Just purchased 2006 HHR 2.4, sat maybe 4-5 years, (tires were 6 years old, but looked new, hard as a rock) 130K mileage
Love the vehicle, runs and looks great.
Temp has been around 180, the past week jumped several times to 210-214 and back to 190.
Checked coolant with antifreeze tester, off the charts, must be 100%
I have read coolant should be 50/50 dex cool.
Would the best course of action be to replace the thermostat, flush system and install 50/50 Dex cool?
Thanks in advance

 

Yes, be sure to get a GM 180F t-stat. ACDelco 131-158 GM P/N 12622410

The temp should hang around 190F but can go up tp 219F before the fan turns on to bring it back to 180F.

Anti-freeze has a shelf life, DexCool is pretty long at 5 years.

 

Donbrew noticed your name you registered with "tom.....Aol.com" is something you would be wise to change,
as using your email address openly like that is an open invite to spam and other unwanted stuff.

To change you name you can do the following:
- at the bottom of the page here is a CONTACT US link
- click on it and select the selectable Subject: USERNAME CHANGE
- and in the body enter the name you want it changed to
etc.

** note: there may well be a delay between requesting the change and it actually being done. Have patience please.
.