New antifreeze in 2002 car - worth getting done? (have it 3 years and no probs yet )

worded

Does anti freeze "wear out"

Should I get it done again (no idea when it was done or if it was ever done)

Does it have to be done by an Audi dealer or can any garrage do it?

It survived last years freeze no probs.

Your thoughts?

Thanks

Voodoomelon

Coolant should be replaced after about 3 years. Most modern coolants allow 5 years of use with no problems but most manufacturers will recommend a 3 year interval.

worded

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Coolant should be replaced after about 3 years. Most modern coolants allow 5 years of use with no problems but most manufacturers will recommend a 3 year interval.

Thanks, has it to be done by an Audi Dealer or can my local garrage do it?

um7y1h83ge06nx

If you can get an anti-freeze specific hydrometer from someone you could do it yourself no bother.

The hydrometer through measuring the relative density of the liquid can tell you to what temperature the liquid should be effective to.

You could also just chance the arm and do it without the assurance of the hydrometer.

Voodoomelon

worded wrote: »

Thanks, has it to be done by an Audi Dealer or can my local garrage do it?

Its a very basic job for any mechanic, certainly no need for a dealer.

Matt Simis

I was thinking of doing a poll to see if anyone is actually changing coolant at such set intervals. The old school mechanics I spoke to were not, just topping up. They only flush when changing Radiator (etc) type parts. And they claiming no worse for wear.

I flushed coolant out of my BMW 850, was rusty and brown. Heater Valve completely seized in place and had to be replaced but the Aux Pump was still working.

I reckon very few do it to be honest.

Voodoomelon

I reckon the coolant itself is probably alright after many years, sure its cooling capacity probably diminishes, but not to a dangerous level.

I'd be more concerned about the effect old musty coolant has on the cooling system itself.

worded

I got the care in the UK was a company leased car with a good service history.

I might go through it and see if there is any record of it ever been done.

So its looking like I could chance my arm on this and not get it done.

We got seriously cold weather last year and ................. sure if it was going to go, it was going to go then.

Will phone for a quote and then decide ...

Im seriouly sh1t at mechanics of any sort.

SilverBell

worded wrote: »

I got the care in the UK was a company leased car with a good service history.

I might go through it and see if there is any record of it ever been done.

So its looking like I could chance my arm on this and not get it done.

We got seriously cold weather last year and ................. sure if it was going to go, it was going to go then.

Will phone for a quote and then decide ...

Im seriouly sh1t at mechanics of any sort.

Its the anti-corrosion additives that lose effectiveness over time more so than the cooling or freezing properties. These are important additives in modern engines with alloy heads.
Get an Audi (VAG) specific coolant, you could get this at any good parts place, Otto in Tallaght, Ashgrove Interparts in DL, or go to an Audi dealer. Any mechanic will be able to drain your coolant, flush the system, and then fefill as neccessary. The volume of the cooling system will be in a Haynes manual or some type of Autodata program, so the mechanic will know how much coolant to add for the correct mix.
I'd get it changed to protect your cylinder head.

worded

SilverBell wrote: »

Its the anti-corrosion additives that lose effectiveness over time more so than the cooling or freezing properties. These are important additives in modern engines with alloy heads.
Get an Audi (VAG) specific coolant, you could get this at any good parts place, Otto in Tallaght, Ashgrove Interparts in DL, or go to an Audi dealer. Any mechanic will be able to drain your coolant, flush the system, and then fefill as neccessary. The volume of the cooling system will be in a Haynes manual or some type of Autodata program, so the mechanic will know how much coolant to add for the correct mix.
I'd get it changed to protect your cylinder head.

she is an Audi 02 with 130K on the clock so i better get it done so.
correct coolant - will get.

Does anyone know The volume of the cooling system will be in a Haynes manual or some type of Autodata program,

I will tell the mechanic and save them time looking it up.

worded

worded wrote: »

she is an Audi 02 with 130K on the clock so i better get it done so.
correct coolant - will get.

Does anyone know The volume of the cooling system will be in a Haynes manual or some type of Autodata program,

I will tell the mechanic and save them time looking it up.

Mechanic will have no bother at all getting the right amount in the system

worded

RoverJames wrote: »

Mechanic will have no bother at all getting the right amount in the system

thanks.