When should you replace engine coolant?

A typical mechanic will recommend changing coolant every 30,000 miles. But many will tell you, changing the coolant is not even on their radar. An owner's manual might recommend changing the coolant/antifreeze after the first 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles.

How do you know when to change your coolant?

If the coolant looks like there is rust in it, or if it is a brown color instead of the green or orange color it started out with, then you should bring it in to have the coolant flushed. If you can see that the coolant tubes in the radiator have clogs, then this is also a sign that the coolant needs changing.

How long does coolant last in a car?

This deteriorated liquid can trigger severe harm to your engine by failing to control the temperature. Therefore, manufacturers suggest replacing the coolant periodically. It is recommended you change coolant after the first 210,000 km (140,000 miles) or 120 months, then every 30,000 km (20,000 miles) or 24 months.

What happens if you never change your coolant?

The coolant can become more acidic over time and lose its rust-inhibiting properties, causing corrosion. Corrosion can damage the radiator, water pump, thermostat, radiator cap, hoses and other parts of the cooling system, as well as to the vehicle heater system. And that can cause a car engine to overheat.

Is a coolant flush necessary?

The simplest way to avoid overheating is to service the system every two years or according to your car manual recommendations. Flushing the coolant and replacing it with fresh fluid every two years or 30,000 miles is a good rule.

Tip of The Week: When to Change Coolant

How much should a coolant flush cost?

The average cost to flush coolant from a radiator is anywhere from $100 to $200. The exact cost will usually depend on where you go (an independent mechanic will be cheaper than a dealership). Some less reputable shops might only charge between $50 and $100.

How often should you check your coolant?

How regularly should you check your engine coolant? You need to check your engine coolant at least twice a year before summer and winter, ideally. Although, this advice may vary between car manufacturers. Coolant should be topped up whenever the level drops below the guide marks.

Is antifreeze the same as coolant?

Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, is mixed with water to keep the radiator from freezing in extreme cold and overheating in extreme heat. There are many different types of coolant, so it's important to know what variety is right for your car or truck.

How much does it cost to replace coolant in a car?

On average you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a standard coolant change.

Does engine coolant expire?

A sealed bottle of antifreeze has an indefinite shelf life. Once opened, it will keep for years if stored in the original container. Antifreeze – coolant that has not been mixed with water – tends to last even longer than pre-mixed engine coolant, though both last for years.

Does coolant change color over time?

Fresh antifreeze is a clear brightly coloured liquid, usually blue, red, green, violet, yellow or orange but this will vary depending on the manufacturer's formulation. Over time, your coolant will become dirty losing its colour and becoming darker, often an oxidized shade of brown.

Can I change coolant myself?

You can change your coolant yourself in about an hour. You'll need to invest in an air-powered refilling tool to remove air pockets from the cooling system as you fill. You'll save about $50 on your first coolant change and about $100 on each one after that.

Can you refill coolant without flushing?

There is no problem with just topping up the coolant. You can add the coolant without flushing out the old. However, with time, the older coolant becomes acidic. This can cause corrosion, and afterward, can cause defects in the cooling system.

Can you flush coolant yourself?

Remove the radiator cap and pour distilled water into the radiator until full. Replace the cap, then start up the vehicle and let it run for 10 to 15 minutes. This will work the distilled water into the engine, flushing out any loose debris or corrosion along with the last of the old antifreeze.

What do different colors of coolant mean?

If antifreeze is green, that probably means it was made from an older formula that uses something called Inorganic Additive Technology. Green antifreeze is made with special tweaks to the formula specifically to help prevent the corrosion of metals in a vehicle's cooling system.

Does coolant affect AC?

Yes, coolant can affect a car's air conditioning by impacting the car's temperature, humidity, and airflow.

Is premixed coolant good?

A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water is the standard recommendation for most applications because it provides the best all-round cooling protection and performance for most applications. Premixed antifreeze is 50/50 and takes the guesswork out of correctly mixing antifreeze and water.

Can coolant last 10 years?

For normal driving of 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, five years will pass long before the odometer hits 150,000 miles. So, for most applications, five years is the recommended service interval for changing the coolant.

How often should car fluids be flushed?

Inspect the fluid at least once every six months. Typically, it's recommended to flush the coolant every three years or 30,000 miles.

How long does coolant flush take?

A trained mechanic can perform a radiator flush in about 30 minutes using a commercial coolant flush and fill machine. Without a machine, a radiator flush takes about two hours. You'll need to allow additional time for any other services performed at the same time, such as radiator leak repair or inspection.

How much is coolant flush at Jiffy Lube?

Cost of the coolant flush in Jiffy Lube

The radiator fluid costs around $99.99 with full diagnosis. The specialized technical team will do a thorough check and will guide you regarding what to do and what not to.

How much is a coolant flush and fill?

The Average Coolant Change Cost Is $98-$123 at the Mechanic, versus $20 to DIY. This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. Related repairs or maintenance may also be needed.

Can I top up my coolant with a different brand?

The short answer is that you can mix different coolant brands and mixtures as long as they are the same type of coolant. The color doesn't matter as much since it's just a dye.

Is coolant better than water?

Coolant has higher heat capacity than water. Which means it will require more heat energy to reach the same temperature which water can reach with much lesser energy. Components in the coolant also raise its boiling point making it safer for operation in the engine.

What does dirty coolant look like?

Coolant that is still doing its job to protect your engine can be any variety of colors from green to red to orange, but the key is that it will be translucent. When it's past its prime, it will become a brownish color and more opaque. If it's in really bad shape, it will be a sludgy brown.