Reuse recently changed coolant? Yes, No?

**shiro1745** · 02-13-2012 07:23 PM

I'm going to change my timing belt soon these coming weeks and I was wondering if I could reuse the coolant is in now, it was changed I think around 3-4 months ago.

**fly300kts** · 02-13-2012 07:23 PM

Most of the time, included in the TB Kit so no brainer, replace it

phil

**walky_talky20** · 02-13-2012 07:41 PM

If you're getting new stuff included, sure - just replace it. But you can certainly reuse the existing coolant. Nothing wrong with that at all. The only issue is contaminants. Basically specs of dirt or whatever that may fall into your drain pan as you are draining the coolant. Or perhaps, dirt that the coolant brings with it as it waterfalls past some dirty engine surfaces, etc. What I usually do is "strain" the coolant by placing a shop rag over a funnel as I transfer the coolant from the drain pan into a bottle. Pouring the coolant through the rag catches any little specs that fall into it to make sure it's nice and clean when you put it back in. Works great. G12 is very high quality stuff, and as such is very expensive as far as coolant goes. Replacing it every time you drain it every time you drain it would be silly. Replacing it once every t-belt interval? Not so silly.

**DRAKLORE** · 02-13-2012 07:52 PM

Nothing magical or detrimental is going to happen to it while it's out, just use a clean pale and the rag filter is a good idea!

Also you may consider seeing if the strainer for the washer tank fits in the coolant opening.. Because that would work as well.

EDIT: where's the best place to get G12?

**A4_Ti** · 02-13-2012 08:01 PM

It's worth the piece of mind knowing you've got some fresh in there, not worrying about junk and contaminants and what not

**doublezero30** · 02-13-2012 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by A4_Ti

It's worth the piece of mind knowing you've got some fresh in there, not worrying about junk and contaminants and what not

this. its only $20/gallon. then you cut it 50/50 so you really get 2 gallons. dont be cheap, be smart.

**shiro1745** · 02-13-2012 08:15 PM

You guys are right, I haven't thought about contaminants, I'll just replace it.
I spent much more money for the piece of mind on this car, I'm not trying to save here, I just didn't see why I should replace it, now I got it and it makes perfect sense.

Thank you for the quick answers!

**pkny** · 02-13-2012 08:20 PM

If you are going to reuse your coolant at least strain it through a paint strainer to remove any of the debris that might have fallen into the coolant.
I can see why you want to reuse your coolant since my local dealer sells it for $50/gallon. Then $30/gallon if i sent me female coworker in to get it. Unbelievable.....................

**Sprode** · 02-13-2012 09:09 PM

I use autozone coolant mixed with distilled water.

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**Inked** · 02-14-2012 04:00 AM

Originally Posted by Sprode

I use autozone coolant mixed with distilled water.

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Yikes! Says on cap g12 only!!

**Sprode** · 02-14-2012 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by Inked

Yikes! Says on cap g12 only!!

Says that because you aren't supposed to mix g12 with some older coolants. If you have done a flush, you can save yourself a lot of money over the course of the life of the car. You can run pure distilled in the summer if you want. You guys in FL could prolly get away with 20% coolant year round.

**chrislane31** · 02-14-2012 07:50 AM

$20/ Gallon at the dealer for G12

**jmarch1122** · 02-14-2012 08:08 AM

a gallon was like 26 from my dealer. I don't know why everything I buy there is like 25% more than what people on AZ say they pay.

**pkny** · 02-14-2012 10:12 AM

Prices at Audi of silver springs is about 100% more then what people here quote.

**Charles.waite** · 02-14-2012 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by pkny

Prices at Audi of silver springs is about 100% more then what people here quote.

Same in Seattle. Its because there are a TON of Audis around here and people don't know better.

**A4-Wookie** · 02-14-2012 10:22 AM

Go buy a Honda now!

lol

....... Don't be cheap!!

**Charles.waite** · 02-14-2012 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by A4-Wookie

Go buy a Honda now!

lol

....... Don't be cheap!!

In all fairness guys, if the coolant if only 3 months old why NOT reuse it. Its not being cheap, its just NOT being wasteful.

Coolant generally has a service life of a couple years. Wny NOT just strain it and re-use it?

I was going to re-use my coolant after a Thermostat change (still havent done it) assuming it was looking somewhat clean. I got lambasted for being "cheap". I have 2 gallons of G12 in my shed, just don't see why I should throw away perfectly good coolant. Just because its cheap...