How often do you change your anti-freeze, brake...

[GRB]

I've got a couple of 02s that have never had the cooling system flushed. Nor the brake fluid. I wonder how well those cooling system "fush in a can" from Pep Boys etc. work? Is it really needed on very low milage cars? I'm also thinking about one of those one man brake bleeders too. You guys had any experience with those?

[GRB]

I assume either everyone is out changing their dirty anti-freeze and brake fluid or today's fluids are permanent and don't need changing. Wait a minute....brake fluid is hydroscopic, you've got to change that stuff some time!

[Seattle Sam]

I have read and heard of a lot of problems with GM's orange coolant, if you don't flush it out every year or two. Just google DEXCOOL and you will see.

I use silicone (silicon?) brake fluid in my 67, it is not supposed to absorb any water.
-Sam

[GRB]

That's news to me. I'd better get googling.

[NapsterNova]

Tell you what, I have never had a problem with Dexcool. I have a '96 Olds with 120,000 and a Chevy with 115,000. Changed the coolant a few times at most. They never run hot, they especially don't run like the complaints that I read about after Googling. I suspect that the main problem is coming from air in the system or a radiator cap that is allowing the pressure to drop thus enabling the water to boil at a lower temperature. GM's are synonymous for faulty intake gaskets. If the pressure drops the car will run hot. My 2 cents.

[GRB]

Doesn't it seem like it would be a good idea to change the Dexcool after 3-4 years or would the fact that the car has very low milage make it a waste of time? Two of my 02s have less than 4k on them.

[NapsterNova]

It's defiantly a good idea to change the Dexcool at say 30k increments. I think for you to change it at 4k is a waste of time and money. I don't specifically know the exact numbers on time but mileage defiantly.

[GRB]

Is there anything to replenish the additives?

[NapsterNova]

How long will it last?
Uncontaminated, the engine manufacturers instruct that it may be kept in service for 5 years or 150,000 miles in cars. In trucks, Caterpillar and GM currently recommend that the nitrited version of the coolant be run 300,000 miles or 2 years, re-inhibited with a nitrite-tolyltriazole "extender", and run to a total of 600,000 miles.

Use distilled water.

P.S. I meant "definitely" not "defiantly"

[GRB]

Is this re-inhibiter available at parts stores or just the dealer? I'm in the mood for a little re-inhibiting today!