Anti Freeze ? Is it time.

[mickeyblueyes]

At 50,000 miles and 7 years I was wondering if a antifreeze change is in order? The manual say 100,000 miles or 5 years. I do not want to throw good stuff down the drain. (recycle) Yet I want full protection. What brand is good to purchase? Amsoil ? thx

 

[champspa]

ok here's what they say

COOLANT CONDITION



The next thing to check is the condition of the coolant. The leading cause of radiator failure is corrosion due to lack of cooling system maintenance. The corrosion inhibitors in conventional antifreeze are gradually depleted over time, so the recommended coolant change interval has traditionally been every two years or 24,000 to 30,000 miles for preventive maintenance.



The new "extended service" antifreeze formulas that can go 5 years or 150,000 miles between changes reduce the need for cooling system maintenance and can reduce the risk of premature radiator failure. But most vehicles still have antifreeze with conventional additives in their cooling systems. So when regular coolant checks and changes are neglected, the risk of corrosion rises sharply with each passing year.



Checking the pH of the coolant with chemically-treated test strips can help you determine the condition of the coolant. But be warned that today's coolants typically operate at lower reserve alkalinity (RA) levels than they used to. The alkalinity of a typical antifreeze/water mixture will vary depending on the additive package in the antifreeze and may vary from 8 to 14. The average used to be around 10. 5, but some of the extended life coolants now maintain corrosion protection at a pH of only 8. 3. So depending on the pH test strips used, it is possible to get a false indication of bad coolant. To get an accurate reading, therefore, you have to know what kind of coolant is in the system -- then use the appropriate test strips to check it.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

Thanks for the article. I am just going to change it, can anyone recommend a brand name and is Amsoil ok to use? There is some confusion with HOAT formulation on my part.

 

[EGroeneveld]

My truck is a 2005 with about 63,000 miles on it (I drove it off the lot brand new) This summer I am changing out the original batteries and having the coolant changed before we start going on our camping trips this summer. No problems but just in case.

 

[FourBarR]

My truck has 530,000kms (about 320,000k ) I have used shell long life since first change at 50,000k. Shell says good for 1,000,000 kms or 600,000K. at that mileage there is an addative package to restore the protective chemicals to prevent corrosion etc. Never had a cooling related problem, and system is clean when thermostat was checked .