How Often are you Guys Changing out Coolant?

Corrosion inhibitors in the coolant get consumed.

The corrosion inhibitors are protecting the head gaskets.

Changing coolant is cheaper than changing head gaskets.

 

Give it the old taste test! If it’s bitter it needs changing

 

I take a piss coolant about every two beers after the first three until I’ve reached eight, then it’s a sliding vector to one on one which is convenient because I can get a fresh one with each piss. Usually the wife has stopped bringing them at this stage but will (obviously) still bring the requisite sandwiches.

 

This plus a little more info....coolant becomes ACIDIC with age as it loses its chemistry (similar to how oil loses its additive package over time). Acidic coolant will slowly eat your engine. Do your own research before you decide to leave in there forever. It may LOOK fine at 100K.

 

That was common with the green anti freeze of years past. The type used in todays trucks really doesn't need replacing. Pretty much proved itself in my 2001 tundra. If it lasts that long it'll probably outlast me.

 

Hasn’t lost a drop either has he?

 

This. It's a simple change like all fluids are. Harder for me to just ignore it and keep pushing it than it is to just flush it

 

One vehicle isn't quite enough proof for me, this is my retirement truck -- I need it to outlast me.

More seriously, I agree modern antifreeze offers far more useful life than the old green product, it has to due to all the aluminum in modern engines needing that enhanced protection compared to their cast iron predecessors.

For the small expense I will continue to hedge my bets and change it out occasionally.

 

Cheap insurance?
... or never change it?
Cheap insurance?
... or never change it?
Cheap insurance?
... or never change it.

I see a lot of people on these threads claiming extra maintenance is "cheap insurance"... and yet others that say only if it's broke. And of course the "follow the owner's manual" people.

So three thousand mile oil changes? Or 200K on a set of plugs?

Personally I've never changed coolant in an engine unless the coolant was drained for other reasons than to change it. Not ever. I change my oil by the owner's manual recommendations. I've sold vehicles running well with 200K on original plugs.

Some people break vehicles by driving them, others never break vehicles driving them.

Whatever...

 

I use this

 

Valid points, but corrosion exists... I've seen the results of not changing coolant for so long, on MANY vehicles. It's not pretty. The "by the manual" people are doing the minimum to maintain warranties and because it's what Toyota engineers suggest. Nothing wrong with that, but going beyond on fluid changes is not a bad idea, if you can afford it. Some people just like the work, and also, conditions apply. Not every vehicle is driven the same or in the same location. But I personally doubt that 200k on spark plugs runs "well". It might run, for sure. But could run better with new plugs and new fluids I'd love to see some Realtime scans on something never changed around such high mileage vs some that are changed often. Because most times, there is going to be an oddity. Maybe not noticeable under "normal" conditions. But it still exists and will only get worse. And again, I agree, every vehicle is different and everyone drives differently. Sometimes it truly is hit or miss. You can do it all and still get a lemon... it happens. I'd rather make an attempt than not.

FORD wants massive dinero for their brand. Zerex gold when I used it last was half the price vs Motorcraft. I assume it's the same for Toyota. Zerex is g2g in my book

 

So just drain and refill?

or is there a flushing of the system also?

 

By the time my coolant degrades to the point of any system corrosion concerns, I will be worm food! Not on my list of shit to worry about anymore. Getting old does have it's advantages.

 

Pretty sure its just a drain and refill. Ive heard flushing them can cause issues. But im not a mechanic.

 

They sure don't make 'em like they used to......

 

Generally coolant is 5 years/100k miles - whatever happens first. In my case it's always the years lol. My truck is 6 months old and has 1400 miles

My DD is a 2014 tC and I did a drain and refill with it's coolant around 85k. Still looked good but temps dropped after the change so no ragerts.

 

I did mine at around 100k , plenty of information online and it isn’t that bad of a job as it may seem. Reaching the drain valves on the block is the hardest part but with the right amount of extensions and flex socket then it is accessible without removing wheels. I’m sure antifreeze looses its anti corrosion properties after that many Miles in the cooling system so it’s cheap insurance and not that hard of a job To do

 

I usually go by the months instead of mileage.
Every three years for me.

 

Anyone know the diameter of the hose that fits the engine block drain, off hand. Looks like 1/4" or 5/16" by eyeball to me? I have some tubing around here some where about that size. I was trying to brew up some beer awhile back. Oh, and do most the parts stores take the used coolant without hassle? I haven't owned a vehicle long enough to actually change coolant in years. They use to run you off if you even mentioned anti freeze when bringing in used oil etc.

 

Wait, you guys are changing your coolant?…

I’m only joking. I plan to do mine at 75K or 3 years, what ever I hit first.

I changed it in my Wrangler last year at 50K due to a failed thermostat, and you could almost tell it was nearing the end of it’s life. Not sure how Toyota OEM coolant compares to Mopar, but the post about it being cheap insurance comes to mind.