Updated December 12, 2022
If you’re considering buying RV antifreeze, you might be curious about how long it will last after the bottle is opened. This article responds to that query and describes what to do if your product lacks an expiration date.
Table of Contents
Does RV Antifreeze Go Bad?
RV antifreeze rarely degrades. If correctly closed, it should last between one and five years, and you can use it at any time during that time. The antifreeze used in RVs, however, differs from that used in ordinary cars. An RV’s pipes and lines won’t freeze because of the liquid chemical antifreeze. When the bottle is opened, it should last for one to five years, but if you forget about it or store it incorrectly, your antifreeze may go bad before then.
The antifreeze can last between one and five years after the bottle is opened. Some bottles of RV antifreeze carry an explicit expiration date, while others don’t. It is fair to assume that your antifreeze will survive at least another two years if sealed properly if your product does not carry an expiration date. Make careful to store RV antifreeze in a cool, shaded area if you’re using it. Your product may expire earlier than expected if the temperature is too high or the bottle is exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
A simple test to determine how long your antifreeze will last is to shake the bottle. If there are bubbles in the liquid, the liquid has gone bad and is no longer edible.If you use RV antifreeze, be careful not to leave it somewhere warm or in the sun’s direct rays when the temperature is higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit (or room temperature).The majority of RV antifreeze bottles contain an expiration date; if yours does not, it is reasonable to estimate that it will be at least two more years after you first opened the product.
Antifreeze that is bubbling or producing noise when shaken has largely lost its effectiveness and has to be replaced.
The last thing to remember is to empty all lines during the hot summer months before storing your RV until cooler weather returns, especially if your RV has a power source to keep it cool (like an air conditioner). This will prevent chemicals from freezing in pipes.
Rarely does antifreeze go bad. It would be ideal if you thoroughly sealed it so that it would last for one to five years. Throughout this time, you may still use it whenever you like. However, RV antifreeze is different from what you would put in a car.
How to Tell If RV Antifreeze is Bad or expired?
Pre-mixed RV antifreeze has a shelf life of one to five years, while engine antifreeze never goes bad or expires. Without having to worry about the fluid going bad, you can purchase a large quantity and use it frequently. However, you should always pay attention to the label if it includes a certain date. That might not function as properly if the expiration date has gone. Antifreeze can be tested by placing it in the freezer and observing whether it remains liquid. Fresh antifreeze needs to be thrown out if it freezes into ice.