Wondering if you need to change your coolant?
Regular coolant changes are key to preventing overheating and protecting vital engine components from damage.
If you’re unsure when to check or replace your engine coolant, you’re in the right place.
Read on to learn how often to change coolant, the red flags to watch for, and the best practices to maintain your cooling system for the long haul.
This Article Contains:
- How Often Do I Need to Change Coolant?
- 9 Surefire Signs That Your Coolant Needs Changing
- How a Mechanic Would Change Your Coolant
- 6 Useful Tips for Proper Coolant Maintenance
- 3 FAQs Related to Changing Your Car’s Coolant
How Often Do I Need to Change Coolant?
Engine coolant, a mixture of antifreeze and water, regulates your engine’s temperature and prevents corrosion.
Some manufacturers recommend changing it every two to three years or around 60,000 miles. However, newer vehicles may use a long-life coolant or newer coolants that can last up to 100,000 miles or more.
Additionally, many coolant service shops suggest changing it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Ultimately, the correct coolant replacement interval varies by car brand, so always consult your owner’s manual for specific guidelines.
Now that you know how often to change your coolant, let’s explore symptoms that indicate it’s time for a replacement.
9 Surefire Signs That Your Coolant Needs Changing
Here are nine ways you can tell you need to change your engine coolant:
- Leaks: If you spot bright green, orange, or pink fluid puddles or drips under your vehicle, it might be coolant leaking. This can indicate potential issues with the seals or hose.
- Sweet smell: Notice a sweet, syrupy scent in the air? That’s not your favorite treat — it could be leaking coolant.
- Poor heater performance: If your car heater is blowing cold air on a chilly day, your coolant system might not be doing its job. This can be particularly concerning in colder climates, as proper coolant circulation is essential for transferring heat to the car’s heater core, which then blows warm air into the cabin.
- Unusual engine noises: If your engine is gurgling or bubbling, it could indicate air pockets or insufficient coolant in the system.
- Quick vehicle overheating: Sudden engine overheating could mean that your coolant system is struggling to keep the temperature under control and dissipate excess heat. This can put your engine at risk for serious damage.
- Frequent check engine light activation: The check engine light can indicate a low coolant level or overheating. Many vehicles also feature a thermometer or temperature gauge-shaped warning light, which is a more direct warning of overheating that typically activates before the check engine light.
- Change in color or consistency: If your coolant looks murky, it’s time to add new coolant to the coolant reservoir.
- Constantly depleting coolant levels: If you frequently need to top off your coolant, it indicates potential issues in your cooling system. This could mean hose, radiator, or water pump leaks.
- Corrosion or rust: If you see rust or corrosion in the cooling system, you might need a coolant flush. Liquid coolants contain a corrosion inhibitor that can become acidic over time, diminishing its rust-inhibiting properties. This can lead to the corrosion of critical components like the car’s radiator, water pump, and hose.
Next, we’ll take a look at how a professional mechanic handles the coolant change process.
How a Mechanic Would Change Your Coolant
While you could handle a coolant replacement yourself, leaving it to a mechanic is often the best choice for many reasons. Mechanics can diagnose any potential leaks or damage in your cooling system and safely dispose of old coolant to ensure the job is done right.
What’s more?
A professional coolant service gives you peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is protected and running smoothly.
Still, here are the steps a mechanic typically takes to change your coolant:
- Visual inspection: The mechanic will begin by visually inspecting the coolant level and the condition of the coolant reservoir.
- Leak examination: They’ll examine hoses, the radiator, and the engine for any signs of leaks or damage.
- Coolant quality testing: They’ll check the coolant’s acidity using test strips and change it if the reading is below pH 7. They may also use a hydrometer to test if its freezing and boiling protection levels fall outside the acceptable range.
- Air bleeding: If necessary, they’ll bleed the system to remove any air pockets that could cause overheating.
- Coolant change: Finally, if the coolant is due for a change, they will drain and refill or perform a complete coolant flush, using the correct type and mix.
While it’s always beneficial to rely on a professional, it’s equally important to know some basic steps for maintaining your car’s cooling system between services.
6 Useful Tips for Proper Coolant Maintenance
Here are six proactive steps to keep your vehicle’s cooling system working as it should:
- Regularly check levels: Make it a habit to monitor your coolant level and condition. If you notice a low coolant level or see rust, sludge, or debris buildup in the overflow reservoir, that could be your engine’s way of sending out an SOS.
- Inspect for leaks: Remember to check the cooling system for any sneaky leaks. A simple way to spot a leak is to look for green, orange, or pink puddles of coolant under your vehicle.
- Top off when needed: If your older coolant is running low, simply top it off with a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. You should aim to achieve a proper coolant level (typically the MAX line on the coolant reservoir). Moreover, it’s best to use distilled water to avoid introducing minerals that can cause deposits and corrosion in the cooling system.
- Use the right coolant: Always use the correct coolant type specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Different vehicles require specific formulations or newer coolants, such as ethylene glycol-based or propylene glycol-based coolants, to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage.
- Check the radiator cap: Ensure that the radiator cap isn’t damaged or worn. A faulty cap can lead to radiator fluid leaks and pressure loss, compromising the cooling system’s efficiency.
- Flush the radiator coolant regularly: Follow your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines for regular radiator flush. This helps keep contaminants at bay and ensures your system runs fresh and efficiently.
Got a few more questions?
Not to worry — we’ll clear any remaining doubts next.
3 FAQs Related to Changing Your Car’s Coolant
Here are the answers to some pressing questions about changing your vehicle’s coolant:
1. What Type of Coolant Should I Use for My Vehicle?
Refer to your vehicle’s handbook for the right coolant to use. Most vehicles require a specific formulation, often a mixture of ethylene glycol and additives, to ensure optimal performance.
2. Is a Coolant Flush Necessary, or Can I Just Add Fresh Coolant?
A coolant flush is necessary to remove contaminants and old coolant, especially if the fluid appears rusty or cloudy. It’s also advisable if you experience frequent overheating, have reached manufacturer-recommended intervals, or if leaks are present.
Here’s why:
You risk mixing clean coolant with degraded fluid by simply adding fresh coolant to older coolant. This reduces the effectiveness of the cooling system and can still lead to overheating and other engine problems.
3. How Much Does It Cost to Change the Coolant?
Coolant replacement costs at an auto shop, including labor and parts, typically range from $100 to $400.
If you choose to add new coolant yourself, the cost can be as low as $20.
Keep in mind the overall cost can depend on several factors, including:
- Labor rates
- Vehicle type
- Coolant type (such as green formula coolant)
- Extra services needed during the coolant change
Additionally, many service centers offer coolant flush coupons, which help reduce costs and encourage regular maintenance of your vehicle’s cooling system.
Trust AutoNation Mobile Service for Coolant Care
Regular coolant changes are vital for preventing engine overheating and ensuring smooth operation.
If you’re having coolant issues, there’s no need to worry — AutoNation Mobile Service has you covered!
Our expert technicians come directly to your driveway, offering convenience and expertise seven days a week. And with all our services backed by a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in good hands.
Contact us today for a hassle-free experience, whether you need assistance with a complex cooling system concern or a top-up to restore the proper coolant level.