Change of Antifreeze - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

bretskyg · 08-20-2010, 02:25 PM

I have a 2002 Boxster with the original antifreeze. Porsche says that the anti freeze never has to be changed. Any thoughts?

tnoice · 08-20-2010, 03:13 PM

This could be a heated topic, but most good mechanics and "experts" state that you should change it out every 4 to 5 years. EVEN if Porsche states that it is lifetime.

Just make sure you get the correct antifreeze (preferrably from Porsche) and same color.

JFP in PA · 08-20-2010, 03:15 PM

You can test it for clarity, freeze temperature, and pH if you are not inclined to change it. If it passes (and I've seen older stuff than that pass), you should still be OK. On the other hand, if it does not pass, or you are concerned, change it to the newer OEM stuff (formulation changed along with a color change from green to a sort of pink around 2003-2004) mixed with equal parts of distilled water (do not use tap water) and you will be good to go for at least another 8 years or so. A good DIY project, Pedro has a easy to follow procedure on his website.......

JFP in PA · 08-20-2010, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnoice

Just make sure you get the correct antifreeze (preferrably from Porsche) and same color.

The older stuff (green color) and the newer stuff (pink) are completely compatible....

clickman · 08-21-2010, 11:00 AM

Green + pink = brown

Oh no, instant intermix problem

gschotland · 08-21-2010, 08:44 PM

Changed the antifreeze in my '02S for the first time last year, six months after I bought the car. Didn't look too bad - until I removed it all. Then I was so glad I made the decision to replace it.

So, yes, change it asap. Stick with the Porsche product (and don't forget the distilled water). Yes, it's a little pricey, but you're not using that much and not changing it that often. Is it worth trying to "save" $30-$40 by buying non-Porsche product? Many people in this forum say yes. To me, taking a chance on a non-OEM product is false economy, in this instance.

Save the money elsewhere, like shopping hard for pricey parts, but from known sources. You'll have plenty of parts to buy. Dig in, push the envelope on your wrenching ability (not hard for me to do) and do as much work on your car yourself as you can. These are the ways I keep my R&M costs manageable.