Author Topic: 4 year old anti-freeze--replace or??? (Read 1447 times)

DeeGee · « **on:** November 18, 2004, 04:32:18 AM »

Anti-freeze in my four year old GMC is, of course, four years old as well. The manual says it should be changed. Isn't there an over-the-counter chemical that will rejuv the existing anti-freeze? I've heard that ani-freeze never wears out but the anti-rust and anti-corrosion additives do. Wonder what the readers would recommend? Change the anti-freeze or rejuvenate the existing anti-freeze and what brand would be a recommendation. Thanks DG

IntrepidWizard · « **Reply #1 on:** November 18, 2004, 04:34:44 AM »

Drain ,flush the radiator and engine block and replace,the damage is far greater than the cost or labor.

savageT · « **Reply #2 on:** November 18, 2004, 04:57:25 AM »

DeeGee,
As I understand it, the biggest danger to old antifreeze is it becomes acidic and eats away at the aluminum cores. Best idea to change the stuff when the color begins to look dull and dirty.

Jim

DirtyHarry · « **Reply #3 on:** November 23, 2004, 05:15:26 PM »

Change it, it's cheap insurance....

WD45 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2004, 03:10:50 AM »

Yup...
Check out the prices of radiators....
I think I'll take the 12 dollar fluid change :grin:
And while you are there... If those hoses are 4 yrs old I would change them too. They may look fine from the outside and be rotten on the inside and of course wont let go till you are as far from home as you can be.... at night .... in the middle of winter..... :roll:
Just never ends does it...

DWARREN123 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 30, 2004, 03:18:44 AM »

Around the 4 year mark are some things to check/change;

anti-freeze
hoses
belts
brake fluid
alignment/balance/tires
check a/c
battery

Paladin · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2004, 05:08:56 PM »

your vehicle should have DEX-COOL in it(the orange stuff) I highly suggest using it. It was designed for your cooling system

msorenso · « **Reply #7 on:** December 05, 2004, 06:08:17 AM »

FI IT IS THE ORANGE FLUID USE ONLY THE ORANGE IT IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE GREEN, AND VISE VERSA. DO NOT USE ORANGE IN THE GREEN TYPE COOLING SYSTEMS. ALSO FROM ABOVE, THE FLUID DOES SLOWLY EATS ALUMINUM OVER TIME. :grin:

WD45 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 06, 2004, 04:47:47 AM »

what if you're color blind :shock:

pastorp · « **Reply #9 on:** December 08, 2004, 11:09:44 AM »

Get a second opinion on the color!!! Byron

Paladin · « **Reply #10 on:** December 08, 2004, 03:31:57 PM »

if worse comes to worse I guess you could read the owners manuel.

HogSniper2 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 16, 2004, 03:36:45 AM »

Look at it this way. You live in northern IL. It gets real cold in the winter. If you don't get your radiator flushed and refilled as stated in the owners manual, the radiator WILL FAIL in the winter time. That should answer your question. Remember the commercial, "pay me now or pay me latter". It's your call.

LMM · « **Reply #12 on:** January 03, 2005, 09:30:47 AM »

Change it. 2 years past due.