Does RV Antifreeze Expire? [Tips To Make It Last Longer]

It’s time to start winterizing your RV again, and you’ve found last year’s supplies. You may be wondering, does RV antifreeze expire? And can I use that old bottle of RV antifreeze?

In this article, we will delve into how long RV antifreeze actually lasts and how long you can keep using it.

Does RV Antifreeze Expire?

RV antifreeze doesn’t have an expiry date, but will eventually expire. RV antifreeze typically lasts for anywhere between 1 to 5 years, depending on how you store it.  Make sure that you store it in a cool dark place and the cap is screwed on properly to help it last longer.

If you think your RV antifreeze has expired you can put it in the freezer overnight, if it turns to ice then it has gone bad if it’s still liquid it’s fine.

Some bottles do have a ‘good until’ or ‘use by’ date on them but it’s best to test it yourself before throwing it out. If it doesn’t freeze over when left in a freezer then it’s good enough to winterize your RV with.

What is the Shelf Life of RV Antifreeze?

RV antifreeze has a long shelf life, around 1 to 5 years. You can keep using it year after year until it gets too diluted or starts to freeze i.e lose its properties.

The great thing about RV antifreeze’s long shelf life is that you can reuse it. If you use compressed air to flush out the water from your RV’s plumbing system and drain the water heater. You can (by bypassing the heater) pump the RV antifreeze into the water lines. After winter or when you want to use your RV again, you can use the compressed air to pump the antifreeze back into the bottle and use it again next year. 

As long as the RV antifreeze doesn’t get too diluted or stored incorrectly it can be used as long as it’s good. You can test that it is still good if it doesn’t freeze after having been in a freezer for 24 hours.

How To Store RV Antifreeze For The Longest Shelf Life?

The good news is that RV antifreeze can last up to 5 years, it all depends on the storage conditions. 

The best way to store RV antifreeze is in a cool dark place, with the cap screwed tightly onto the bottle. Try not to store it in your garage as the temperature is more inconsistent than in a cupboard in your house. The changing temperatures can alter the chemicals in the RV antifreeze and result in an inconsistent solution.

The bottle of RV antifreeze needs to be sealed correctly as the solution can evaporate, this is the main reason why it can go bad. A brand new bottle will last for years unopened.

Also keep in mind that although RV antifreeze is non-toxic that only applies to small amounts, and because of the sweet taste animals can be attracted to it. Keep it out of reach from children, pets, and other animals.

A bottle of RV antifreeze won’t break the bank, so it might be easier to buy a new bottle once a year to ensure that it is safe to use. Make sure that you dispose of your antifreeze in a safe way.

Does RV Antifreeze Expire

How To Tell If Your RV Antifreeze Has Gone Bad

You never want to use RV antifreeze in your RV if it’s gone bad. If you are not using a brand new bottle then you will need to know if it’s still working and will protect your RVs pipes in the winter.

To tell if your RV antifreeze has gone bad, put some of it in a sealed container and place it in the freezer. Make sure that it is away from any food in case it spills. Leave it in the freezer for 24 hours, if it has frozen then it has gone bad and won’t protect your RV.

You can also read the expiration date on the bottle to get a good idea if it’s gone bad or not. If you are past the expiration date then it’s probably best to get a new bottle as it won’t be as effective at protecting your RV from the elements.

The most common reasons RV antifreeze goes bad are age and poor storage. Make sure that you store your RV antifreeze correctly to prevent it from going bad – how to do this is explained above.

Are There Expiry Dates On RV Antifreeze?

Most RV antifreeze bottles will have an expiry date on the bottle, check the expiration date before purchasing to make sure that you can get the longest shelf life possible out of the bottle. 

Once you take the RV antifreeze home and use it, it’s a good idea to write on the bottle the date you opened it. This will come in handy if you accumulate a few bottles as you’ll know which one to use first (the one that’s been opened the longest).

Even though bottles have a ‘good until’ or ‘use by’ date on them, it’s best to test it yourself before throwing it out. If it doesn’t freeze over when left in a freezer then it’s good enough to winterize your RV with.

Does RV antifreeze expire

Does RV Antifreeze Expire? – Final Thoughts

RV antifreeze does expire and can go bad, so it’s important to know that you are using RV antifreeze that will actually protect your RV from the freezing cold. Putting out-of-date or diluted down antifreeze into your RV to protect the pipes can be disastrous.

Typically RV antifreeze will last up to 5 years if stored correctly. Always remember to test that it hasn’t gone bad before you use it in your RV.

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