Radiator flush time?

[Craftmatic]

It's oil change time for the wife's 2008 RAV 4 Sport 4 banger which just turned 19,000 miles. (thats right 19K). Got to thinking maybe it's time for a radiator flush and fill also.... Any thoughts yeah, or nay????????

[redrogodbz]

Factory coolant lasts for 100k

[ravenuer]

Originally Posted by Craftmatic

It's oil change time for the wife's 2008 RAV 4 Sport 4 banger which just turned 19,000 miles. (thats right 19K). Got to thinking maybe it's time for a radiator flush and fill also.... Any thoughts yeah, or nay????????

You certainly don't have many miles on the coolant, but, assuming it's original, it's almost 5 years old, so I would definitely do a drain-and-refill. IMO, never do a flush. Almost everything I've read about it is negative. The gunk and assorted stuff that would be loosened might not all get flushed out and could wind up in bad places. Or something like that. Anyway, I'm a firm believer in coolant and transmission fluid changes every 3 years or so. My 96 Maxima that I bought new and now has 260K on it with nary a problem is proof enough for me!

[vanib]

The pink coolant is not sold in concentrated form. Otherwise I would drain and refill 5 or 6 times until clear water comes out.

Since this is not an option, you will have to buy diluted coolant from dealer. It is not too cheap if you ask me.

I would start doing a drain and refill once at 80 K and another time at 90K and if you're up to it one last time at 100K. You will never be able to refresh all the coolant his way ( since half of it is not in the radiator) but at least if it will be fresh.

I believe the dealer only does flushes. Ask and see how much they charge for this service. I believe that 19K is way too soon. I won't even touch it until 80K, which ever way you go.

[RTexasF]

Why not just have the antifreeze tested? We also drive little so going by miles instead of time is pretty stupid....both of our 2008 models have less miles than yours. In fact her's is under 10K miles! If it needs replacing then do so but there are ways to check it first. No reason to spend if it's just not needed.

[Craftmatic]

Yes we've owned it since new. The antifreeze is still nice and pink and full. I tested it myself and still reads -37 degrees F. Guess it's hard to get over the old notion of changing often.. as with my many cars since the 1970's.
Thanks

[djb383]

Is there any way to check/test how well the corrosion protection level is holding up?

[Jhoey30]

Hey guys,it's my first car and have a question about coolant,I have an 2008 rav4 sport which i just bought this year 2012 and the coolant is pink, I know it's the Toyota Long Life coolant but if its low can I just add the regular green coolant? Or I need to keep using the pink stuff,or do I need to get a radiator flush before start using the green coolant stuff? Hope someone can help me,thanks guys

[JuneBug]

Originally Posted by Jhoey30

Hey guys,it's my first car and have a question about coolant,I have an 2008 rav4 sport which i just bought this year 2012 and the coolant is pink, I know it's the Toyota Long Life coolant but if its low can I just add the regular green coolant? Or I need to keep using the pink stuff,or do I need to get a radiator flush before start using the green coolant stuff? Hope someone can help me,thanks guys

My 2008 was a little low and I bit the bullet and got the Toyota SLLC pink from the dealership. I figure since it's still under the extended warranty I'd better go with the factory coolant. Somehow mixing the green and pink stuff doesn't sit right with me. The coolant reservoir on mine has the level at LOW when cold and HIGH when hot.

[vanib]

Originally Posted by Jhoey30

Hey guys,it's my first car and have a question about coolant,I have an 2008 rav4 sport which i just bought this year 2012 and the coolant is pink, I know it's the Toyota Long Life coolant but if its low can I just add the regular green coolant? Or I need to keep using the pink stuff,or do I need to get a radiator flush before start using the green coolant stuff? Hope someone can help me,thanks guys

The right level for your COLD coolant is somewhere in between the middle of the reservoir and LOW. Filling it until HIGH will make it overflow/over-pressurize when hot.