I recently did a 5 year servce on my 06 DB9. Part of this is to change out the coolant. No big deal except the Havoline XLC is nearly impossible to come by (As i found out later it is readily available from my local AML dealer). After checking around i decided to use the Prestone 50/50 GM Dex-Cool formula coolant. As far as i could tell this is the closest thing i could find that is compatabile with the Havoline. However i keep getting conficting opinions on this and to make things more complicated both Prestone and AML are extremely guarded about information on their products. Prestone considers their formula proprietary and Aston specifies Havoline XLC, OAT coolant only. However in doing some research i found the Havoline XLC is formulated to meet GM 6277M. Which is what the Prestone Dex-Cool is formulated for. However they are not 100% identical chemically. I could only find the MSDS for the Prestone. But Havoline does give alot of info about the XLC. (Please see attached). Long and short of this is while I'm nearly 100% positive the Prestone will not cause any problems im not 100% sure. So the safest bet was to order the factory coolant from Aston and change it again. Hopefully this saves someone else the aggravation of selecting an antifreeze on the future.

 

It's unfortunate that mixing coolant can cause chemical reactions that result in a gel formation. Makes me wish for the good ol' days of green in everything. In my opinion, it's short sighted for a manufacturer to specify a specific coolant and manufacturer if for no other reason than brands change and can become obsolete. Dex-cool is OAT, but like you, I found that the formulation is different from XLC. I'm not sure if it reacts with other OAT formulations.

On other vehicles, if I have any doubt of what's in the car, I will flush the coolant with distilled water several times until it comes out clear and then add the new coolant.

However in the case of the Aston, we've found that Motul has a coolant that is as close to XLC as can be determined through MSDS. It's what I used on my Vantage (and Lotus, which also specifies XLC).

https://www.motul.com/us/en-US/produ...-optimal-ultra

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GHMagJVNSs0

i made a quick video that might be helpful.

 

 

I am heading for the dealer on this service this fall.

 

Can someone please tell me where exactly is the coolant drain plug for the Vantage V8? I know it is under the driver's side but I can't find it. Where exactly is the location? Thanks! I do see the write-up for coolant change on the DB9 on this Forum but the drain plug location is different.

 

Look here I am sure you will find a Manual that you can use

Aston Martin Manual

 

Thanks, Handyman. I have the owner's manual.. There is no info on coolant drain plug.

 

Can someone please tell me where exactly is the coolant drain plug for the Vantage V8? I know it is under the driver's side but I can't find it. Where exactly is the location?

If you still have the same 2008 it on the opposite side you think it is, at the bottom. recommend you replace the drain plug and seal as well

 

 

Thanks so much, J_DoubleU and Handyman! I found it under the passenger side. I just got confused and thought it was on driver's side cause I work on too many of my cars haha. Actually, I had done it 2 years ago but I only put 500 miles/year. For the record, V8V coolant change....the coolant drain plug is at the bottom on the passenger side, size of a dime. Plastic plug is parallel to the ground and you need a big flat or phillips head screw driver. Loosen plug a bit with screw driver and then crawl out from under car before you loosen completely or hot coolant will splash on your face.

 

I Just picked up Havoline Extended Life Concentrate from Aston dealer F.C. Kerbeck in NJ and completed a Thermostat and coolant renew.

 

Just so you know, this is not the same formula as XLC. Likely no issues with that though.

 

Yes I know, however I don’t foresee any issues. Car gets lot’s of TLC.

 

Havoline XLC is still available on Amazon for $33/gal...