Friday im putting a new radiator, thermostat, and hoses. Whats the best antifreeze yall run? I live in the panhandle of Texas so we range from -10 in winter to 115 in the summer. Also im changing the pressured power steering lines at the same time. Best power steering fluid? 02 xterra 3.3l 150k
Texas doesn't know cold, your -10 happens once in a blue moon! ANyways, the main thing to look for is if the coolant is safe for the radiator. After that, it doesn't matter so much. The typical is 50/50 mix. You ca buy premix or straight coolant and add distilled water yourself. Water is actually a better coolant than antifreeze is. Antifreeze has 2 primary functions, anti freezing(of course) and corrosion and rust control. You won't really go wrong with 50/50 though. As for brand, it doesn't really matter. I have used peak, dexcool, and some others and they all worked about the same.
Same with p/s fluid. Tranny fluid and oil are where you have to pay attention.
You are right -10 in a blue moon, but it regularly reaches single digits up here with 50 mph winds haha. i changed my tranny and diffs a month ago to lucas, and i run royal purple oil. I had been getting the oil changed at the dealership and since i switched to rp i seem to be getting more power and a slight difference in mpg. But i got a leaking radiator so i ordered a new one from a local place that makes them here and i just didnt know if one brand of antifreeze was rated or tested better than another. Ive got 150k on the mileage and i would like to see another 150. I flushed the radiator 4-5 times since i bought the car in 02 and always ran prestone, seems to work good and is probably what i will end up going with again. As far as p/s fluid, ive never really messed with it. Started leaking a couple of days ago, just old lines. Im going to put all new p/s setup on it. I will probably just go to nissan and get what was original put in the x. It lasted 14 years so it must be ok
Sounds like a plan. People stress about fluids, but in most cases, as long as it meets the requirements of the vehicle, it is fine. Oil and tranny fluid are about the only things I really worry about. People will do more damage by leaving old fluid in, or letting it get low; than they will by using different brands.
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