Notices
General Automotive Discussion

Coolant Query

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 22, 2020 | 02:47 PM
  #1  
tbear853's Avatar
tbear853
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,626
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Coolant Query

A few years ago I ran up on a great sale (under $5 per gallon as I recall, sale was aimed at commercial accounts) of Peak Long Life 5 year / 150,000 mile concentrate coolant. At the time, with two MCs, 2PUs, and 5 cars that were liquid cooled, I bought 3 or 4 cases. It is designed for all cars & all MCs and all vehicle cooling systems. It is yellow, it is silicate & phosphate free too.

https://peakauto.com/products/antifr...full-strength/

Today, checking to make sure it was OK in my Fords (and it is as I thought), I looked it up too and I see in a spec sheet they mention a shelf life of 3 years in an unopened original container, of which I have probably 25 left, though I have sold some of the vehicles and MCs.

So my question is:
How does … a concentrated coolant product …
last longer … mixed with distilled water @ 50/50 or 60/40 in a cooling system …
than it does … in an unopened sealed original container in cool, dark, basement shop storage ????
 
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2020 | 05:24 AM
  #2  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by tbear853
So my question is:
How does … a concentrated coolant product …
last longer … mixed with distilled water @ 50/50 or 60/40 in a cooling system …
than it does … in an unopened sealed original container in cool, dark, basement shop storage ????
That is a very interesting question and here's a bit of something I found doing a quick Google search: A/F Shelf Life Its by no means the definitive answer but it gives another POV I think.
 
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2020 | 06:10 AM
  #3  
tjc transport's Avatar
tjc transport
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,623
Likes: 5,633
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Club FTE Gold Member
my opinion on use by date:
it is to get you to throw away and waste money replacing something that is still perfectly fine.
 
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2020 | 09:52 AM
  #4  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
The actual "antifreeze" part, the glycol, never wears out in engine coolant, is my understanding. That's true whether it's in the jug or in your radiator. So it will continue to protect from freezing.

What requires periodic replacement are the corrosion and rust inhibitors. These chemicals get depleted or used up circulating inside the engine and radiator, and any sediment, rust, and scale gets flushed out along with the old coolant when new coolant is added..I wouldn't hesitate to use concentrate in the original sealed container.
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2020 | 11:35 AM
  #5  
tbear853's Avatar
tbear853
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,626
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Marketing likely answers my question, but if I get a reply from Peak, I'll post it. Until then, I'll use it.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Banjo250
1997 - 2003 F150
40
Dec 20, 2019 10:05 PM
Resendiz
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
41
Oct 21, 2016 12:46 AM
ranagent
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Mar 2, 2015 12:12 PM
the almighty schmuck
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Jul 20, 2011 05:05 PM
north2south006
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
7
Feb 7, 2011 11:39 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:16 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE