| How Much Does a Radiator Flush Cost? |
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| | Flushing a car's radiator means draining and refilling the cooling system. It removes built-up debris such as rust deposits and replaces contaminated fluid. Check your vehicle owner's manual for recommendations on how often you should have your cooling system flushed and refilled.
The American Automobile Association lists 24 to 36 months or 24,000 to 36,000 miles as the most common service intervals. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Expect to pay $50 to $145 to have your radiator flushed, depending on the age, make and model of the vehicle, and the recommended type of coolant.
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| What should be included: | - Anti-freeze, pressure test, waste disposal and labor should be included. Most shops will provide quotes by phone or online.
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| Additional costs: | - "Long-life" coolants last up to 5 years or 100,000 miles and cost an additional $10-$20 per gallon.
- Some shops offer fluids with various chemical additives, which are advertised as being formulated to improve cooling-system performance. Several products also include rust inhibitors to help reduce oxidation and neutralize acids.
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| Discounts: | - Many company websites offer coupons for various services.
- Check your local Yellow Pages director or discount books such as the Entertainment book for coupons for auto maintenance services.
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| Shopping for a radiator flush: | - Radiators are pressurized, so scalding is possible if you remove the radiator cap before it has cooled. Also, anti-freeze is toxic and must be disposed of properly. Although it's not difficult to do the job yourself, you might want to have an expert do it for you.
- Cooling system services are offered by chain stores such as Jiffy Lube and Pep Boys as well as dealership service centers and independent auto repair shops.
- You can find a shop to do a radiator flush through trade groups such as the Automotive Service Association, described as an organization of businesses that strive to deliver excellence in automotive service and repair.
- Get recommendations for local service providers through consumer review websites like Citysearch or Yelp.
- Check the reputation of a repair shop or auto maintenance facility through the Better Business Bureau.
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Article updated May 2007 |
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Recent Posts |
| Amount: $70.00 |
Flushed Radiator
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| Posted by: Honda Driver in Campbell, CA. | Purchased: October, 2007 |
| Car Make: Honda | Car Model: Accord |
| Auto Shop: Jiffy Lube |
| At my last car inspection (at AAA), they told me I needed to flush my radiator. My normal oil change place doesn't flush radiators, and the local radiator store didn't either, so I went to Jiffy Lube. So far, it seems OK. It took just 20 minutes. |
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| Amount: $79.99 |
Radiator Flush - Jiffy Lube - Bad Experience
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| Posted by: Not Recommending Jiffy Lube in Chicago, IL. | Purchased: 2008 |
| Had radiator flush done at Jiffy Lube. This has proven to be problematic. Radiator fluid spilled everywhere, causing a battery terminal to be seriously corroded. This required replacement (done elsewhere). A few months after, vehicle stalled on a highway and had to be towed. Our mechanic reported that the radiator was empty. Jiffy Lube has not responded to complaints made earlier. |
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| Amount: $20.00 |
DIY Radiator Flushing
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| Posted by: Toronado282 in Altamonte Springs, FL. | Purchased: July, 2008 |
| Car Make: Oldsmobile | Car Model: Cutlass Ciera SL |
| Auto Shop: None |
| Did a radiator Flush Myself, took an hour and a half, most of the time was spent waiting for the car to cool off. You could speed up the process if you are willing to risk getting burned. Antifreeze gets everywhere, so prepare for a small mess. But all in all, it was way better than paying $70 for one. Car temp is perfect now. |
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