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-How would I tell IF its gone bad? would it leak to the point I'd see coolant spilling/being pushed out? years? miles?
The dealer has a pressure tester that can check the cap. Many auto parts stores do as well.
I usually give the upper radiator hose a squeeze and listen for air whistling in and out past the cap. Air should not escape when squeezing the hose...
I have found the o-rings in the cap shrink up over time and allow air to escape. You can try turning over the o-ring and see if the caps seals better. That has worked for me once or twice...
When my cap failed, it would leave dried antifreeze residue on the hood insulation. A nice spray pattern. It would only loose a little fluid but made a mess.