How Much Does A Radiator Flush Near You Cost?

A radiator flush service can cost anywhere from $50 to $200.

The cost depends on several factors, such as: 

• Vehicle age, make, and model
• Type of coolant
• Service location
• Type of auto repair shop (standard or dealership)

How Important Is A Radiator Flush Service?

Avoiding a routine radiator flush service can cause several issues with your cooling system, potentially leading to severe engine damage and costly repairs. 

The radiator flush service cleans out the corrosives and contaminants from the coolant fluid, keeping the engine well lubricated and preventing it from overheating. So it’s a good idea to get a radiator flush service near you at regular intervals.

3 Signs You Need A Radiator Flush Service

Let’s look at some typical signs indicating you need a radiator flush service: 

• Coolant leaks under your vehicle: Green liquid puddles forming under your car could indicate you need a radiator flush service. Typically, a leak occurs when the coolant fluid is contaminated, resulting in your vehicle running under high pressure, which could damage a coolant hose, inlet, or outlet. 
• Your engine is overheating: Engine overheating could be due to contaminated coolant fluid or because you’re running low on coolant or engine oil. When this happens, you’ll notice the temperature gauge reads higher than usual.
• A sweet smell from the engine bay: When the coolant fluid burns inside the engine, you’ll notice a sweet smell similar to maple syrup. So, if you’re getting a faint sweet whiff from the engine bay, it could be time for a radiator flush service. 

5 Radiator Flush Service FAQs

Here’s some additional good-to-know information regarding a radiator flush service: 

1. What Is An Engine Cooling System?

The engine cooling system’s job is to remove excess heat from the engine. 

It also helps maintain optimum engine temperature and bring the engine up to the desired temperature as quickly as possible. 

This system comprises many critical components.

These include:

• Radiator: The radiator is a heat exchanger designed to cool the internal combustion engines.
• Cooling fan: The cooling fan or radiator fan sits between the radiator and the engine and is responsible for drawing fresh air over the radiator, thereby keeping it cool.
• Thermostat: The key function of the thermostat is to maintain the engine’s working temperature. It also prevents the engine from overheating or overcooling.
• Water pump: The water pump circulates coolant fluid through the engine, radiator, and heater core. 
• Head gasket: This component prevents the coolant from flowing through the passages into the combustion chamber. 
• Reservoir tank: The reservoir tank stores excess coolant fluid until required. 
• Hoses: The hoses are responsible for transferring the coolant fluid from the engine’s water pump to the radiator 

2. What Is Radiator Flush Service?

A radiator flush or coolant flush service removes contaminants and debris from the coolant fluid by pumping gallons of water and new antifreeze through the coolant system.  

A timely radiator flush service prevents your engine from overheating, coolant leaks, and other engine-related problems. 

3. How Often Should I Get A Radiator Flush Service? 

It would be best if you aimed to get a radiator flush service at least once every 30,000 miles. 

4. How Long Does A Radiator Flush Service Take?

The time taken for a radiator flush service depends on whether you use a flush and fill machine or if it’s done without a machine. 

Here are the estimated service times for a radiator flush:

• With a flush and fill machine: 30 minutes

• Without a flush and fill machine: 2 hours

5. How Is A Radiator Flush Service Done? 

Here’s how a certified technician would carry out a radiator flush service: 

1. Undo the radiator cap and coolant reservoir cap and drain the old mixture. 
2. Put the coolant reservoir cap back and pour the mixture of water and new coolant fluid.
3. With the radiator cap back on, start the engine and let it run until the temperature gauge is at a normal temperature. 
4. Switch off the engine and give it time to cool down before draining the coolant mixture again.
5. Refill the mixture and repeat the process.
6. Finally, add the new antifreeze and wipe off any spilled fluid.