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How Often Should I Get a Coolant Flush?

 

How to Tell That You Need to Flush Your Radiator

  Like other fluids in your car, maintaining a good level of clean coolant is vital to the health of your vehicle. Therefore, it’s important for drivers to stay on schedule with their coolant flushes. So, just how often should you get a coolant flush? It’s recommended that drivers flush their coolant every 30,000 miles or five years, whichever one comes first. Of course, if you aren’t sure when you had your last coolant flush, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various signs that indicate that your car needs a flush. Here’s how you can tell that you need to flush your radiator.  

Debris in the Coolant

  Over time, debris will collect in your coolant. You can check if there is debris floating in this fluid by inspecting for particles that are black or brown in color.  

Coolant Levels are Low

  In order to cool your engine, your vehicle needs to have enough coolant in its system. You should regularly check your coolant levels and top off as needed. However, if you notice that your coolant levels drop quickly, you may have a leak on your hands. While topping off frequently will help keep your engine safe, not taking care of the issue can lead to lots of wasted coolant and frustrations down the road. It’s highly recommended you get a leak taken care of right away.  

Overheating Engine

The most obvious and dangerous sign of a coolant issue is an overheating engine. Your temperature gauge will spike, and you may even see steam coming from under the hood. Very quickly, the engine can damage itself due to the intense heat it creates. If the coolant is contaminated or low, you will likely find your engine getting too hot the next time you drive. Pull over to a safe location, turn off your engine, and allow it to cool before you pop the hood.  

  Searching for more ways to take care of your car? Explore the OKCarz blog for various vehicle maintenance hacks, financing tips, and local fun! Looking for an affordable car you can depend on? Browse hundreds of options with our online inventory.  

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