My dad has told me it doesn't matter (save your money). However, my car manual says it should be changed every 5 years or 100,000 miles. Its a 2002 and it has been about 5 years. thoughts?
2006-11-04 10:11:18 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You should follow the manufacters recomdations on coolant changes because over time the cooling system will accumlate alot of acids and grit. If left unchanged, it will gradually wear down your water pump bearings and seals, which in turn will lead to costly repairs. You do regular oil change to keep the engine running smoothly, so why not the coolant system. It makes more sense to pay under 100 dollars for a coolant system flush and fill than paying 200 plus for leaking water pump or seals. Its something that you can do quite simply, just remember do not flush the coolant down the drain, take it to your local shop or enviromental reclaiming center to dispose of it properly.
2006-11-04 10:16:53 · answer #1 · answered by markie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry Dude your dad is wrong!
You should really change your coolant every 3 years. Never mind what the manual says. Benz says the same thing and ask any mechanic they'll tell you the same thing. Why? Because your rad corrodes alot faster and eats away at your hoses, because of the acidity level of old coolant. It helps both your heating and cooling systems work better. You should get change the transmission fluid every 3 to 4 years, Brake fluid every 2 to 3 years. Take care of your car an it will take care of you.
2006-11-04 18:24:23 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you change your oil?
Do you change your transmission fluid?
Both need to be changed occasionally, as recommended in the manual.
If not, you will have a mechanical failure due to lack of lubrication.
The cooling system is no diffferent.
If you don't do a coolant change/flush as recommended, you can damage the radiator, water pump, engine, heater core, etc.
Anti-freeze has anti freeze, anti-corrosion and lubricative properties.
While the car won't freeze, if not changed, the fluid has lost the ability to protect your system from corrosion and no longer is lubrication the pump internally. Something is going to fail.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
2006-11-04 18:18:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The manual just has recommendations.Depending on the use of the vehicle. If you know what to look for you can tell if you need to change it. If you notice the antifreeze is not looking normal as if it were getting a rusty look to it, then you should change it to prevent damage to other components. Good luck.
2006-11-04 18:35:59 · answer #4 · answered by brian m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is important to change your antifreeze.. After using the same antifreeze for sometime exspecially Dexcool (GM) it can gel up and cause all kinds of problems. Like a bad water pump, etc. I would follow the manual.. I seen ppl who dont change it and it is more costly to not change then to follow the manual.
2006-11-05 01:15:18 · answer #5 · answered by jenniferlee_63116 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the freeze protection doesn't wear out but the metal protectant is eventually used up in a chemical reaction preventing corrosion. Radiators for most GM vehicles start about $350.00 plus labor. Your choice.
2006-11-04 18:14:59 · answer #6 · answered by Norman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your dad is wrong. it is very important. unless it's really nasty looking, a flush is a waste of money. a simple drain and fill is plenty good enough.
2006-11-04 18:22:16 · answer #7 · answered by gearhead_35k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
change it. how much can it cost?not more than a water pump or radiator or heater core
2006-11-04 18:19:21 · answer #8 · answered by spencer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋