Is coolant change necessary?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2018
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From: Gallatin, Tn.
Is coolant change necessary?
I have a 2015 F-250 with 85,000 miles. I know the recommended interval for coolant exchange is 105,000 mi / 7 yrs. But if the coolant is tested every 6 mo with a test strip kit and the chemicals remain within acceptable test parameters, is a change really necessary?
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,259
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From: IL
I pulled this from another site, but I agree with it. Also if you don't change the fluid, from personal experience, it can cause your head gaskets to get eaten away............The coolant can become more acidic over time and lose its rust-inhibiting properties, causing corrosion. Corrosion can damage the radiator, water pump, thermostat, radiator cap, hoses and other parts of the cooling system, as well as to the vehicle heater system. And that can cause a car engine to overheat.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 994
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From: Republic of Texas
^^^^^
And also consider that your closed cooling system is not really closed.
Every time you open the cap to test or add any chemicals you are also adding environmental contamination that you only have minor control over even if you cleaned everything before opening the cap.
Adding coolant filters can help keep particulates out or to a minimum but the chemistry of the coolant changes, that is why changing is important. Do not push the milage or time on change intervals. The chemist know (most of the time) what they are doing when they put limits on the products.
And also consider that your closed cooling system is not really closed.
Every time you open the cap to test or add any chemicals you are also adding environmental contamination that you only have minor control over even if you cleaned everything before opening the cap.
Adding coolant filters can help keep particulates out or to a minimum but the chemistry of the coolant changes, that is why changing is important. Do not push the milage or time on change intervals. The chemist know (most of the time) what they are doing when they put limits on the products.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2020
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Being a farmer, know about the coolant conditioner John Deere sells. You add so much a year to your coolant, it has the chemicals that keep your coolant from going bad. I use it on tractors and other equipment with green coolant. You would have to ask your local dealer about the product.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2020
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This is what google says: Ethylene glycol has a natural tendency to degrade in the presence of oxygen. During degradation several acid by products are formed including; glycolic, formic, acetic and oxalic acids. These acids will rapidly corrode carbon steel and other metals unless appropriate measures are taken.
Rapidly.... I'd say that's an exaggeration. So basically over time really weak acids are produced, which will interact with the metals in the engine to an extent. I'm working on rebuilding my high school pickup. I never changed the coolant until maybe 225,000. I was a broke kid. When I disassembled the engine the hoses and coolant chambers are def stained in a red corrosive film, but I personally don't think it really altered the performance of the pickup or gaskets significantly. Taken into consideration all the anticorrosives that are added to antifreeze. If it were me I'd eventually do it by at least 100k. Really not that expensive... I'm also pretty particular about not using hose water because all the minerals can push all the acid reactions forward...slowly.
Rapidly.... I'd say that's an exaggeration. So basically over time really weak acids are produced, which will interact with the metals in the engine to an extent. I'm working on rebuilding my high school pickup. I never changed the coolant until maybe 225,000. I was a broke kid. When I disassembled the engine the hoses and coolant chambers are def stained in a red corrosive film, but I personally don't think it really altered the performance of the pickup or gaskets significantly. Taken into consideration all the anticorrosives that are added to antifreeze. If it were me I'd eventually do it by at least 100k. Really not that expensive... I'm also pretty particular about not using hose water because all the minerals can push all the acid reactions forward...slowly.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
I've had vehicles where the coolant has eaten through the freeze plugs in about 100k miles. I've seen the damage that neglected coolant can do, so I exceed the recommendations on coolant maintenance.
Like changing the oil too often, changing your coolant too often will only hurt your wallet.
Like changing the oil too often, changing your coolant too often will only hurt your wallet.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Mid Atlantic
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 293
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From: Houston
Had a Chrysler that I failed to change the coolant. Got to about 10 years and 180k miles, coolant started seeping THROUGH the side of the aluminum block due to corrosion. Managed to slow the leak down with Blue Devil Block Sealer, but that was a real world example of what happens if you fail to change coolant every few years.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Texas
Another thing I will add………..Ford Power Stoke engines have iron blocks with aluminum heads……..dis-similar metals, which in and of itself is a bad situation without maximum prevenative measures to stop the corrosion.
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