Are you supposed to change your car's coolant? Is that something you do on your own?

Answer 1

Next to an oil change, coolant changes are very important. You can't tell that your coolant needs replacing just by looking at the color of it, and you can end up with a lot of radiator, heater core, water pump and engine damage by not changing your coolant often enough. Some manufacturers claim you only have to change it every 5 years or so, but many technicians are finding that the coolant needs changing sooner. Every 2 years is the safest change interval, especially if you only drain the radiator and then refill it with a 50/50 antifreeze concentrate. Basically, when the engine's cold, you remove the radiator cap and loosen the radiator drain plug normally located on the bottom driver's side of the radiator. Catch the old coolant in a pan and store it in an old antifreeze jug until you can bring it to a recycling center. Refill the radiator with a 50/50 coolant concentrate and let the engine get hot while topping off the radiator before you put the radiator cap back on.

Answer 2

Depends on the color of your coolant. Many of the newer cars have very high miles coolants, 70,000 + miles. If you have an older car, check the color and if it's watery rather than a colored fluid, it should be changed, because it will rust out your radiator and develop a leak or overheat. Changing coolant is an easy procedure, just make sure it's a 50/50% mix water/coolant and you dispose of the old stuff properly. Maybe take it to a shop.

Answer 3

Changing your coolant is a good idea. While it never loses it,s freeze protection the rust/corrosion inhibitors in the anti-freeze break down. And with so many of the new vehicles using aluminum heads it is a very good idea because it can cause pitting of the aluminum if not changed. And you can do it on your own but make sure to properly dispose of the old coolant.

Answer 4

YES you should change the cars coolant every 30,000 miles,

NO you should NOT do it your self, most coolant product require that you recover the coolant and send it in for proper disposal.
you could cause environmental hazard's as well as fines.

Answer 5

You should flush your radiator at least once a year, this keeps the fluids fresh and will keep the corrosion down in the lines. Any fluid that is in an enclosed system is subject to degradation over time and sooner or later will loose its cooling properties. If you don't want to do it yourself, take it to a garage.