I need to replace the coolant in two of the family fleet, firstly my wife's 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. I'll use Zerex G-05.
The last two times one of my vehicles needed a coolant replacement I took it to a local independent father and son shop. I used them quite a bit for about 10 years but they closed last year. I was looking through my maintenance records and I noticed that both times that shop did a cooling system service they flushed the system, replaced the coolant, and automatically added what they called "sealant," which they told me was a "water pump lubricant." I remember my dad using something like this in the 1970's, and I still see various versions of it on auto parts store shelves.
So the question is: is there any need for this nowadays?
My gut reaction is no, as I suspect cooling system material improvements and coolant chemistry advances obviate the need for aftermarket additives. But would it hurt?
I can find generic "cooling system conditioners," plus another class of products that reduce surface tension to improve heat transfer like Amsoil Dominator Coolant Boost and Redline Water Wetter. Amsoil's product sheet specifically says it contains corrosion inhibitors. But is inhibiting corrosion the same as lubricating the water pump? Any idea what chemical constituents make up the conditioner products, and are they of any benefit?
The last two times one of my vehicles needed a coolant replacement I took it to a local independent father and son shop. I used them quite a bit for about 10 years but they closed last year. I was looking through my maintenance records and I noticed that both times that shop did a cooling system service they flushed the system, replaced the coolant, and automatically added what they called "sealant," which they told me was a "water pump lubricant." I remember my dad using something like this in the 1970's, and I still see various versions of it on auto parts store shelves.
So the question is: is there any need for this nowadays?
My gut reaction is no, as I suspect cooling system material improvements and coolant chemistry advances obviate the need for aftermarket additives. But would it hurt?
I can find generic "cooling system conditioners," plus another class of products that reduce surface tension to improve heat transfer like Amsoil Dominator Coolant Boost and Redline Water Wetter. Amsoil's product sheet specifically says it contains corrosion inhibitors. But is inhibiting corrosion the same as lubricating the water pump? Any idea what chemical constituents make up the conditioner products, and are they of any benefit?