|
|
|
Bob,
I feel as a woman, I get the "runaround" regarding facts when it comes to car maintenance. I keep my '86 Honda in good repair. It has 48,880 original miles. I had a new AC system and new mufflers/shocks put in this summer. The brakes were all redone two years ago. And I change the oil about every 4-6 months as I don't drive much.
Do I need to change the antifreeze? The radiator has antifreeze in it. It is green, but it looks somewhat dirty. I would like to wait until next year if possible. I can't find my records on when I did the last change of course. I park in a carport but live in Kansas City where winters can be extreme. Can I just add some antifreeze? Do I have to pay to have the radiator flushed, drained, etc?
Gerri G.
Gerri,
There is a test that can be done to see how good your anti freeze is. It is a simple little tool that looks like a turkey baster with some balls floating in it. You take a sample of room temperature antifreeze (up to the fill mark on the baster) and look at the floating balls. This will tell you how good or bad your coolant is operating (based on specific gravity and other chemical properties). From there, you can make a determination if you need it now or if it can wait till spring. However, if you think it might have been 3 years since the last change, then in order to be safe, I would have it done now.
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man
If you have a question for Bob send it to: AskBob@stretcher.com. He's able to answer many of them personally and we'll include the best questions in future issues of The Dollar Stretcher.
Take the Next Step
Sign up for our free weekly eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times.
Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!
To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.
Each month one TDS reader will win $100 just for telling us your favorite time or money saving idea. It could be you!
Click here to share your idea.
Recent winners are:
- Michelle from NC
- Matt from CO
- Joan from CT
- Joanne in New York
|
Money problems? Struggling with credit card debt? What you need to know about bankruptcy? Trouble repaying student loans?
|
Copyright 1996 - 2012 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
Voice 941-761-7805
Fax 941-761-8301
"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
| About Us | Privacy Policy | Writer's Guidelines | Sponsorship | Media | Contact Us |
Dollar Stretcher Community
Forums
Blogs
Also In This Week's Issue
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Reader Favorites
Newsletters
Email
Print
Contact Editor
RSS Feed
Share
Leave a Comment
