Do you have to drain coolant to replace coolant?
Simply draining the radiator may get rid of most of the old antifreeze but could leave some coolant and contaminants behind, which would then mix with and pollute your new antifreeze and cause overheating. You want a full flush, a forced removal of anything old so you can pave the way for new fluid.
What happens if you don’t drain your coolant?
If you use only water without coolant, your hoses and pipes will eventually rust, leading to bigger problems like leaks or system malfunction. Coolant, also known as anti-freeze, protects your cooling system while aiding the water in absorbing heat from the engine.
How often should coolant flush be done?
every 30,000 miles
In general, most vehicles require coolant service every 30,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
How much coolant should drain out?
After a short time the coolant will stop flowing which means the coolant is done draining. You should have between 1 1/2 and 2 gallons in the fluid bucket or catch basin. Be sure the radiator cap has been removed which will help you get most of the coolant out if the system.
How much does it cost to flush a coolant system?
For those who want to perform a radiator flush themselves, supplies should cost about $15 to $35, depending on the make and model of the car and the store where you purchase from. To perform the job, you will need a bottle of radiator cleaner, a gallon of standard coolant and a gallon of antifreeze.
Can you put water in the engine coolant reservoir?
Yes, you can, and should, add coolant to the reservoir to make sure the engine cooling system does not run low. Add only a 50-50 (water-antifreeze ratio) coolant mix to the overflow tank, particularly if it is winter season. If you add water only, with no antifreeze, the plastic reservoir will crack if the water freezes.
Do I need to Flush my coolant?
Coolant needs to be flushed because it breaks down over the years and then loses the ability to serve its purpose of maintaining optimum temperature of the engine and preventing corrosion.