[Cloud9...68]

Yes, BMW still recommends a brake fluid flush every two years, which I adhere to religiously on all three of our BMWs. Our 03 Chrysler Minivan, on the other hand, has never had its brake fluid flushed. Probably on borrowed time with that one...

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Monstrous4Banger]

What Brand Coolant do you use? Water wetter, and d H2O.



http://www.redlineoi...?pid=74&pcid=10

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Did you switch from something else (like the conventional 50/50 water/antifreeze mix) to water + Water Wetter? If so, did you notice any difference, like a drop in coolant temperature? This stuff's been around a long time, and some people seem to swear by it, while others aren't as keen on it. Thanks.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[ds968]

I have been using that ( water wetter ) as an additive in all of our cars. No idea how much of a difference it makes, but it certainly does not hurt, so it goes in with every coolant refill .

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Yes, lots of people do what you do, but I've also heard people do what Monstrous4Banger does, and use only Water Wetter and water. I wonder what the pros and cons are of the two approaches? I suspect it like determining which oil is best, in that it's probably very difficult to get unbiased, reliable data.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[ds968]

Wow, only water wetter and water ( aka WW & W ? ) must be an expensive proposition, if it's a 50/50 combo, given that small bottle is about $ 10, a gallon of it must cost hundreds..unless you can buy it at the volume discount places like Costco by the gallon for a more reasonable price ??

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

I doubt those who use the "WW & W" approach do it in a 50/50 mix. It's probably one bottle of WW, and the balance distilled water, I would think. Those who have used this approach, please chime in.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[tamathumper]

That covers the "coolant" side of the equation. Here in the northern climes, we rely on the "anti-freeze" side of the equation for a frustratingly large portion of the year, and I have to assume that would not be covered by only Water Wetter and distilled H2O?

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Good point. Having only lived in Northern California, Phoenix, and now Austin (where I'm inside in the AC taking a break from changing the steering coupler on my daughter's car in our driveway, where the direct sun is pretty punishing <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/cool.png" class="smilie" alt="" /> ) , I can't even spell "kold"...

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

coolant "wears out" over time (actually, it's the corrosion inhibiting additives that wear out).



you can check it by checking the pH. there are special test strips out there for this.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Good point. I'll have to try this. But if the corrosion inhibitors have worn out, wouldn't you expect to see signs of corrosion in the form of small flecks of oxidized metal in the coolant? As I mentioned above, the coolant on my wife's 07 BMW 3-series at 64K was indistinguishable from the stuff in a new bottle. On older cars, I'd often see the coolant get nasty after a couple of years, which is what makes me think that the combination of improvements to the composition of modern anti-freezes (something has to justify the rapidly escalating price, right?), and improved engine metallurgy, has allowed coolant change intervals to extend far beyond what it used to be. But in any event, I do like the idea of testing the coolant, to take the guesswork out of when to change it. Would any auto parts store have the pH test strips, or is this a specialty item?

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[ds968]

any hot tubs / pool supplies store should carry them.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

there is a fairly long lead time between the additives wearing out, and you seeing the changes in the coolant with your eye. aluminum doesn't change the color and consistency like iron does. the corrosion would be happening though if the additives wore out.



while pH kits are available at pool supply stores, you'd need to mix stuff up and know what the correct pH needs to be. with the special strips, it's already there, and you have a range on them. just dip them in and you're done.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Thanks; are the strips available at auto parts stores, or do I need to go to a chemical supply company?

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

they should be available at auto parts stores. i've hear of guys doing it, but i've never used them myself, as changing the coolant is just too easy. i do it as part of a routine at the same time i flush and bleed my hydraulics, and replace my belts.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Yeah, that makes sense on the 968, which I tend to "over-maintain." But I'm wondering for my other cars, particularly the comparatively neglected, workhorse minivan.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Mark]

for test strips

http://www.acustrip.com/



And there are a lot of "lifetime" coolants out there now (100k-150k miles) MB actually has a some chem pack built into the radiator now to replenish the chemicals.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

my other vehicles get pretty much the same routine as the porsche. i've just always been that way. i even get in there and clean up the engine bay from time to time on those too. it may be a bit longer on duty cycle, but not much.



i'll have to look to see if the SL550 has that pack. it's going in for service today.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Dubai944]

I use distilled water and water wetter. I did notice a decent drop in engine temperatures when I originally switched from coolant, a drop of approximately 10 degrees C during race periods. Obviously I don't live somewhere where you need antifreeze though.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Collimare]

The antifreeze in my new 92 was green from the sellers pictures and after having it completely serviced at Porsche of Greenville it was still green when I picked it up. The part number on the service paper work was PKA0G0312016 at a charge of 24.48. Is this the right "green" stuff??

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.