Antifreeze recommendations ?

[ChrisWhewell]

Mine's currently got the green stuff in it, but its time for a change.   I'd go with green again, but am leaning towards DexCool.    Does it matter ?    Thank you

[Barney Eaton]

Check at the stores but it appears there is only one type now.......extended life

[KDirk]

Been my understanding that once an engine has had conventional (green) antifreeze in it, Dexcool should not be used. Apparently, the green antifreeze is chemically incompatible with Dexcool and if it comes in contact with green antifreeze (or its remnants inside an engine) it ruins the anti-corrosive properties of the Dexcool. In short, once an engine has been filled with green stuff, you cannot go back to Dexcool (in the case of cars that were factory equipped with Dexcool).

 

Now, I suppose if one boiled out the engine and changed all the hoses, you could put Dexcool into an engine previously filled with conventional coolant. Not sure what the appeal of Dexcool is anyway, it has a longer life cycle to replacement but I much prefer having fresh coolant in the car every couple of years as a protective measure. Coolant breaks down and gets contaminated over time so I don't buy the notion that these new long life coolant formulations are such a great idea. Seems the biggest reason for it is laziness and cost reduction on doing basic engine maintenance.

 

The carmakers and dealers like it because they can claim a longer replacement interval on covered maintenance which reduces their costs. Customers like it because they don't have to do a flush and fill as often (cue claims that "ain't nobody got time for that") so it is one more thing they can forget about.

 

[DAVES89]

Every 2-3 years I go to a local chain type place. They offer a coupon special and when I call them I ask if I can use the coupon 3 times one for each of my cars. I then set an appointment for back to back to back and am done in one morning. They do a flush and fill with their machine and I am done in a morning with all 3 cars done. Cost about $50.00 each. Tranny flushes are done that way as well. Wait for the coupon and go in as the cars hit the mileage interval.

[Barney Eaton]

Here is a link to Prestone antifreeze page.........note the first two say they can be used with any color antifreeze.

If you do a search about mixing colors, all the reports are 5 or more years old.......

http://www.peakauto.com/products/antifreeze-coolants/automotive/

[ChrisWhewell]

Thanks alot ya'all