"Agrajag" (Agrajag)
03/16/2016 at 10:15 • Filed to: None
1
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"Agrajag" (Agrajag)
03/16/2016 at 10:15 • Filed to: None | 1
| 8 |
What’s the lifespan for coolant and transmission fluid when a car is just sitting or used infrequently. I’ve been told before, 4 years coolant and 8 on transmission, but looking for your input. Thanks.
crowmolly
> Agrajag
03/16/2016 at 10:25 |
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ATF life mostly depends on heat, but I’d say 8-10 years is pushing it.
Coolant can be tested for condition. Some stuff is rated for 10 years but I don’t know if I’d go longer than 5.
d15b
> crowmolly
03/16/2016 at 10:26 |
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Coolant isn’t as efficient if it starts to break down from a chemcial standpoint. If you live somewhere hot/cold, changing it out every 3-4 years is good.
Unless you have a D-Series Honda. Then, you can get away with 10, haha.
Frenchlicker
> Agrajag
03/16/2016 at 10:36 |
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A tester for coolant is a few bucks and is the best way to tell if yours is still going to work properly. If in doubt switch it out.
jariten1781
> Agrajag
03/16/2016 at 10:36 |
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If it’s something that’s going to be driven infrequently I’ve let coolant go for 8-10 years w/o issue. Just monitor the temps. If I’m putting it into regular service after sitting for a long time I just change all the fluids to have a baseline.
Don't know jack about ATF, haven't had an auto since 98.
adamftw
> Agrajag
03/16/2016 at 10:37 |
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Regular old-school green coolant should be changed every 2 years or 24,000 miles.That’s what Zerex recommends. Dex-Cool and the other orange/pink/red/gold ones all are rated differently (longer than green, though).
Change trans fluid based on your owner’s manual.
JGrabowMSt
> Agrajag
03/16/2016 at 10:41 |
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I’ve been told 2-3 on Coolant because it changes it’s pH over time, and it’s especially bad to let it go when you have a mix of aluminum, iron and rubber, it can see corrosion way earlier than normal.
Trans fluid I’ve always been told mileage. Always change around 60k, but definitely before 100k. If you go over 120k without changing it, do not change it unless you’re going to rebuild the trans. Has to do with the particulates that start floating around and the wear on the clutches. If the car doesn’t get driven often, I would say go no more than 5 years without changing fluids, applicable to all fluids, and especially brake fluid, change that every 2, zero exceptions.
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Agrajag
> JGrabowMSt
03/16/2016 at 10:43 |
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Brake fluid! I’m asking for someone else, thanks for reminding me.
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JGrabowMSt
> Agrajag
03/16/2016 at 10:48 |
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Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning it will absorb water (and over time it absolutely can). You can’t compress water, so old brake fluid is just a downright dangerous fluid as far as personal safety goes.
Other fluids are just for keeping the car running happily.
Oil should never realistically go over 10k miles, 15k is seriously pushing it. The SL gets oil every 10k, coolant will be on a 3 year schedule, and brake fluid is about to be changed for the first time in about 4 years because the brakes are getting a complete overhaul once the Magnum gets it’s toys.