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Change Coolant after 17K, or after 5 Years?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by skeezix, Dec 16, 2013.

  1. Dec 16, 2013 at 9:56 AM
    #1
    skeezix

    skeezix [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I first changed my coolant at 53,000 miles. That was in October of 2008 and I used Toyota 50/50. It is now December 2013, and 70,000 miles. Low mileage on coolant for sure, but what about time? Just how important is the 5-year replacement? I don't have any coolant leaks.
     
  2. Dec 16, 2013 at 10:07 AM
    #2
    fast5speed

    fast5speed Well-Known Member

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    Coolant doesn't go bad. If you want to spend the $20 and time to change it then go ahead. Not really a big deal. I personally wouldn't though. Nothing wrong/bad about it, mostly water anyway
     
  3. Dec 16, 2013 at 10:14 AM
    #3
    Chris24

    Chris24 Well-Known Member

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    It isn't "mostly" water...usually it is at least a 50/50 mix of water and ethylene glycol... colder climates get more glycol and less water too keep it from freezing. You defintely do need to change your coolant at recommended intervals.
     
  4. Dec 16, 2013 at 11:26 AM
    #4
    The Driver

    The Driver Trail Runner/Barefoot Beach Runner/Snow Skier

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    Mmm, like any other fluid, yes it does go "bad".

    Contaminants, added water etc, make the coolant to loose anti-freeze or anti corrosion properties.

    I get my coolant replaced "flushed" every three years, along with the diff and transfer case fluids.
     
  5. Dec 16, 2013 at 2:54 PM
    #5
    fast5speed

    fast5speed Well-Known Member

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    I bet next you're going to tell me that oil goes bad over time. Despite being in the ground for millions of years before it was filtered and had added zinc and other additives.

    So if coolant starts out at 50% water and then it gains some, then that would make it more than 50% water (aka "mostly").
     
  6. Dec 16, 2013 at 2:56 PM
    #6
    BostonBilly

    BostonBilly Well-Known Member

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    You can check it with a coolant hydrometer or dip sticks.
     
  7. Dec 16, 2013 at 2:57 PM
    #7
    ABA180

    ABA180 It burns when I pee....

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    While the antifreeze is always good in that it will prevent your radiator and such from freezing, what does break down is the rust inhibitors in the coolant. There is the big reason to do it at recommended intervals. Cheap insurance versus rotting out a radiator or heater core more than you already might have happen.
     
  8. Dec 16, 2013 at 3:41 PM
    #8
    The Driver

    The Driver Trail Runner/Barefoot Beach Runner/Snow Skier

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    Yeap
    And yeap.

    In my experience, skimping on inexpensive maintenance, only helps you spend more money on repairs.
     
  9. Dec 16, 2013 at 8:26 PM
    #9
    skeezix

    skeezix [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes, I'm concerned about rust inhibitors. I'll put a coolant change on my To-Do list for Spring. Thanks for the replies.
     
  10. Dec 16, 2013 at 9:58 PM
    #10
    ABA180

    ABA180 It burns when I pee....

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    Definitely, worst case you get peace of mind out of it for a small investment. I knew someone who never changed his antifreeze for close to 10 yrs because he insisted the temp protected # was the same, then I explained this to him. Words fail me to describe the stuff that came out of that radiator..yikes..
     
  11. Dec 17, 2013 at 5:24 AM
    #11
    kn38ms

    kn38ms Well-Known Member

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    Its the additives that go bad in coolant and motor oil.

    I would change 5 yo coolant regardless of mileage.
     

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