Coolant flush
Draining the old engine coolant and refilling with fresh.
In plain English
Coolant (also called antifreeze) is the liquid that carries heat away from the engine and stops it freezing in winter. A coolant flush or coolant service drains the old fluid, sometimes rinses the system, and refills it with fresh coolant of the type your car requires.
Why it's on your estimate
The protective additives in coolant wear out over time, which can let corrosion build up inside the engine and radiator. Car makers list an interval for changing it, and shops recommend it when the fluid is old or tests poorly.
How urgent is it?
Can usually wait
This is routine maintenance, not an emergency, as long as the car isn't overheating or leaking. Check your owner's manual for the interval before agreeing.
Questions to ask the shop
- What interval does my owner's manual give?
- Did you test the coolant, and what did the test show?
- Is it the correct coolant type for my car?
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