2007 Chevrolet Impala LS 07 3500 V6

JCL_2007

MEMBER
2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA
16,500 MILES

I recently purhased my used 07 chevy impala at a dealer super store with bit over 11K miles it now has about 16,500 miles. The problem is that a few days ago I noticed that it smelled like coolant and sure enough its leaking. I live in phoenix az so summer just began, previous car I had was a 2000 Impala LS 3800 V6 same thing happened and it was the heater hose fittings. Now im wondering could it be the same issue or is there something more to it, its very clean looks like new in and out with very low miles for its year. If anyone could help I would appreciate it.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

You know we can't see what's leaking over a computer, but GM does seem to have a lot more trouble with corroded heater cores and radiators. Part of the problem could be due to the use of Dex-Cool antifreeze. GM advertized that as "lifetime" coolant to trick people into making the cost of maintenance appear lower than for their competitor's products, then on the reservoir it says "replace every three years". Even the Dex-Cool manufacturer doesn't recommend going that long before replacing it.

Antifreeze is always antifreeze, but it's the additives that wear out in about two years. THAT'S why we replace it that often. There's water pump lubricant in it but more importantly it has corrosion inhibitors that wear out. Acids form in the coolant from the combustion gases that normally seep into it. That's what leads to the corroded heater cores and radiators.

The issue with your car is not the low mileage; it's the years. The rubber hoses are not likely to be leaking yet, but if the leak is too slow to locate, dye can be added. After some coolant leaks out you search with a black light. The dark purple dye will show up as a bright yellow stain that you can follow back to the source of the leak.