need to refill coolant at 30,000 miles . is this normal?

 

Do you mean top it off because it is low? Or it was extremely low? Or that you need to flush it and refill (maintenance)?

The service manual recommends changing coolant every 30K miles.

 

i have the same questions as above ^

 

If it is VERY low you may have a problem. Adding a bit at 30,000 miles is nothing. I'm surprised you haven't needed some before that. It's an easy thing to swap and so you might consider a sooner interval than 30k. Keeping it fresh will keep it cool, clean and effective.

 

If just topping off, this is normal... remember coolant is 50% water and 50% coolant. Some of the water mixture will exaporate overtime. Normally from winter to summer or summer to winter some coolant is lost due to temperature changes.

Interval is a differnet story. 30k is low in my books (unless its not a long life coolant/antifreeze mix). Long life coolants are normally good for 3-4 years or 50, 000 miles. Id personally check the PH level of the coolant first and go from their

From the time the coolant is introduced into any type of engine it starts a gradual degradation process into corrosive acids. This degradation is a function of time, temperature and the types of metals used in the engine and components construction. Once the coolant turns acidic all engine metals start to dissolve. The results are leaking water pumps, heater cores and radiators.

Just a piece of mind to remember

 

Much agree, replacing it every year is a great idea to ensure optimun cooling performace!!. As mentioned, its a rather cheap replacement and protects from corrosion. Also remember when mixing coolant to mix with distilled water to ensure no minerals enter the coolant system and cause deposites

 

thanks guys!!