Alde Heating

[Bluerocket]

Just been informed that the Fluid will need changing in the alde Heating system next year on a 2015 van and this new fluid will last 5yrs before needing a change
is this correct?
any info please

 

[Damian]

The original fluid as used by makers has a 2 year life.
When changing it is worth getting the 5 year life fluid.
So, whoever told you that info is already using 5 year fluid as a matter of course.
You cannot mix the two types.

 

[Mel]

Hi blue rocket. I don't need to confirm what Damian has said, because he knows his stuff. B) However, I can confirm it. We have a 2015 van and the Alde fluid will be changed next year for a 5 year fluid. Did they tell you how much it was to change it? I had to go for a lie down.
Mel

 

[Bluerocket]

Hi Mel
Yes I had to go and lie down in a dark room after I was told it will cost me 150 pounds on top of the 180 quid annual service

 

[PaulT]

What happens if it's not changed?

 

[Gabsgrandad]

How does "fluid" know how old it is? How come it's OK for 2 years but not 2 and a bit? (Suspicious -- Oh yes!)

 

[Damian]

Quote " What happens if it's not changed? "

Whilst it will still protect against freezing, the anti corrosion properties are reduced to almost ineffective.

 

[Robtel]

Not sure how this forum is about posting links to other forums but if you want to do an online search there are several threads elsewhere regarding this where Alde have contributed giving advice on which grade of replacement fluid to use. Apparently there is now a 5 year fluid which can tolerate being mixed with the older 2 year stuff, that info came from Alde. Seems quite a few folk on that forum have done the job themselves at around a cost of £50, so quite a saving. Incidentally your local dealership's price to change fluid isn't so bad, mine is just over the £200. Have a look online, perhaps at a place where people talk about caravans?

 

[xtrailman]

You can mix the two fluids according to Alde.

 

[MichaelE]

The job takes about 2 hrs to do but the antifreeze is around £10 a litre and you will need 6-9 litres depending on your van size. The type is G13 so you can use any other type with this spec. You find other makes much cheaper.
If they use the machine to change it takes an hour so getting it done whilst having a service should only add 1 hour to the bill if using a mobile guy.
You can do yourself but it is time consuming and it takes a little time to get the trapped air out.
As the new antifreeze is a different colour easy to spot if its been done.
Why dont they put the 5 year stuff in from new?

 

[Damian]

Quote " Why dont they put the 5 year stuff in from new?"

Simple .....cost !
Manufacturers will not spend more than they have to, to build a van.

 

[MichaelE]

Not really a valid argument as the old 2 year stuff cost the same as the new 5 year stuff.
Seems more like to give the service dept a 2 year boost?