. It can also cause the coolant to gel, leading to blockages and severe engine overheating, potentially resulting in costly repairs.
Can I mix different brands of orange coolant for my 2020 Ford Explorer?
While many orange coolants are designed to be compatible, it’s always best to stick to the Ford WSS-M97B44-D specification. If you must use a different brand, ensure it explicitly states it meets this Ford specification. Mixing different OAT coolants can sometimes still lead to issues, so using the same type and brand is safest.
How often should I check my coolant level?
It’s a good practice to check your coolant level at least once a month, and always before any long trips or demanding drives, especially if you’re heading off-road or towing. Checking when the engine is cold is essential.
Is it okay to use tap water to mix with concentrated coolant?
No, you should always use distilled water. Tap water contains minerals that can cause scale deposits in your cooling system, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to blockages and corrosion over time.
Where can I find the coolant capacity for my 2020 Ford Explorer?
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide the exact coolant capacity. This is important for calculating the correct amount of concentrated coolant and distilled water needed for a 50/50 mixture during a flush and refill.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Explorer Cool and Capable
Maintaining the correct coolant in your 2020 Ford Explorer is a fundamental aspect of ensuring its longevity and reliability. By understanding the specific type of coolant required, performing regular checks, and knowing when to flush and refill, you can prevent costly repairs and keep your Explorer ready for any adventure.
Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate specifications and recommended service intervals. When in doubt, consult a trusted mechanic. Stay safe, and enjoy the drive!
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