Antifreeze life

I have a 2009 Skoda Fabia that has been serviced by the local dealer since new. I read an article in CM that said VAG antifreeze only lasted five years. I checked my Fabia service schedule and could not see that the antifreeze had ever been changed.

I then emailed Skoda and received a phone call from the local dealer saying that the antifreeze is checked at each service and there is no need to change it if it tests okay. Who is right?

John Fisher

According to our research, the OAT (Organic Acid Technology) G12/13 coolant has a life of three to five years. Although the vehicle manufacturer may state a longer life, the coolant manufacturers do not.

The coolant needs to be tested at every service to ensure its corrosioninhibiting qualities and resistance to freezing are maintained. As well as checking the temperature that the liquid may begin to solidify, the coolant should also be tested on a ph scale to measure the acidity or alkalinity of the solution. The coolant should have a ph level that errs on the neutral side of alkalinity to neutralise any acids, but is not too high as to attack aluminium in the engine.

The constant heating and cooling of the system along with the chemical reactions from the different metals within the engine will gradually deteriorate the coolant, Although the qualities to resist freezing may be maintained for up to 10 years, the properties to prevent corrosion within the system will not.