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What is a Coolant Flush and Why You Might Need One

Does My Engine Need a Coolant Flush?

Keeping your vehicle’s engine cool during the summer can be tricky, especially if you are driving an older car. If your engine is having a hard time functioning in this weather, ask a professional if a coolant flush can help resolve your engine issues. Here is everything that you need to know about a coolant flush:

What is a Coolant Flush?

An engine repair or replacement can cost thousands, but a coolant flush preserves your car’s health and can restore function to your engine’s tempering agents. This involves removing dirt, rust, and sludge from your cooling system, as well as inspecting various parts for symptoms of decline. This process also empties out all of the used coolant material from your radiator and replaces it with fresh coolant, effectively servicing your engine’s cooling system. 

Do I Need a Coolant Flush?

Your vehicle service experts will often advise you on whether or not you require a coolant flush. Beyond this expert insight, your vehicle’s function, status, and performance is often a good indicator of the need for a coolant flush. You know your vehicle best, and it will likely become immediately apparent if there something is awry. Here are some signs that a coolant flush is in order:

  • Overheating: When your car overheats, it is showing signs of excess heat in the engine. This means that your engine does not have access to the heat balance that coolant provides.
  • Internal Car Cues: Keep an eye on your vehicle’s internal thermometer or heat indicator. If your engine is heating, your check engine light comes on, or your vehicle shows signs of distress, a coolant flush can help relieve some of this extra strain on your engine. 
  • Age of the Vehicle: If you have been driving your vehicle for more than five years, it might be time for a coolant flush; this is all of the time that it takes for the debris and rust to begin building up in your system. 

While there are many different exigencies for a coolant flush, if you find yourself unsure if this vehicle service is right for you, visit or call a mechanic for a quick consultation. 

Coolant Flush as a Preventative Measure

A coolant flush can prevent damage to both your vehicle’s cooling system and engine. Keeping your system clear of unwanted debris can protect components of your cooling system, such as hoses and coolant lines. These elements of your engine’s cooling system can prevent significant damage to your vehicle. On a larger scale, heat balance is one of the most necessary roles that your vehicle’s coolant plays; when your engine does not have what it needs to cool down, this extra heat can worsen existing engine issues or create new problems for your vehicle. To prevent costly or significant damage to your engine, a coolant flush can help you keep your vehicle lasting longer. 

Coolant Flush During Engine Repair

When you bring your engine in for a repair or service, a coolant flush may be recommended by the mechanic. So you might be wondering, “Is a coolant flush really necessary?” This service recommendation means that the season’s heat may be posing a threat to the function of your engine. While the coolant flush may not be required, it can help you preserve your engine’s health. This is an affordable service that can prevent or postpone more costly issues. 

Additional Engine and Vehicle Services

If a coolant flush does not help resolve your car’s engine problems, additional service may be in order. By completing regularly-scheduled inspections, maintenance visits, and tune-ups, your mechanic can detect engine issues early on. These small and affordable service visits can save you thousands on repairs down the line and keep your vehicle protected in the spring and summer heat. 

Where to Find a Coolant Flush | How To Flush Coolant

Interested in scheduling a coolant flush today? If you are looking for a quick and affordable coolant flush in North Carolina, Chapel Hill Tire offers coolant flush services in Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Carrboro. Visit our website for a service coupon and to schedule your appointment today!

About the Author

Jeff Cooper

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