Seems coolant comes up deep in the maintenance minder schedule, and could be years out, but what have others done here? Is there value to doing this earlier? note I'm looking to keep this for at least another decade. Thanks!

 

If you're looking to keep the car for at least another decade......


We've had our RDX since July, but in everything I have owned I flush the coolant (flush and fill) annually. I don't know how hard it is to do in the RDX (guessing not hard), but it usually takes a gallon or less (i.e. $10 or so) and I see that to be a lot cheaper than replacing parts in the future. I think clean oil and coolant are essentially life extenders for the car. Just what I do. Up to you as to what you do.

 

Honda coolant type 2 is good for 5yrs or 60k. There is no harm to change it more frequently, but I wouldnt go over that or use a non-Honda branded coolant.

 

I would say every 3 years or half the mileage of when you expect to change the timing belt (because at that time, you may want to change water pump also which will need to change coolant). For Honda engines, it's better not use 3rd party coolant, same applies to ATF.

 

Good advice from the other members. I would add that it is super important to only use the Honda OEM coolant. It is perfectly pre-mixed and I've seen the coolant look almost as new as the day it was installed after 3 years. Doesn't hurt to change it often, but you are just wasting money and really not getting any benefit. Honda engines are know for their exceptionally cool running engines. I have had 6 Acuras and 3 Honda's over a 30 year period and not one has ever overheated. Heck we have only changed the coolant on our Acura MDX three times in 11 years (135,000 miles) and never had anything close to a coolant leak, radiator issue, or even a thermostat wear out.

 

after the first change I would not go another 5 years. Personally I do mine every 3 years or 45K miles...