Should I replace my coolant at this point?

[2000fordfocus]

My last coolant flush was on October 12, 2004 at 53228kms... My car is currently at 84000kms... Should I get a flush now? or can I delay it till 2007 summer? I just had my tranny service yesterday and costly me a fortune~

[ken_ll]

Leave it until 2007 at least or 2008 or later unless it is dirty keeping in mind it is green already to start with.

Tranny service at 84k? Was there a need other than the dealer suggesting?

[gilboman]

Leave it until 2007 at least or 2008 or later unless it is dirty keeping in mind it is green already to start with.

Tranny service at 84k? Was there a need other than the dealer suggesting?

84k is not unreasonable for a tranny flush

[gilboman]

My last coolant flush was on October 12, 2006 at 53228kms... My car is currently at 84000kms... Should I get a flush now? or can I delay it till 2007 summer? I just had my tranny service yesterday and costly me a fortune~

you drove 30,000+k in one day:confused: :cheesygri

[TrEvOrLiCioUs]

How much did the tranny flush cost you?
You should shop around more.

Good job, actually maintaining your car!!

Many people dont do maintainance and when their tranny/waterpump/ps pump goes they wonder why.

[TrEvOrLiCioUs]

Leave it until 2007 at least or 2008 or later unless it is dirty keeping in mind it is green already to start with.

Tranny service at 84k? Was there a need other than the dealer suggesting?

Look at the recommanded service interval here.
http://www.atchleyford.com/maintain.htm

Its actually 60,000 miles on most fords. Which is a little before the kms needed, but its always good to be safe than sorry. The fluid could have been dirty already.

[bembol]

Tranny Flush depends how you drive your ride. I DIY and do it every 50k/km the first 4 years owning my '02 Acura RSX...now with over 145k/km, I do it every 25k/km...Honda ATF is only $35

How much did it cost you? If money is an issue, I think it can wait...other wise it doesn't hurt to change it early.



you drove 30,000+k in one day:confused: :cheesygri

I've done it! LOL ;)

[bembol]

How much did the tranny flush cost you?
You should shop around more.

Good job, actually maintaining your car!!

Many people dont do maintainance and when their tranny/waterpump/ps pump goes they wonder why.

I don't even want to think what would've happened to my Tranny if I followed the Maintenance Schedule? :scary:

[sunnybono]

Tranny Flush depends how you drive your ride. I DIY and do it every 50k/km the first 4 years owning my '02 Acura RSX...now with over 145k/km, I do it every 25k/km...Honda ATF is only $35

How much did it cost you? If money is an issue, I think it can wait...other wise it doesn't hurt to change it early.





I've done it! LOL ;)


I change the tranny fluid in all of my cars (honda, Toyota & Mazda) atleast 2x per year (or approx every 15k kms). The cost of $35 per flush, is a lot cheaper than having to replace one.

sk

[sshe11]

tranny flush twice a year is definately an overkill unless u drive a LOT .... for manuals you can go longer .... every car has a different maintainance schedule, just follow that ....

neways going back to the coolant, once every 40,000 kms or 2 yrs should be fine .... again depends on the car ...

[2000fordfocus]

oops... I mean 2004, not 2006... 30000km per day... not sure even a flighter jet can do that in 24hrs... or maybe~ LoL

It cost me $150cad tax in to do the ATX servince.... is worth it since there is no way I am doing it myself~

I take good care of my car, but I try to spend as little as possible ;)

so back to the topic, my coolant has been used for 2years now, do i really need a flush?

I haven't perform a power steeling flush yet...

Man, once a car goes into its fifth or sixth year of operation, maintence cost really kills~

[TrevorK]

so back to the topic, my coolant has been used for 2years now, do i really need a flush?


Does your coolant need a flush after 2 years? No, not at all.

Would the dealer recommend it? Yes



Many cars never received a coolant flush throughout their lifetime. The closest they come is when the rad/hose bursts and fresh coolant is put into it to replace what spilled..

It's nice to see that you're trying to maintain the car according to it's maintenance schedule - definetely a rarity. I don't want to deter you one bit, but I highly doubt that things, such as a coolant/power steering flush, are going to make your Focus (or any other car) last longer. If you don't believe me, take a look at the thousands of cars from the 80's/90's still on the road. How many do you think flush the power steering fluid? Coolant? Brake fluid? Probably only a small percentage.

[ken_ll]

Look at the recommanded service interval here.
http://www.atchleyford.com/maintain.htm

Its actually 60,000 miles on most fords. Which is a little before the kms needed, but its always good to be safe than sorry. The fluid could have been dirty already.
Thanks for the link. Using this link, and for a 2000 Ford Focus (if this is the vehicle) 2lt auto trans under normal conditions, Ford the manufacturer recommends fluid replacement at 150k appx. 90,000 miles.
The dealer invariably will always recommend a shorter frequency, they're in the business of servicing vehicles. If you are spending the money for fluid change, go for the power flush and complete the job.

[eelfliw]

There's a big difference between :

Your car's required maintenance as specified by the manufacturer,
What you THINK your car requires, and,
What your dealer/garage recommends your car needs.

My car's manual recommends oil change every 16,000KM under normal conditions. I think my car needs oil change every 10,000KM. The garage thinks I need to change oil every 5,000KM.

Weigh your costs & benefits. Do whatever makes you comfortable (wallet and peace of mind wise). Just don't go over what the manufacturer recommend.

As for coolant, if you have long life coolant, then 5 yrs/160,000KM is the interval. Check your car owner's manual.

[JAGpilot]

My mom's car (2000 Accord) had the coolant done once in 56K I believe it was 2-3 years ago. It still is bright floresent green. Still good right?

[sshe11]

My mom's car (2000 Accord) had the coolant done once in 56K I believe it was 2-3 years ago. It still is bright floresent green. Still good right?

again depends how much mileage right now ?? have you checked the level ?? it should not be below Low on the coolant tank ...

[JAGpilot]

The car has 56K on it now. The coolant is slightly low, but clean. When she takes it for an oil change she will have them top it up. I only saw it was low a week ago and she doesnt drive too much so I am not worried about it. The engine temp is fine as well. The thing is, I might have a chance to take her car if she buys a new one so I want to make sure its a decent running vehicle.

[sshe11]

The car has 56K on it now. The coolant is slightly low, but clean. When she takes it for an oil change she will have them top it up. I only saw it was low a week ago and she doesnt drive too much so I am not worried about it. The engine temp is fine as well. The thing is, I might have a chance to take her car if she buys a new one so I want to make sure its a decent running vehicle.

ok in that case you should get a coolant flush done every 3 years or 40,000 kms ....