Do I Need A Coolant Drain Or Flush For My Car?

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, helps regulate the temperature of your car’s engine and prevents it from overheating. However, over time, coolant can become contaminated, which can make it less effective, so maintaining your vehicle’s cooling system is crucial for optimal performance. Here’s what you need to know about coolant.

What’s a coolant flush?

A coolant flush is the process of removing old, degraded coolant from your vehicle’s system and replacing it with fresh, new fluid. It also involves eliminating debris, dirt, sludge, rust and buildup to ensure your car runs smoothly. At Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres, we recommend getting a coolant flush every three years or 50,000 kilometres for vehicles containing regular coolant, and every five years or 200,000 kilometers for long life coolant.

Signs your car needs a coolant flush

Several signs can indicate that it’s time for a coolant flush, including:

• You smell a sweet odour. Do you smell a sweet odour coming from under the hood of your car? This smell is caused by the ethylene glycol in the coolant becoming overheated. This is a sign that your coolant is degraded and needs to be replaced.

• Your coolant is discoloured. If you notice that your coolant is dark or discoloured, it’s probably contaminated with dirt, rust or debris. Dirty coolant can clog the cooling system, making it difficult to keep your engine running at a safe temperature.

• Your engine easily overheats. Does your engine always seem to overheat? This is a telltale sign that something’s amiss with your car’s cooling system. Ignoring this issue can cause permanent damage to your car’s internal components.

• You notice a leak. If you notice a puddle of green, orange or pink fluid under your car, you likely have a coolant leak. Coolant leaks can occur due to various reasons. Therefore, it’s best to schedule a fluid drain or flush to get to the root of the problem.

Getting your car’s coolant drained or flushed at regular intervals is crucial to keep your engine in good working order. Remember, the maintenance you do now will save you valuable time and money later.

At Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres, we offer a comprehensive range of fluid flushes, including brake, power steering, coolant and transmission flushes, to maintain your vehicle and ensure optimal performance.

Fluid Flushes & Auto Repair in B.C.

If you think something is wrong with your car’s cooling system, Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres can help. Our team of experienced technicians will inspect your cooling system and suggest a fluid flush if necessary. We’re available to serve you from multiple locations across B.C. and Alberta. Contact us today to book an appointment. Our mechanics will make sure your car gets the care and attention it needs.