Anti freeze life?

[Paul99]

I always change my (blue) anti freeze every 2 years just in case. This time I have used the official Mercedes Benz anti freeze (also Blue)  Some suggest this will last longer than the 2 or so years.  Any thoughts as to how long between changes using the official MB antifreeze?

[Jonny B]

I also use the MB blue antifreeze. I use a three year cycle for the flush.

I have not done a pH check on the antifreeze that I have drained out however.

[Pawel66]

Our Maintenance Manual says every 2 years.

I think this may be an overkill, but I also do it every 2 years - a bit for the fun of it.

[wwheeler]

I usually do 2 or 3 years with G05 which is overkill. But I have repaired corrosion from previous owner's wrong and old coolant and I never want to do that again. I use something like this every 6 months and makes me feel better. https://www.amazon.com/WIX-Filters-24106-Coolant-Test/dp/B0016O9LUE/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=coolant+test+strips&qid=1648657417&sr=8-3

[Benz Dr.]

I use a test strip designed for checking coolant. Comparing MB coolant to the green stuff, I only found one noticeable difference. MB coolant had a much better additive package for maintaining PH levels.  Other than that, I didn't see any other major differences.

[roymil]

Hi, can you give some info about the antifreeze test strips you use?   Are they just PH strips or something more specific just for antifreeze?   I assume best is to be PH neutral "7" ?

[wwheeler]

You would want the strips to be specific for coolant and most will have a comparison chart on the side. Not sure if they work with ALL coolants including the newer long life coolants. It should test coolant strength (freeze level) and then Ph. I am sure a Ph of "7" is ideal. I use distilled water because we have very alkaline and hard water in Dallas. Distilled water is cheap and is perfect for coolant with no guessing.

[Benz Dr.]

Hi, can you give some info about the antifreeze test strips you use?   Are they just PH strips or something more specific just for antifreeze?   I assume best is to be PH neutral "7" ?

From memory:

coolant strength  ( 50% + / - )
freeze protection  ( - 40 degrees )
PH level
alkalinity package level  ( MB was the best )

It was about $1.00 per test strip when I last bought a kit. Some kits only have the first three tests while the better ones have four.