Lifetime coolant?

[oc-boxster]

I have no proof either way weather my 2002 boxster has had the coolant changed during its life. I recently changed my water pump and thermostat, I asked about changing out the coolant but I was told it was "lifetime" and not required. Is this true? I have no temp issues, should I change it? Car has 93,000 miles.

[JFP in PA]

Yes. I don't know where the "life time" coolant claims come from, but all coolants show degradation over time, Porsche's included. We normally suggest coolant changes at 5 years or whenever the coolant tests poorly (cloudy, pH swings, freeze point changes, etc.).

[oc-boxster]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Yes. I don't know where the "life time" coolant claims come from, but all coolants show degradation over time, Porsche's included. We normally suggest coolant changes at 5 years or whenever the coolant tests poorly (cloudy, pH swings, freeze point changes, etc.).

Thanks JFP-you are always a big help on this forum.

[recycledsixtie]

If you spend that kind of money changing the water pump etc if it was me I would be changing the coolant. I had my indy shop change mine a year ago. I have no idea when it was last changed as I am the third owner.Porsche recommends long intervals between oil changes and lifetime coolant. Wayne Dempsey in his book 101
Projects if I remember right says that eventually the coolant will react with the metal
in the passage ways. Cheap insurance. Why cheap out when you have a $60k car(originally that is).And I got Porsche coolant too.

[kjc2050]

I just changed mine - car has only 27K miles - but is 13 years old. While I was doing that, I figured I'd replace the water pump and thermostat. (Relatively) cheap insurance... and I just didn't trust 13 year old coolant.

[TripleTrophy]

We make coolant at work and long life is 6 years. I wouldn't go any further than that. Age will get it as well as miles.