Radiator Cap
 

Do most drivers replace with a factory cap and how often? Factory cap or Stant etc.

My Hippo 2006 2,4LT.
mileage - closer to 200,000 kilometers (120,000 miles).

I changed the radiator cap prophylactically. I bought Acdelco product. Previous radiator cap is still operable.

Of course, it is likely that American (previous owner) also changed the cover before sending the car in Russia. But this is unlikely.

I've changed out the caps with new OEM(General Motors) parts when doing the five year cooling system services. HHR's are "hot blooded" by nature, and they'll not withstand overheating for long before you risk serious and costly damage.

So compared to the costs involved in repairing the damage that can happen when a cap fails, although rare in frequency, it's cheap insurance to change the cap if you have any doubts.

Being second owner, I do not know when mine was changed (if it was), so I think I will go ahead and replace. I know some that replace the cap every time it is opened, but I have not done so.

What ? And why ? Never heard of that before.

:lol: If I did that, I would have to buy them by the gross (144).

I believe a prominent manufacturer use to state this(I wonder why?). Some in the hotrodding circles adhere to it as well. The only thing I can think of that it may take you up to your next coolant change.

???
I've been working on cars for 40 years and have also done my share of hot rodding.
In fact, I used to do mechanic work for a living years ago.
Never heard of replacing a radiator cap after "one" use. The cap on my Dodge truck has been on/off hundreds of times. Had a small seepage leak around the timing cover for 5 years. I would just check it weekly and top off if needed.

I check my coolant level in all my vehicles on a regular basis. And I don't mean by looking in the overflow tank. That's just not an accurate way to check the coolant level.
I have seen many vehicles have coolant in the tank and little in the radiator itself.

I agree with you I just know some that do replace when opened. I am trying to find a reasonable change interval but I imagine testing is the best way.

I had been checking the coolant level by viewing the overflow tank so I decided to look under the cap like firemangeorge does. Couldn't even open it by hand! I used some persuasion to get it open and the coolant was under the cap. The level in the overflow rises and falls so it appears to be working.

I keep a large "waterpump" plier in my car for just that purpose.