How Often Does My Vehicle’s Coolant Need to be Changed?

You may not spend much time thinking about how long it's been since the fluid in your vehicle’s radiator has been changed — that is, until your car overheats and you’re stranded on the roadside. That’s why the auto technicians at Al's One Stop Auto include an inspection of your vehicle’s cooling system in our service program. Maintenance of this often-neglected part of your vehicle’s engine can save you money and time down the road by preventing a cracked engine block or a blown gasket.

Coolant and antifreeze, which generally contain the same properties and come out of the same bottle, circulate throughout your vehicle’s engine, controlling the temperature so the internal parts don’t become too hot, and preventing the system from freezing when the engine isn’t running. Over time, these fluids will become weaker and need to be flushed out of the system and replaced. At the same time, parts of the cooling system like the radiator cap and hoses need to be inspected for wear and possibly replaced. Each vehicle’s manufacturer sets different specifications for how often the cooling system and its components need to be checked and replaced. Of course, the temperatures in the places where you do most of your driving will have an impact on how often to flush the cooling system.

The most obvious signs that your car’s coolant needs changing are if you’ve noticed the temperature gauge is reading higher than normal, a puddle of green or orange fluid underneath the vehicle, or a burning smell originating at the radiator. Any of those warnings require immediate attention by a qualified mechanic.

Today’s vehicles are built to run more smoothly and economically than in years past, but can also require highly specialized, computerized diagnostic tools to ensure optimal performance. The highly trained auto technicians at Al's One Stop Auto have the latest technology and equipment to keep pace with today’s sophisticated, high-tech cars, SUVs, and trucks. Contact us today to arrange an appointment.