Forum Discussion

Monkeyman_and_L's avatar
Dec 13, 2020

Antifreeze no longer pink

I'm about to winterize my rig. I go to two of the gallons of antifreeze I've had since last last year. Unopened, but the pink colour is gone.

Is this stuff still okay to use?
  • DrewE wrote:
    The dye color can fade, but so long as the bottle is sealed, there's no way for the antifreezing components (ethanol and/or PEG) to escape. I wouldn't have any qualms about using year-old discolored antifreeze, assuming of course it doesn't seem like there's something slimy growing in it or it's otherwise obviously bad and not merely faded.


    I have a year-old bottle of RV antifreeze and its color didn't fade, so I don't think I'd use a bottle if it did fade given the expensive consequences if it doesn't work as expected.
  • Tom_M wrote:
    Put some in your freezer and see what happens. RV antifreeze can freeze but will not expand. It will likely turn to slush.
    Why guess. This test will tell you all you need to know. I keep RV antifreeze from year to year and never saw it fade, but a simple test is better and cheaper that replacing something that probably is still good.

    Dave
  • I am with everyone that said buy new, not worth the risk for what it costs. I am curious though because I winterized my MH a year ago and haven't used it. I hope the antifreeze is still good!
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I recall a thread oh. perhaps 12-15 years ago somneone asking if he could use ENGINE type antifreeze instead (NO by the way)

    I ask why At the time Engine stuff was like 8.00/gallon
    Pink stuff on sale at ACE. hardware 1.00/gallon
  • Monkeyman_and_Lady wrote:
    I'm about to winterize my rig. I go to two of the gallons of antifreeze I've had since last last year. Unopened, but the pink colour is gone.

    Is this stuff still okay to use?

    If it's a Chemworld product they don't usually add the pink color to it. Just be aware it's a concentrate, so dilute to label specs before using in the system. Most people will add some food coloring just so they can see when it runs through the system and when flushed out.
  • Color of coolant is irrelevant. There are too many variables....for gas engines, for diesel engines, standard, extended life, probably more, and they don't mix well.