VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION General Discussions Does factory radiator coolant go bad over time?

A friend of mine posed the question and I certainly don't know. He has pickup (he bought it new) that is a few years old now and the radiator is still full of the original, factory coolant. He has never flushed the system.

I know the factory recommends a flush every so often, but what is the opinion of the Chevy Gurus?

Thanks, Dean

The chemicals in the coolant will not last forever. The length of time it takes for them to become ineffective will vary depending on vehicle use however following the manufactures recommendation is best.

I change the coolant in my modern car every 12 months regardless of factory recommendations,and have never had any problems.I drive an Australian 6cyl alloy head F**d Falcon that's never had the head off in 19 years because I do this.

It can "go bad" after a period of time because the additives like rust preventives get "used up".
With modern anti-freeze I would say every three to five years would be OK from what I see in the field.

I've read information similar to what Gene said. The corrosion inhibitors can go bad but the "anti freeze" property stays constant. You can buy fresh corrosion inhibitors to add to the existing coolant.

Thanks for the replies and info. I will pass this info onto my friend.

Cheers, Dean

Dean, for what it's worth, when I bought a new GMC Sierra in 2001, the dealer said I should flush the rad and install new antifreeze every 2 years. So I did!. I traded the truck in on a new 2008 Sierra. When I took it in in 2010 for the usual 2 year rad flush etc., I was told that the DexCool liquid GM uses now is good for 5 years.

Please note Dex Cool is good for 5 years, that means it has a limited life as well. It is not a permanent coolant.

I formerly worked in the coolants area of a major chemical company. Products were extensively tested by us and the automotive manufacturers. Industry testing and experience led (and also major auto manufacturers) to recommending changing coolant (antifreeze) every two years for conventional inhibited (yellow or green) coolants. The organic acid based inhibitors are recommended to be changed every 5 years.

As an added note, it is far better to have a cooling system filled with coolant than drained for an extended period. Deterioration of solder joints is the major problem in dry radiators.

Good info!

Thanks, Dean

Thanks Chipper...

I knew your were the MAN for this question !!

I havent found the yellow "coolants" but recommend changing the green every 2 years (or sooner) but our "red" types are extended life to 5 years (or sooner). But if you changed from 1 to the other flush the whole system very thoroughly as the generally react together and turn to jelly.
Tony