With all the scheduled maintenance that goes in to keeping your car in top shape, it’s easy to overlook some of the simpler and less costly maintenance routines you should consider to keep your car on the road for as long as possible. If you’ve never had a coolant flush done and want to know why it’s important, read on.
Cooling System Basics
Your car’s cooling system is what keeps your car engine from running too hot and overheating. If you’ve ever seen a car on the side of the road, hood up with smoke billowing, a neglected cooling system could have been to blame. Low coolant levels or a clogged cooling system can lead to the check engine light turning on and unnecessary worry and repair. Staying on top of routine cooling system maintenance can save you from more costly engine repairs in the future. Certain types of damage from an overheated engine are irreversible, so keeping your car’s engine adequately cooled with proper care is a must.
How It Works
The cooling system works by circulating a mixture of coolant and water through the engine. After enough miles, though, and even after sitting dormant in a garage, the coolant mixture absorbs scale and rust from engine parts and can eventually clog or circulate less freely. A coolant system flush consists of emptying and cleaning the entire system so it is free of contaminants and replacing the mixture with fresh coolant and water.
Essentially, a coolant flush consists of draining, cleaning, rinsing and refilling the coolant chamber. First your mechanic will add a flush chemical to the existing fluid to begin the descaling process. Next, he or she will drain and safely dispose of the old fluid after it is run through the entire system at operating temperature. The system is then flushed with a coolant cleaner, and rinsed thoroughly with water. Your mechanic will add fresh fluid back and check for leaks. You’ll be set to get your car back on the road in less than an hour in most cases.
How Often Is a Coolant Flush Needed?
How often your vehicle will require a coolant flush depends on the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, but a general rule of thumb is every three years, regardless of mileage, or 30,000 to 50,000 miles. A coolant flush performed by a trustworthy mechanic will typically run you between $100 to $150. Some factors that can affect the final price are the amount and type of coolant needed, the age of the vehicle, and whether a flush has been performed routinely or if there is minor damage and build-up from lack of care. For those who are brave enough and have some mechanical experience, a flush can be done in your home garage.
Taking care of your car with routine maintenance like a coolant flush doesn’t have to be inconvenient or costly. A visit to your local dealer will have you in and out the door quickly and with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you avoided more costly repairs down the road.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.