Does antifreeze go bad?

[my95mark8]

Someone gave me a full bottle of antifreeze, still has the foil seal on it. I have no idea how old it is. Could be 10 years, could be older. Don't know if i should just throw it away.

 

[JMiles_T]

I've seen manufacturers give antifreeze shelf lives up to 8 years as long as it hasn't been opened or diluted with water.

 

[bufordtpisser]

Test it.

Only way to tell is to test it with a hydrometer. I have seen cars with sacrificial anodes in the radiator have good antifreeze after 15 years of continuous use.

 

[JC1994]

Usually the additive package goes away first. I dont think the glycol goes bad.

 

[MarkVIII93]

Im not sure under what circumstances, but it turns acidic sometimes.

 

[94m5]

Yup, any vehicle I have seen with an annode, has PERFECT coolant after years of service. unused tho, I would give 4-5 years and no more.


it's too cheap to go out and get a new bottle.

 

[my95mark8]

I'm going to get rid of it.