Antifreeze change and acid level (pH) of fluid

[IXLR8]

Hi--

I have read that the anti-freeze should be changed every few years, but I have also read that the anti-freeze characteristics are pretty stable.

What necessitates the fluid change is the increasing acidity of the fluid over time. In other words, the bi-annual change rule is driven by corrosion concerns, not by the anti-freeze being ineffective.

I just now tested my anti-freeze with litmus paper and found it has a pH of 9; that is, well below the neutral level of seven and the start of the acid level of six.

Should I change the anti-freeze anyway, or just continue to monitor it for acidity?


The other Joe

PS, 80 litmus strips for 99 cents on eBay, free shipping!

[mdsalemi]

Other Joe,

Do you know what kind of anti-freeze you have in your car now?  The pH makes more sense when compared to the factory specification for the formulation, and changing according to the product specifications.