With our 2005-2009 cars getting up there in years, I believe all fluids probably need to be changed by now for most owners. I've always had the feeling I'm throwing away money sometimes with my low mileage garage kept cars. I haven't changed the yellow (gold) coolant which now is 8 years old but only 24,000 miles (mostly highway miles at that). It's completely clean (still golden) with no deposits in the reservoir tank. How long can this coolant protect realistically?? I'm sure Ford wants $100 to flush out and replace. That's fine if it needs it but I did that with my Trans Am at about the same mileage and longevity and felt it was a waste. Not only the coolant, but brake fluid, power steering fluid too. If I had 50k city miles on the GT, it's a no-brainer. Thoughts??

 

I've read that as coolant ages it loses its properties and deteriorates. I changed mine out at 9 years and 117k miles along with the thermostat and hoses, and the system was pristine when I did it. Realistically I'd say you can go to 10 years, but I'd go no more than that since your hoses will decay with age and shouldn't be trusted. BTW, those two heater hoses going in to the firewall are the WORST to change. Also, I replaced my coolant with green premix. No difference from the gold and a lot cheaper.

 

Fluids do break down. Brake fluid holds water and absorbs it over time by nature so at 8 years regardless of mileage its probably a good idea to flush. Ive seen older GT's at the shop with seized calipers not necessarily 100% caused by the fluid but I'm sure it accelerated the process. As for coolant it loses its abilities as well the coolant can stop protecting things such as water pump fins and the insides of heater cores and can trash a radiator. Power steering is the same concept Ford uses ATF in their power steering so its probably less prone to cause issues if neglected since its really just to create pressure but it does lubricate the rack and steering box as well. Im not trying to give a scare post here just some of the possibilities of older fluids. It all comes down to personal preference as well as climate you live in and use the car sees but generally at 8 years id say start doing them one at a time. Most of these can be done with basic tools in the driveway if you want to make it seem like less of an expense. Most fluid services are $100 plus vs. $30-40 in stuff from a parts store to do it yourself. Brakes is the only thing i would take to a shop if your not 100% comfortable it is possible to flush brake without needing to rebleed them but if you get any air pockets during the process you will so if your not 100% id leave that one to the pros. Check out some you tube videos most of those fluid services are very basic and most parts stores will recycle used fluids for you when done. If you need any more info just ask!

 

+1 on having the brake fluid changed by a pro since it is also used for the clutch.

 

Appreciate the responses guys.
It's one of those things that I could probably get away with for years to come. Unfortunately, at what point is any fluid just too old? Change it at 10 years? 12 years? I certainly don't plan on selling my GT any time soon so I'll just change them and then start 'fresh' again. That's always my advice to people that buy 'used' cars. Why is mine different? Good to go for another 8 years if I rack up the same mileage.

 

I agree there I'm in the process of doing that on mine i bought it in December one owner with only 34k miles it now has 40k and I'm working through the fluids one at a time. They are far from the mileages but the age has me concerned also being a northern car it looks clean but cheap fluid changes for added piece of mind seems like a safe bet to me.

 

Bought my GT new in the summer of 2005. Had the coolant changed and the brake fluid flushed and replaced, as well as brake pads/rotors, about 2 or 3 years ago at around 70,000+ miles. My GT will be 10yrs old this June (build completion date). By then, it should be in the 88,000+ range. Going to bring it to my trusted mechanic for a checkup/maintenance. It's a manual so it probably will need the gear oil changed. We'll see what my mechanic says.