Should I reuse coolant or replace it?

[Barn Owl]

FWIW........At UPS the coolant stays with the vehicle from factory till shredder. If it is drained due to work preformed it is run through a crude filter and pumped back into the cooling system. From what I am told it's the additives that go bad not the glycol. The coolant is tested with the kits like BK mentioned and the additive replenished if needed.


.........Most antifreeze is 95% ethylene glycol (EG). The only differences between brands of antifreeze are the type and/or quantity of anti-corrosion additives used. Ethylene glycol never wears out but the corrosion inhibitors do...........

http://autorepair.about.com/library/glossary/bldef-033.htm


Another important function of the additive that is often not mentioned is its anti-foaming properties. I have personal experience with old antifreeze that would work itself into a frothy, foamy overheating mess. It took some extended road time at highway speeds for it to happen but sure can. The foam would pour out of the overflow. After changing the antifreeze (two different cars) the problem disappeared.

Don't dump your old antifreeze; just keep the additive level correct. The environment and your wallet will thank you.

[belfert]

I am planning to reuse my coolant.  I didn't get the coolant dumped this weekend due to all the rain here.

I choose to use an ordinary coolant fiilter and not one with SCAs.  The filter could add too much SCA to the system.  I will just test once a year and add SCAs as necessary.