Flush and coolant change or just coolant

[caveanimal]

Hi all I have been doing a lot of reading on here but I am still not sure what to do.
I have a 2009 Dodge grand caravan with 30000 km on it. The coolant has never been changed and looks nice and pink with no build up of anything.

Should I do a flush and coolant change or just a coolant change? And what would be the recommended coolant. And also should I use A coolant with Dex or stay clear of it? Or should I just leave it in there?

 

[Donald]

A "freshen up" of the coolant would not hurt. Probably not needed given the vehicle is less than 5 years old.

Easiest thing is to just drain and fill the radiator with Zerex G-05 (or Ford or Chrysler). No DexCool or all makes/all models.

Use 50/50 coolant and distilled water or 60/40 if its super cold where you are.

You are not in any hurry. Wait until you find G-05.

 

[NHGUY]

I dont think it really needs anything at this point.I have old plow trucks that sit most of the year and go 10-15 years on old green coolant without rust,leaks or anything.I only will change it when I have to do something else (replace a hose or whatever) and the coolant hadnt been changed for a long time.The 02 Caravan only got new coolant 3 years ago when I put in a transmission and noticed the paint coming off the coolant bypass line and lower hose pipe which I replaced.Also replaced upper and lower rad hoses at that time.Vehicle had around 85K at the time.

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: caveanimal
Hi all I have been doing a lot of reading on here but I am still not sure what to do.
I have a 2009 Dodge grand caravan with 30000 km on it. The coolant has never been changed and looks nice and pink with no build up of anything.

Should I do a flush and coolant change or just a coolant change? And what would be the recommended coolant. And also should I use A coolant with Dex or stay clear of it? Or should I just leave it in there?

I'd leave it. Wait 'til 50k or It's 5 years old, whichever comes first. I believe coolant is more susceptible to breaking down due to time as compared to oil.

 

[caveanimal]

Thanks for the replies guys. But I think I am going to change it, while I am still able too do it myself. Just another question should I flush out what's in it now with distilled water or just drain and fill?

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: caveanimal
.....Just another question should I flush out what's in it now with distilled water or just drain and fill?

Since you've decided to change it, just depends on whether you want to do it easy or bit more invlolved. With only ~18.5k miles, likely a simple radiator drain and fill will be quite adequate for at least a couple/few years. Otoh feeling ambitious, you'll need to buy enough distilled to do about 3 system radiator d&f's or until water looks fairly clear. Then add full strength AF to ~50% concentration top with distilled and if system not filled from recovery tank make a 50/50 mix for it.

If doing a simple radiator drain using a premix is easier, but significantly more expensive for half water. I'd make my own premix using full strength and distilled.

Thinking since it's pinkish and Chrysler it's most likely G-05 which can also be purchased as Zerex or Motorcraft Gold, both golden in color.

 

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: sayjac
Originally Posted By: caveanimal
.....Just another question should I flush out what's in it now with distilled water or just drain and fill?

Since you've decided to change it, just depends on whether you want to do it easy or bit more invlolved. With only ~18.5k miles, likely a simple radiator drain and fill will be quite adequate for at least a couple/few years. Otoh feeling ambitious, you'll need to buy enough distilled to do about 3 system radiator d&f's or until water looks fairly clear. Then add full strength AF to ~50% concentration top with distilled and if system not filled from recovery tank make a 50/50 mix for it.

If doing a simple radiator drain using a premix is easier, but significantly more expensive for half water. I'd make my own premix using full strength and distilled.

Thinking since it's pinkish and Chrysler it's most likely G-05 which can also be purchased as Zerex or Motorcraft Gold, both golden in color.


+1 this covers it. I think since you a are changing it fairly soon and low miles, you would be fine with jsut a raditor drain and refill.

 

[artificialist]

Draining and filling every 3 years is an easy way of extending the life of the engine.

My mom has a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I do this, the car runs great. This is one of those engines that takes HOAT coolant, so I use Zerex G-05

 

[caveanimal]

Thanks all for the replies. I figured I do it now, I will be close to 70 in 5 years. that's why I thought I would do it now. may not be able to get back up . lol

 

[charbaby]

Originally Posted By: caveanimal
Thanks all for the replies. I figured I do it now, I will be close to 70 in 5 years. that's why I thought I would do it now. may not be able to get back up . lol


If Dodge made it relativly easy to do a complete flush then try that. If a complete flush is difficult, then just do a drain and refill with the good coolant mentioned here at BITOG(i.e. G-O5) or Chrysler coolant.

I am a AM/AM coolant guy or Global Life Time but, I don't want to get into any argurments. Use what is recomended here at Bob's

 

[Kira]

Hello, I like the idea of an AM/AM coolant (what's not to like?) but I suppose they must leave some base not covered. I try to read a bunch here before asking a question. I've learned that Honda and Subaru coolant are sacrosanct. I have no problem with that and I'm glad I know. I've also learned that G-05 has great coverage. It covers Volvo and Saab blue coolants, Chrysler red, Mercedes and others. I really like knowing that the Dex-Cool I've installed into well cleaned out systems will be just fine. Why I'm responding, Char Baby, is that I don't know the benefit of an AM/AM over regular old fashioned green. Kira