When do we need to change coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid?

[laij]

Hi there,

I got my Rogue when it first came out in late 2007. It's still in great shape and I've been following the regular maintenance schedule from the dealer.

They recently said that I'd have to change the coolant and brake fluid soon which will cost around 120 and 100 respectively. I have around 68000 km on it.

Does anyone know how often these should get changed and while I'm at it, what about the transmission fluid? I'll do it if I need to but I just don't want to get ripped off. I've heard some cars going 100000 km before needing to change the coolant.

Thanks.

[philipa_240sx]

Welcome to the NICOCLub.com Rogue forums laij!

To answer your questions,

All Nissan's come with a long life coolant as standard. The recommended change interval is every 96,000km (60,000mi) as per the maintenance schedule. Please Refer to the Service and Maintenance Guide that came with your Rogue.

As for brake fluid, Nissan does not specify replacing the brake fluid under ANY of the maintenance schedules. However, brake fluid absorbs moisture (hydroscopic). As a result it's performance under high heat will degrade over time. Generally, I would suggest flushing the brake fluid at least every 2 years. You want to use a quality DOT3 brake fluid as per the manual.

The CVT fluid is a bit different. The CVT computer actually 'calculates' the fluid condition. A Nissan tech can read this information and tell whether the fluid needs changing or not. The only exception is towing, hauling cargo, and driving on rough roads (ie mud, dirt). In that case, Nissan recommends changing the fluid every 96,000km (60,000mi).

[psfod3]

I agree but most dealers are pushing changing the cvt fluid at 30,000 to make money. I can assure you that if you ask the dealer to take a reading the will say it has to be changed or charge you alot to read it. Is there a seperate differantial fluid and transaxle fluid that has to be changed?

[philipa_240sx]

I agree but most dealers are pushing changing the cvt fluid at 30,000 to make money.

The 'Premium' service plan recommends fluid changes at 30,000mi.

CVT fluid is a little expensive at ~$15 US /quart (500ml). You need approx 7.8qt (7.5l) for FWD models or 9.2qt (8.6l) for AWD. Not sure how this compares to automatic trans fluid changes, but you are easily looking at +$250 US for a CVT fluid change including labor. Note: there are no filters to change within the CVT so fluid changes are simply draining and refilling.

Is there a seperate differantial fluid and transaxle fluid that has to be changed?

On FWD Rogue's the transmission and differential are all in the same case so only one fluid change is required.

On AWD Rogues, you also also have separate transfer case (bolted to the back of the CVT) and rear differential fluid. They use commonly available 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil. The recommended change interval for these fluids:

Schedule 1 and 2:- Inspect every 15,000mi (24,000km). Change if required ie. dark or discolored fluid.- If towing, change fluid every 60,000mi (96,000km)

Premium Maintenance Schedule:- Change every 30,000mi (48,000km)

[laij]

hi there,

thanks for all the replies. i looked at the maintenance and i think at 48000 km, it said to flush the coolant. so i let them do it.

the brakes, i figured it's been two years so i left them change the fluid.

and then, the transfer case and differential fluid, they said that i should change it too.

all in all, it cost me around $650 CDN...at least they put on my winter tires for me for free...=P

so much for not getting ripped off...boo

[philipa_240sx]

Update:

On some 2009 and newer Nissan's and Infiniti's the coolant is blue in color. This new 'long life' coolant extends the change interval from 4 years or 60,000 miles (158,000km) to 10 years or 135,000 miles (218,000km).

I strongly recommend getting the dealer to change the coolant or use genuine Nissan coolant along with pure distilled water. I could go into details, but suffice to say the Nissan coolant is very high quality and you cannot find an equivalent coolant 'formulation' at your auto parts store.

[kerrton]

Update:

I strongly recommend getting the dealer to change the coolant or use genuine Nissan coolant along with pure distilled water. I could go into details, but suffice to say the Nissan coolant is very high quality and you cannot find an equivalent coolant 'formulation' at your auto parts store.

Do you recommend this for the long-life coolant only, or are you referring to all coolant types - i.e. Nissan coolant is superior to any coolant that another shop may use? I just had my Mazda coolant done at the 4-year mark at Fountain Tire since they were about %40 cheaper than Mazda, and I was going to do the same for the Rogue under the assumption that the coolant quality would be equal to that used by Nissan (standard coolant, not long life)

[philipa_240sx]

Do you recommend this for the long-life coolant only, or are you referring to all coolant types - i.e. Nissan coolant is superior to any coolant that another shop may use?

The inside of the cooling system contains a mix of materials like aluminum, copper, iron, rubber and plastics. One of the main purposes of coolant besides cooling the engine is to protect these metals from corrosion by using special additives.

Japanese mfg's (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda) have been using different coolant additives than most domestics. The technology called P-OAT (phosphated organic acid technology) serves to protect the cooling system from corrosion and leaks. These Japanese coolants also do not contain any silicates or borates. Some say the P-OAT formulation is much better than some of the other types on the market.

You can only get this P-OAT type coolant from Nissan (and other Japanese makes), Zerex Asian Vehicle coolant, and recently Motorcraft Specialty Green Engine Coolant. IMHO, the Japanese know what they are doing. Why skimp when you can spend a few bucks more and put the factory approved coolant in? If you don't want to pay the dealership for it, then just buy the Nissan coolant and have someone else change it.

[daytrippr]

...All Nissan's come with a long life coolant as standard. The recommended change interval is every 96,000km (60,000mi) as per the maintenance schedule. ...

Phillip, My dealer has been pushing me to change the anti-freeze. They say that it's value has degraded to minus 10 degrees (F). The normal winter lows here are in the 25-40 range (F). I have 41,000 miles on my 2008 Rogue.

Is it safe (warranty wise) to put this off until I am closer to the recommended 60K mile threshold? I have been planning on doing this next fall before the next winter freezes.

Thanks, Richard

[philipa_240sx]

Usually, the freeze point of antifreeze is tested by measuring it's specific gravity. There are inexpensive testers to do this... most auto parts stores sell them. If you are interesting in checking, you can do it yourself.

IMHO, it's a bit silly the dealer is going by the freeze point alone. There are mileage considerations as I mentioned above.

I would say you are safe holding off until the fall. I will be changing mine around the same time as well as I have 91,000km on my Rogue.