I got my oil changed today, and the mechanic said they have no record of when my trans fluid or radiator coolant was changed. I don't think it's been done (my dad had my car up until fall of '03). What would be the symptoms when one of these fluids needs to be changed? I imagine with the coolant, the temp gauge would get really high. What else?

 

The car wouldnt overheat if the coolant is bad... however it will be filthy and all the corrosion from your radiator would be floating around your engine.

Just get both flushed and you'll be good.

 

As far as antifreeze goes, it can be checked to see what temperature it can withstand...which is somewhat accurate. So that will tell you if you can make it through the winter or not.

But as far as the corrosion factor, that test doesn't work. So it'll probably be best just to change it to prevent problems down the road...