Coolant Intervals Too Long?

[dustino8]

Hey guys. I've been having a discussion on another car forum about coolant change intervals. The guy that I've been chatting with claims that 10yr intervals are much too long, and that coolant in general will only remain alkaline for 5 yrs max, after that it becomes acidic and corrosive, which would be hard on the engine, gaskets, seals, etc. This guy works for a Toyota dealership, in what capacity I don't know. He has a very good general knowledge of vehicles.

My opinion is that Honda would not risk their good engine reputation just to extend coolant change intervals, and I tend to believe Honda rather than a guy on a forum. However, I thought it may be a good discussion and was looking for your thoughts on the subject.

The coolant in my Pilot is 7-8yrs old with 170K kms.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by dustino8
Hey guys. I've been having a discussion on another car forum about coolant change intervals. The guy that I've been chatting with claims that 10yr intervals are much too long, and that coolant in general will only remain alkaline for 5 yrs max, after that it becomes acidic and corrosive, which would be hard on the engine, gaskets, seals, etc. This guy works for a Toyota dealership, in what capacity I don't know. He has a very good general knowledge of vehicles.

My opinion is that Honda would not risk their good engine reputation just to extend coolant change intervals, and I tend to believe Honda rather than a guy on a forum. However, I thought it may be a good discussion and was looking for your thoughts on the subject.

The coolant in my Pilot is 7-8yrs old with 170K kms.

I believe most people change the water pump re-emptively when they do the timing belt at 110,000 miles.
The coolant would get changed at that point, even if you are not at the 10 years.

However, that said, I trust Honda's 10 year recommendation.

[rocky]

Originally posted by N_Jay


I believe most people change the water pump re-emptively when they do the timing belt at 110,000 miles.
The coolant would get changed at that point, even if you are not at the 10 years.

However, that said, I trust Honda's 10 year recommendation.

I'm not looking forward to the 105k mile service later this year. My tires will need replacing about the same time....

[rclark]

Originally posted by rocky


I'm not looking forward to the 105k mile service later this year. My tires will need replacing about the same time....

Yeah I hear ya... What's the general consensus on cost for the timing belt / water pump service? Be it at a dealer or foreign repair shop?

[rocky]

Originally posted by rclark


Yeah I hear ya... What's the general consensus on cost for the timing belt / water pump service? Be it at a dealer or foreign repair shop?

Think about $1400 for that service.

[samc]

I think most would say dealership but if you have a good mechanic that you trust then I'd go with that vs some two bit mechanic that's supposed to be"certified by Honda."

And yeah tires and 105k service? Might as well put one bullet in the gun and spin it.