Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
In fact, I think in 30 plus years and MANY vehicles, I've only replaced a cap once.
If it works, I leave it alone.
Much of the issue, Bill, is that you take care of your cooling systems. Under normal use with good maintenance, they can last a long time. I've replaced a few, but not too commonly. I usually replace them on a neglected cooling system where I find the gasket/mating surfaces on the cap are rusty or pitted.
They do last long with proper cooling system maintenance. They are, of course, mechanical devices and can fail seemingly all by themselves, but that's the exception. At least they tend to be cheap, so if there ever is a question, they can be replaced without wasting a pile of money.
In fact, I think in 30 plus years and MANY vehicles, I've only replaced a cap once.
If it works, I leave it alone.
Much of the issue, Bill, is that you take care of your cooling systems. Under normal use with good maintenance, they can last a long time. I've replaced a few, but not too commonly. I usually replace them on a neglected cooling system where I find the gasket/mating surfaces on the cap are rusty or pitted.
They do last long with proper cooling system maintenance. They are, of course, mechanical devices and can fail seemingly all by themselves, but that's the exception. At least they tend to be cheap, so if there ever is a question, they can be replaced without wasting a pile of money.