Dear Mike,

I recently noticed that my car needs a coolant flush, but I’m not entirely sure why. I’ve heard from different sources that it’s important to get one periodically, but I don’t know why exactly. Could you shed some light on this topic for me?

Thanks,
Jolene

Hey Jolene, it’s Mike Urban, the founder of Urban Automotive, and the guy who delights in tooting his own horn. Let me tell you why coolant fluid exchanges are crucial and why you should be scheduling one ASAP.

First, let’s not sugarcoat it – coolant fluid exchanges are crucial because over time, it breaks down like a kindergartener trying to spell “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” As it depletes, the anti-corrosion chemicals in the coolant need replenishing – else, the coolant can actually start causing damage to the different seals and gaskets within your car’s cooling system, including those pesky little things called hoses.

Now, before you start yelling at me for speaking in nerd terms, let me tell you a story. Picture this: one day, you’re driving your car, and you suddenly hear a strange gurgling sound coming from under the hood. Panicked, you take it in to the nearest Joe’s Garage, hoping that they’ll tell you that everything’s all right. But alas, they tell you that the coolant in your car has turned into a corrosive monster and has started eating away the insides of your engine! Yes, it’s as horrifying as it sounds.

But wait, there’s more. When it comes to coolant flush additives, make sure you ask your dealer or service provider if they use an additive specifically designed to remove calcium deposits within your system. These deposits love to build up over time, especially in your car’s heater core assembly, and if left untreated, you’ll be sitting in your car, bundled up in layers, listening to your teeth chatter uncontrollably.

Now, I know you must be wondering, how does a coolant transfer machine even work? Picture this: the machine hooks directly into your car’s cooling system, and its sole purpose in life is to remove all old coolant and contaminants and replace them with fresh, shiny new coolant that has lubrication qualities and manufacturer-required specifications (kinda like a parent trying to replace your yucky kale snack with a crispy, mouth-watering bacon burger).

Lastly, you must be wondering why vehicle manufacturers recommend coolant replacement service intervals every five years or 100,000 km (that’s about 62,000 miles for those of us who prefer the Imperial system). The answer, my friend, is simple – it’s because they want your car to last for a long time, and they don’t want you to be stranded on the side of the road, sobbing uncontrollably because your car has finally given up on life.

Oh, and did I mention that manufacturers have gone to vehicle-specific coolant? Don’t be surprised if the coolant color in your engine ranges from amber, green, blue, purple, orange, or even red! So, if you’re seeing a different color than what you’re used to, don’t panic – your car isn’t growing extra limbs or suddenly turning into Optimus Prime.

Now, I bet you’re still wondering how much this whole coolant flush is going to cost you. Hold on tight – the typical cost of a coolant fluid exchange with the machine and 12L of pre-mixed coolant can range between $120 and $300. I know it can feel like a lot, but think about it this way – you’re not just extending your car’s life; you’re also saving yourself from potentially costly repairs that could have been avoided with a simple coolant flush.

I hope I’ve been able to shed some light on this topic for you, Jolene. And next time you’re due for a coolant flush, remember to add a little extra sparkle to your car’s engine and get it done right away. Cheers!

Mike Urban