should I flush the green stuff after 1 year?

[marto_ca]

I had my timing belt changed last year, about 10,000 miles ago.
The coolant was changed, and it's green.
I just checked it with refractometer and it said: 48% on the ethyl scale...

I've got some PEAK coolant from samsclub available.

My question is: should I change the fluid now, or should I wait another year?

The cars in question are: Ford focus 2001 SE, with green coolant from dealership.
And Hyundai Elantra 2005, with green coolant from a local (shady?) mechanic.

The coolants don't look dirty to me..

 

[duaneb9729]

i am not familiar with a refractometer, would you mind sharing how that tool is used to check antifreeze?

i do believe acids build up in antifreeze would that tool measure that as well?

 

[ZZman]

Wait. Every 2-3 years is fine.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: duaneb9729
i am not familiar with a refractometer, would you mind sharing how that tool is used to check antifreeze?

i do believe acids build up in antifreeze would that tool measure that as well?
No it only shows the freeze point. He needs to test it with the test strips to check the PH.

That will tell him if it's ok to keep using it.

 

[Vilan]

I change mine every 2-3 years. You should be fine.

 

[duaneb9729]

thank you chris

 

[marto_ca]

where do I get the ph strips?
I've only seen ph strips for pools

 

[marto_ca]

the best I could find was from Amsoil, for like $10 for 50 strips.. no idea if these are only for amsoil's propylene glycol antifreeze...

The other one was at amazon -Cool-Trak 311519 Coolant Testing Strips - Set of 50
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MIUJMO

 

[Chris142]

We get ours at Napa.

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: Vilan
I change mine every 2-3 years. You should be fine.


+1, green every 2-3 years sounds about right. Some who are nervous about Dex-Cool though go once a year.