Radiator/Coolant servicing at 60K for a civic?

[powayroger]

So my civic is coming up on 60,000 miles. It’s my commute vehicle from 500’ sea level to 4300’ every work day. I had the transmission fluid replaced at 30,000 and again now. I’m also planning on getting the power steering and brake fluid changed too (First time).

The question is now, should I get the coolant changed? I put Prestone “Cooling System Antifreeze Treatment” in the vehicle when I bought it new. If you aren’t familiar with this treatment, according to their website:
“Designed to help improve the protection of neglected antifreeze/coolant or extend the benefits of new antifreeze/ coolant. Patented grafted polymer technology helps protect nearly every major component of the cooling system, in just one treatment”.

If you think I should get the coolant changed, I was thinking about adding a can of radiator cleaner before driving it down to the mechanic for all of the listed work above gets done. What do you think about that (I wonder if there is any additive that can be put in a while prior to getting this service that would clean the system gradually, thus when changing the coolant, all of the crude would come out)?

The reason for this inquiry is this is the first time I’ve had a smaller vehicle. I’ve always driven full size vehicles with heavy duty (Compared to this Civic) radiators. I like my vehicles to last.

 

[Quest]

still not understanding as to the underlying reason why you add those OTC coolant additive (prestone?!) when the factory H-OAT long life coolant works harmoniously well with the engine already?

I'd say dump your additised coolant, flush and re-fill with H-OAT version (aka "Asian vehicle formula) and be happy with it.

Also:I never believe in those OTC radiator/coolant additives, never...

Q.

 

[Teddi]

Get a gallon or two of Peak Global Lifetime or Zerex Asian and mix 50/50 with distilled water. Drain the radiator and refill. Drain and refill the overflow tank. After 2-3 drain and reills, you have 90+ % new coolant. You don't need any additives if you use the right coolant.

I was unable to remove the block drains on both my Hondas so I just drain and refill their radiators. That's almost as good as a full "flush"

 

[Tegger]

Originally Posted By: powayroger
I like my vehicles to last.

Really? Then don't mess with the factory's recommendations as specified in your Owner's Manual. Aftermarket additives and "cleaners" are the quickest way to cause problems in a Honda.

What year is this Civic?

 

[Quest]

suspect it's his 08 civic.

Q.

 

[Tegger]

Originally Posted By: Quest
suspect it's his 08 civic.

If I remember correctly, this vehicle goes 10-years on the factory fill -- assuming you don't pollute the mix with aftermarket potions -- then goes 5-years on an OE refill thereafter.

But the OP will never know. He'd rather second-guess the engineers who made the car he spent upwards of $20K on, rather than trust them on how to take care of the car they designed, and for which he gave them $20K.

 

[Mr Nice]

I have a 2007 Civic with 120K miles and still have the original coolant, there is no need to change it with only 60K miles.

 

[Slick17601]

Just drain and fill with Honda coolant.

 

[Donald]

You need to drain and flush with distilled water and then add Zerex Asian or Honda. Leave the additives on the Walmart shelf. If you had a vehicle with Dexi-sludge then cleaners would be a good idea.

If you want to use a cleaner, take out the overflow container, dump the coolant, add some hot water and Joy dish detergent and shake baby shake. Flush a few times with water and feel good that you cleaned your system. But then flush the entire system with distilled water. The Joy was only for the overflow container.

 

[mr_diy]

I would follow the owner manual. My 2006 Civic manual says "Do not add any rust inhibitors or other additives to your vehicle's cooling system. They may not be compatiable with the coolant or engine components." This is especially true for the Honda/Toyota type coolant, You are just risking and expensive problem. Otherwise, change the coolant when the Maint. Minder tells you to.

 

[Ken2]

Quote:
Get a gallon or two of Peak Global Lifetime or Zerex Asian and mix 50/50 with distilled water
Zerex Asian is already diluted 50/50 with water; don't dilute it more. Some Peak Global Lifetime is already prediluted 50/50; don't dilute it more. The labels are clear on both of these.

 

[Ken2]

Roger, I think you are doing the right thing for the life of this car by keeping ALL the fluids in good condition. Unless there is a problem like contamination with a foreign fluid or very old, rusty coolant, you do not need a cleaner in the system.

Some indie mechanics use Prestone All Makes-All Models AF, which might be OK if the old stuff is totally flushed out, or might not be OK in the long run. I'd bring two gallons of the Zerex Asian or one gallon of Honda concentrate for them to use in your engine.