Peak "Lifetime" universal

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I recently saw Peak universal coolant that specified Lifetime on the front of the container. It is in a gold jug that looks very similar to the "older" universal coolant. Anyone know anything about it? Is it new? What class does it fall into? Lifetime? what does that mean?
 
The listed OAT chemistry is 2-EH - the same chemistry in DEX-COOL(tm). The key to identifying what this Peak product is most closely related to was in the FAQ section:

"J. Can I use PEAK Global LifeTime Antifreeze & Coolant in European and Asian manufactured automobiles?

Yes, PEAK Global LifeTime Antifreeze features an advanced patented technology that provides maximum rust and corrosion protection for cooling systems found in European and Asian automobiles. Additionally, the patented technology found in PEAK Global LifeTime Antifreeze meets the silicate-free [emphasis mine] coolant requirements of Asian car manufacturers and the phosphate-free [emphasis mine] requirements of European car manufacturers."

In short, Peak Global Lifetime universal antifreeze is a dexclone. I don't doubt that this formulation is just as good as DEX-COOL(tm) or any other dexclone, but take with a grain of salt Peak's claim that this stuff is truly a "lifetime" fill. (There's gotta be a catch somewhere.
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) Personally, I like some margin of safety reserve and wouldn't push even extended-life technology past three years in service before the next flush and refill. I'm coming up on 24 months with the dexclone I'm running currently in my Hyundai. I'm trying to decide whether to push to three years or just go ahead and change it out at 24 months as I originally intended. At $6.88/gallon for this Prestone-made "SuperTech" dexclone from WalMart, money certainly isn't the issue.
 
Peak's Global Lifetime Antifreeze is NOT a Dexclone. Dex-Cool's active anti-rust chemical is 2-ethylhexanoate. On Peak's website it even says it doesn't contain 2-EH:
http://www.peakantifreeze.com/peak_global_lifetime.html
"Features a patented non 2-EH formula that is phosphate-free and silicate-free"

Now, I'm still wondering if their 5yr/150k universal antifreeze is a Dexclone. The MSDS is almost EXACTLY the same as the Global Lifetime antifreeze...yet it doesn't say anything about not containing 2-EH. I emailed them about this and haven't received a reply yet.
 
2-EH is 2-EthylHexanoate. One expression is merely shorthand for the other. I'll leave it for you to figure out which.
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I think you're right though - the gold-jugged "lifetime" brew may be a different OAT - perhaps one of the benzoates. (There are a number of organic acid salts.) I suspect the Peak "Long Life" 5 yr./150,000 brew (blue jug) is 2-EH, though. Whatever the superiority of the gold jug Peak, I'm still not willing to put it in and run it indefinitely - even with the precaution of keeping it fastidiously topped up.

[ June 19, 2006, 08:35 PM: Message edited by: Ray H ]
 
The general requirements of DEX-COOL(tm) or a dexclone are, 1) ethylene glycol; 2) OAT corrosion protection chemistry (not defined any further than that); and 3) no silicates, phophates, borates, nitrates, or amines. Peak Global Lifetime Antifreeze & Coolant is specifically listed in the product description blather as meeting the

"GM 6277M (DEX-COOL® Spec)".

(That's a clipboarded quote lifted directly off of Peak's website, so I'd interpret it to pretty much fit the definition of a "dexclone" if anything does.
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)
 
Theoretically, DexCool (Straight OAT) coolants will provide a near lifetime level of corrosion/cavitation protection, so Peak's claim may not be false. Possibly, their Lifetime product is merely a DexCool like product with an upgraded, longer lasting corrosion inhibitor package.
 
No question about that being a possibility. My concern is that any type of cooling system maintenance is already at the bottom of the "must do" list for the majority of drivers. Telling those morons that they have a fill-for-life* antifreeze/coolant is the wrong tack in my book.

*which all BITOGers understand does not equate to "never-hafta-check-it", right?
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OK!!!! Thanks for the responses. Seems like consensus is not go be had, but the question remains........ If one does 2-5year changes of coolant fluids what's the point of this formulation if it is truly not "Lifetime"? There must be some sort of advantage(s)??? Seems like it is claimed to be mixable with all other types so in that case would it be only good for say 2years for example??
 
No, if you do a complete flush and fill with Peak Lifetime Coolant, it should be good for at least five years.

If you top-off your traditional coolant with it, then you're limited to two years.

If you are already running an extended life coolant, and you change out MOST of it with Peak Lifetime, then you're good to go for at least another five years.
 
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