Advice for changing radiator fluid

[DraykenK]

I have a 2006 LJ. No problems, but I was changing headlights, and noticed the radiator fluid is at the ADD level. Well below full. It is orange in color. I've been wanting to change it, but do NOT have time to do it the most recommended way. I am worried to add fluid, since I am pretty sure I read that we shouldn't mix different types, and I have no idea what type is currently in there, from previous own. I have a quick lube shop, that uses a machine and forces out the old, then replaces with new. They said this will change out all of it, including what's in the heater core. (I think that's what I remember they said). Would it be ok to just have them do it? Yes, I know it would be better to change the thermostat, use distilled water, and all that, but like I said, no time right now. I was gonna wait, but now that it shows low, I rather not wait.

 

[Chris]

I know what machines you're talking about, and that should do the trick. The key is flushing enough coolant through it to get all the old stuff out of there. It's the same thing with the distilled water. I always dump at least a gallon of distilled water through the system when I am flushing it, to make sure I get anything else out of there.

So if they circulate a gallon or more of fresh coolant through there, it will be fine.

 

[DraykenK]

Does it really matter what coolant they use? Again, I know there was a specific kind many people recommend for our TJ, and I'm sure they prolly use just a standard kind. I could always flush and change out in a year, for the good stuff.

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[Chris]

Realistically speaking you can use any coolant you want and it will be just fine.

I guess if you want to be really "by the book", in my opinion you should be using HOAT coolant in your Jeep Wrangler TJ. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) is a combination of IAT and OAT. Several manufacturers are using HOAT for their vehicles. One version is dyed orange and contains 10% recycled antifreeze. Another version is dyed yellow and does not contain any recycled antifreeze. Both of these HOAT antifreezes use the marketing designator of GO-5. They are compatible with each other but mixing them with IAT or OAT is not recommended. The normal HOAT antifreeze service life is 5 years or 150,000 miles (250,000 km).

A perfect example of a good HOAT coolant for use in your Jeep Wrangler TJ is the OE Mopar coolant. It may be a little pricier, but it's generally going to last longer and be better for your cooling system.

But don't sweat it, if you need the coolant changed, any coolant will work as long as you're not mixing multiple different kinds / brands.

 

[DraykenK]

Cool thx. And yep, that's the stuff I read up on. I'll just make sure to ask and write down what kind they use, incase I ever need to top off. Thx for ur help.

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[Chris]

No problem!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

To top it off when you don't know what coolant is in there, add plain distilled water. You can buy distilled water by the gallon from the grocery store. Not all coolants are compatible with each other, mixing the wrong coolants together could form a sludge.

A very good quality and popular HOAT coolant is Zerex G-05 which you can find in better auto parts stores like NAPA. Stores like Autozone don't carry anything that good.

 

[DraykenK]

Ok, thx. Ya, I've had that Zerex on my amazon wish list for a LONG time. Damn, I'm the worst procrastinator in the world!

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[Jerry Bransford]

Ok, thx. Ya, I've had that Zerex on my amazon wish list for a LONG time. Damn, I'm the worst procrastinator in the world!

Make sure to buy it in its concentrate form, not pre-mixed. Add your own distilled water to mix it to the correct 50:50 ratio. Never use plain tap water in a radiator except in an emergency.