Alde heating 2 year fluid change

billyandbobby
billyandbobby Forum Participant Posts: 18
edited October 2020 in Caravans #1

Are others going ahead with ALDE fluid change on the 2nd year service of their caravan or motorhome? I was staggered by the cost of this on top of the annual service cost. Did I understand correctly that it is then good for five years? I am left wondering why it wasn’t set up with this ‘5 year’ fluid in the first place so customers aren’t faced with this expense in year 2!! The last ‘van I had with ALDE heating was a few years ago but I don’t remember having to do this at year 2. 

Comments

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,670 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2020 #2

    It varies between manufacturers, some use the 5 year, some are cheapskates and use the 2 year.

    it is not that difficult to change yourself, a little time consuming, but much less expensive than paying your dealer.

    Our van is now 12 years old so I have changed the fluid, using the 5 year antifreeze, twice.  Will now be due a change before next season.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited October 2020 #3

    I think most manufacturers now use the 5 year fluid as standard on new caravans. 

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
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    edited October 2020 #4

    I would check it is 2 year fluid and if so change it yourself. You do not need Alde supplied fluid as long as it is comparable spec anti freeze. Look on you tube for ‘how to’ videos. 

  • LLM
    LLM Forum Participant Posts: 1,555 ✭✭
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    edited October 2020 #5

    What colour is your fluid?

  • billyandbobby
    billyandbobby Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited October 2020 #6

    Current colour is blue. They suggested we change it for the pink which they say will be good for 5 years. Thanks for the youtube tip, will certainly look at diy option

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
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    edited October 2020 #7

    Being blue all but ensures it is indeed a two year life fluid in there.

    The correct fluid to use that also brings with it a 5 year life is one meeting Volkswagen's specification TL 774 -J  [the "J" being the critical definer], a product known as G13 by its short code.

    It is Magenta in colour; "pink" is too vague as there are other pinkish products that are not really suitable.

    A readily available one offered in both concentrate and ready use form, so be careful, is   Comma X-stream GG40    Note not G40 but GG40 is the better, at least environmentally though technically Alde earlier approved the Comma G40 for several years.

    If buying the concentrate it needs diluting 50/50 with a deionised water, rather than using tap water.

    Also, be careful of the misleading use of "G13", you can find this term cleverly integrated into brand names of products that don't meet the important VW's TL 774-J

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,669 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2020 #8

    I really must check the fluid on ours.  It's now 4 years old, but still works as good as new.....  hoping it's pink/ red.  They've not recommended a change of fluid at service - and it would be unlike them to miss the chance of extra money on the bill....  😀😀

    David

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