Jeep Patriot Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Who changes their own anti freeze?

Jump to Latest
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
#2 ·
Years ago I did, but not any more. I worry to much about my pets to have to think about spilling some, or whatever. I've seen a dog die from that, it's chilling.

So have not done it for the Patriot myself, sorry.
 
#3 · (Edited)
I change the coolant in all my vehicles, which includes my car and numerous pieces of ag. equipment at work.

Today's coolants are so improved over the old high silicate coolants of 20+ years ago that maintaining coolant is a breeze. If you keep up with your coolant and don't have engine problems (leaking gaskets), gone are the days of having to flush gunk out of the system.

On several forums I visit, many people choose to just do a radiator drain and fill more often, rather than going the full service interval and then doing a complete exchange. A radiator drain and fill changes about 1/2 of the coolant and keeps the chemistry fresh. Draining and refilling the radiator should take less than 30 minutes.

If you have a neglected system or one with other problems, then a more thorough flush is recommended.

So, somewhere between about 50% and 75% of the recommended service interval, I drain the radiator and refill it with 50/50 mix of the CORRECT fluid.

I personally believe in using what's in the radiator from the factory (OEM or correct aftermarket fluid) and not using universal fluids like Prestone. You really don't want to mix coolant chemistry. KISS....Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Both Ford and Chrysler have recently (past year or two) switched from G05 coolant to OAT coolants. Chrysler claims its OAT chemistry is different than Dexcool (no 2- EHA).

Here's a good primer on coolants, but it is quite dated (2010) and much has changed: http://www.motor.com/article.asp?article_ID=1655

Here's the Chrysler OAT coolant announcement: http://www.sae.org/mags/aei/mater/11284
 
#4 ·
I used to change it myself but like most maintenance I find it easier now to just pay the dealer to do it( using my parts ). No mess to clean up and no old fluid to deal with. Cost at the dealer to do it is minimal and well worth it to me.

Dixiedawg is also correct that you have to be careful changing AF if there are pets around. Do a thorough cleanup.
 
#6 · (Edited)
I see that the handbook for my '08 suggests changing the coolant at 102,000 miles. Seems like a long time interval. Think I'll have my local service guy check it out. And, where I live, you can NOT discharge antifreeze in the storm drains, which is what most folks do, just pull the plug(s) and hose down the driveway afterwards.

Has anyone had a problem with their engine coolant prior to the recommended change?
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#7 ·
I was planning to get mine flushed and refilled by the dealer this summer. I used to do my own on my XJ, but don't want the hassle with Patriot and the old coolant.
So, mine is an 09 which is using the G-05 stuff. Is the dealer going to replace it with their "new" OAT stuff, and if so, is there going to be any negative effect on the water pump, radiator, gaskets, seals, etc?
 
#9 ·
zettler said:
Great follow up and advice. Thank you.

I did go by Auto Zone and they said he one Prestone will work but now I am not sure...
Click to expand...
Beware the advice of parts stores counter jockies. Prestone is OAT coolant very similar to Dexcool.

IF you do a complete flush of the old coolant, you might be able to use Prestone. But, it contains 2-EHA, one of the chemicals thought to have decomposed the gaskets in the GM lower intake manifold leak debacle.

Why take risks to save literally $5 dollars on an expensive vehicle when the factory type coolant can be had with little effort. G-05 coolants are available as Zerex G-05 (Car Quest and many others) and also as Ford Gold coolant. They are all the same as the MOPAR G-05.

I don't know if Chrysler has back spec'ed their new OAT coolant. Even so, a complete flush would have to be done before installing the new stuff. Their chemistries are not compatible.
Image
Image
 
#10 ·
The Prestone Extended Life AF, even though a multi application product, does in fact work just fine with Chrysler vehicles needing the G05 stuff. Have used it myself. The Zerex G05 stuff is good too.
 
#11 ·
I recently changed the fluid and it was a pain in the a^^. I had to take the front end off to get to the drain plug on the lower right side of the radiator. It is literally on the side of the radiator. Got the fluid from Napa in a pre 50/50 mix.

David
 
#13 ·
If I recall correctly, the lower radiator hose is halfway down on the radiator, so you wouldn't be draining much of the old antifreeze, at least not what's in the lower half. I felt I was better off taking the front end off.

David
 
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
About this Discussion
12 Replies
8 Participants
Last post:
DavidAl
Jeep Patriot Forums
posts
678K
members
55K
Since
2006
Join our community to discuss the Jeep Patriot & Jeep Compass. Find answers to all your Jeep Patriot technical questions.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Jeep Patriot General Discussion Engine and Drivetrain Newbie Check-In Suspension and Tires Electrical and Audio