7 year Dex-cool coolant with only 40,000 miles?

[BAD DAB]

My car is about 7 years old with 40,000 miles. I just became aware that I should change coolant at 5yrs or 100,000 mi. I'm about to do a flush and fill but would like to know if I've waiting to long and could have cause some damage. The coolant does not look bad and there are no leaks. The coolant seems clear with no gumming. Thanks in advance for any helpful information.

[shibbs]

It's gonna stink like hell. lol

You'll be fine - just put in new stuff and make sure to use distilled water or get premixed coolant.

[BAD DAB]

Originally Posted by shibbs

It's gonna stink like hell. lol

You'll be fine - just put in new stuff and make sure to use distilled water or get premixed coolant.

Thanks for the quick response. I try to maintain my car to the best of my ability but this one kind of slipped by me. Thanks again

[Bow Tie Affair]

Originally Posted by Jus1dab

Thanks for the quick response. I try to maintain my car to the best of my ability but this one kind of slipped by me. Thanks again

Make sure you use water distilled by steam distillation. You can buy this in most grocery stores.

[ChibiBlackSheep]

I prefer to just do my coolant every 3 years on all of my frequently driven cars. It's an easy drain and fill the radiator that way.

[polizzio]

Originally Posted by ChibiBlackSheep

I prefer to just do my coolant every 3 years on all of my frequently driven cars. It's an easy drain and fill the radiator that way.

Owners fail to realize when you just drain the radiator and refill with new coolant, you only actually drain maybe 40-50% of the old coolant solution. This is clearly an inferior way to flush the entire system. The engine block, heads, hoses, and heater core hold the balance.

To the OP, you're not alone it seems. Several peeps have recently surfaced here who have failed to read the service requirements properly. And I'm sure there are many more in the shadows.

[Black_SS10]

I did mine last year, drain and fill. I believe it was the first and only time it has been done, as I am the second owner. Car had roughly 25k at the time and is a 2010. Coolant came out still orange, no discoloration, and smelled like dexcool. Refilled with dexcool 50/50, burped, topped off and was good to go.

[go_go_gadget88]

I just drained mine a couple weeks ago when I started pulling stuff for the cam swap. Guessing it was original to the car (built Nov, 2009) as it was all stock.

Coolant looked/smelled pretty good still, but I've just disposed of it and will be replacing with all new. There is probably a little still in the block but can't be much at this point

[Olddudesrule]

Originally Posted by shibbs

It's gonna stink like hell. lol

You'll be fine - just put in new stuff and make sure to use distilled water or get premixed coolant.

This^. Like most preventive maintenance, it's cheap insurance. You shouldn't worry about 7-5 years, but I wouldn't make a habit out of it.

[Avenging Orange]

On the opposing side........I have never flushed a radiator or transmission. Always a drain & fill. Never had a single issue. But that's just me. As a matter o fact, 2010 SS, 27k...will be draining radiator and replacing the battery....for the first time. Oh yeah, and just to make you anal's double clench.....I use tap water!

[ChibiBlackSheep]

Originally Posted by polizzio

Owners fail to realize when you just drain the radiator and refill with new coolant, you only actually drain maybe 40-50% of the old coolant solution. This is clearly an inferior way to flush the entire system. The engine block, heads, hoses, and heater core hold the balance.

To the OP, you're not alone it seems. Several peeps have recently surfaced here who have failed to read the service requirements properly. And I'm sure there are many more in the shadows.

Oh I'm aware, which is why I feel comfortable doing it more frequently. And I do drain, fill, run, drain, fill. Just nice to be able to do it in my garage and not pay for the service.

[Olddudesrule]

Originally Posted by Avenging Orange

On the opposing side........I have never flushed a radiator or transmission. Always a drain & fill. Never had a single issue. But that's just me. As a matter o fact, 2010 SS, 27k...will be draining radiator and replacing the battery....for the first time. Oh yeah, and just to make you anal's double clench.....I use tap water!

Well, it's your car............Some people smoke all their lives and don't get cancer. That's not to say it's good for you, or doesn't lead to health issues. Since you usually call it like you see it, I'm assuming you're just pointing out that you don't perform routine maintenance, and nothing bad has happened to your car, as opposed to saying, "don't do scheduled maintenance, it's a waste of time and money..."

[havelegs]

Dealer suggested I have them do a coolant service on mine...

31k miles on a 2015 SS. When I told them GM says to service it at 150k, he said "not in this climate and stop and go traffic". What the F is wrong with these scum bag dealerships.

[Olddudesrule]

Originally Posted by havelegs

Dealer suggested I have them do a coolant service on mine...

31k miles on a 2015 SS. When I told them GM says to service it at 150k, he said "not in this climate and stop and go traffic". What the F is wrong with these scum bag dealerships.

Trying to eek out whatever profit they can. Wife and I went in last weekend to a local dealer so she could look at a car she wanted to buy. I tagged along for support, but wasn't gonna get involved unless asked. The f#@king nickel dime stuff they try to get away with adding on is insane. $500 window tint? $800 for paint sealant? $200 for "mandatory" VIN registration with MVD (salesman tried to tell me it was "the law").....I know these guys are just trying to make a living, but WTF......we ended up walking out a short time later, even after making them a fair offer on the car. Just another reason why I will not buy a new car unless I have money I just want to throw away....

Sorry for the rant, OP....