Each vehicle system and part plays a different role in making sure your car runs correctly. As a car owner, it’s crucial to understand how your vehicle works and keep up with regular scheduled maintenance. For instance, if you’re wondering how often your car needs a coolant flush, here is some helpful information.
What does coolant do?
The main purpose of coolant is to circulate through your car’s engine and radiator and keep them cool by absorbing and transferring heat. Needless to say, antifreeze coolant is a very necessary element to keep your engine from overheating. A problem with your vehicle’s cooling system can do serious damage or even totally destroy the engine.
Why are regular coolant flushes so important?
A coolant flush, also known as a radiator flush or cooling system service, is the process of adding cleaner to the cooling system to remove sediment and rust. The entire system is then flushed with new antifreeze and conditioner to protect against corrosion. This differs greatly from simply topping off the coolant; a full coolant flush removes harmful contaminants from the system and adds new, clean fluid. Cooling system service helps prolong the life of the cooling system and all of its components, including radiators, heater cores, hoses, coolant pipes, water pumps, and gaskets.
How often do you need a coolant flush?
As a general rule of thumb, you should get a coolant flush every 30,000 miles or three to five years, whichever comes first. Your car’s owner’s manual should also outline a more specific interval depending on the manufacturer. Other factors include type of coolant and the environment in which you typically drive. Your local mechanic can test your coolant to find out if it is dirty or corrosive and determine if it’s time for cooling system service. It is very important to be proactive about getting a coolant flush. If you wait until your temperature gauge gets a little too close to the red line, it might already be too late.
Do you have additional questions or concerns about getting a coolant flush? If so, feel free to contact our team at Toyota Vacaville or schedule a service appointment today!
