I have two 2017 RDXs; each is now over 6 years old. Mine has 60K miles, the spouse's has 35K miles. Should I really wait until the ~105K mile timing belt replacement to replace the coolant in these cars? The cars may be well over 10 years old by that point. For that matter, should I wait that long to do the timing belt?

Thanks for your help!

 

The timing belt replacement is recommended at 7 years/105k miles, whichever comes first. In your case it will be time rather than mileage. The coolant should honestly be perfectly fine until you do the timing belt. It's one of those things where if you neglect having the timing belt done then it could snap and destroy the engine, albeit very unlikely.

 

My wife's 2017 RDX has similar mileages as your wife's. I am also thinking about a drain and refill for the coolant. I have replaced the timing belt in our 06 Sienna twice. first time at 110k miles/ 8yrs, second time at 230k miles/9yrs (90k/7yr on the manual). The timing belt looks very good in both time. In terms of timing belt, I think it might be good for 10years / 100k miles.

 

Coolant does eventually get more acidic over time which will lead to potential corrosion in your system. But.. i also just did the TB/WP on a '09 this past weekend with 125K miles...

 

The coolant is scheduled to last 10 yr/120k miles. It's code nuumber 5 on the maintenance schedule. Typically the coolant is changed when you change the timing belt (7 year/105k miles).

There is no need to change the coolant at your mileage. It will not make your RDX last longer or run better. But if it helps you sleep better.....change it.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for everyone's inputs. I am not finding anything in the 2017 owners manual about the timing belt needing to be changed at 7 years; it just say use the maintenance minder or go by mileage (60K) if used in extreme temperature conditions (note 5 on page 349). I guess I can sit tight for now and worry about it in 2024.

Frank