Changing Coolant

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Mon 11 Nov 2002 21:04
Changing Coolant - peteH
Does the coolant in a car need to be changed on a periodic basis? If so how after how long??

Any other fluids (apart from oil) that need changing in a car??
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Mon 11 Nov 2002 21:49
Changing Coolant - Bromptonaut
check the manual but coolant will last at best three years. As well as cooling the engine it has a secindary function in inhibiting corrosion, particularly important in engines with alloy heads and iron blocks.

Brake fluid, except LHM ;-), gradually absorbs water, boils when they get realy hot and brakes become spongy or totally ineffective. Manual will advise replcement interval three years ?.
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Mon 11 Nov 2002 23:15
Changing Coolant - Dave_TD
When changing coolant it's worth checking all water hose connections, possibly freeing them off and reseating them, as new antifreeze has a habit of seeking out any less than perfect seals and "weeping" through them where water alone or weak coolant may not.
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Tue 12 Nov 2002 20:57
Changing Coolant - Cyd
If your coolant is blue or green change every 2yrs. If red or orange then it is ok for 4yrs.

Brake fluid is specified by most OEMs to be changed every 2yrs. The advice on many brake fluid containers is every year. Me? Every 18 mths. Clutch fluid too, if hydraulic.

PAS fluid should never need changing unless you overheat the fluid or foreign matter enters the system. Always use new fluid to top up if you have to disconnect any pipework and observe scrupilous cleanliness. I have however just changed mine for Mobil Fully Synth ATF (car 6yrs, 120k).

Some gearboxes specify a change, some don't. If no change specified I change every 60k regardless. Currently using Torco Fully Synth MTF - much improved gearbox at all temps.

You should lubricate your door locks with grease every year - more often if you use a pressure or car wash. Spray grease or spray white grease is excellent for this.

You should keep door hinge pivots cleaned regularly and lubricate with a light lubricant - again spray grease is good for this, but remove excess.

Check the service schedule for door check arm requirements. Rover / Honda types need cleaning and greasing at least every year, others don't need any.

Air con gas should be kept topped up every 4yrs - it contains a lubricant. It'll stop working if it gets too low - but best not to wait for this.

Metros and MGFs still need suspension points greasing every year. Expensive if you don't.

Hope this helps.
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