Radiator Flush Service Costs
Basic Radiator Flush
Labor Time: 1 hour
Parts (Coolant): $30-50
Labor Cost: $125
Total Estimated Cost: $155-175
Premium Radiator Flush with System Inspection
Labor Time: 1.5 hours
Parts (Premium Coolant + Cleaning Solution): $60-80
Labor Cost: $187.50
Total Estimated Cost: $247.50-267.50
Complete Cooling System Flush & Service
Labor Time: 2-2.5 hours
Parts (Premium Coolant + Cleaning Solution + Thermostat): $100-150
Labor Cost: $250-312.50
Total Estimated Cost: $350-462.50
*Prices may vary depending on vehicle make and model. Additional repairs may be necessary if problems are discovered during inspection. All estimates include shop supplies and disposal fees.
What's Included in Each Service:
- Basic Flush:Drain old coolant, basic system flush, refill with new coolant
- Premium Flush:Includes basic service plus thorough system cleaning, pressure test, and visual inspection
- Complete Service:Includes premium service plus thermostat replacement, hose inspection, and comprehensive cooling system evaluation
Replacement Procedures
A radiator flush, also known as a coolant flush, is a maintenance procedure that involves removing old coolant from your vehicle's cooling system and replacing it with fresh coolant. This process helps to ensure that the engine operates at the correct temperature and prevents overheating. Here's what is typically included in our radiator flush service:1. Inspection:Our technician will perform a thorough inspection of the cooling system for any visible leaks, damage, or other issues. This includes checking the radiator, hoses, water pump, and thermostat.
2. Draining Old Coolant:The old coolant is drained from the radiator and the entire cooling system. This is typically done by opening the drain valve or removing the lower radiator hose.
3. Flushing the System:The system is flushed with a special cleaning solution or water to remove any remaining old coolant, rust, scale, and other debris. This step may be repeated several times to ensure the system is thoroughly cleaned.
4. Inspection of Components:During the flush, our technician inspects components such as the radiator cap, hoses, and clamps for wear and tear. If any parts are found to be damaged or worn, we will recommend replacement.
5. Refilling with New Coolant:Once the system is clean, it is refilled with new coolant. We ensure that the correct type and mixture of coolant is used, as specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
6. Bleeding the System:Air pockets can form in the cooling system during the flush process. Our technician will bleed the system to remove any trapped air, ensuring proper circulation of the coolant.
7. Pressure Testing:After refilling, we pressure test the system to ensure there are no leaks and that it is functioning properly.
8. Final Inspection and Test Drive:A final inspection is performed to ensure everything is in order. We will also take your vehicle for a short test drive to confirm that the cooling system is operating correctly. A radiator flush is a preventive maintenance procedure and does not typically involve replacing or repairing parts unless issues are identified during the inspection. If any components are found to be faulty, such as a leaking radiator or a failing thermostat, we will discuss additional repairs or replacements with you.
What is a Radiator Flush and what does it do
A radiator flush is a maintenance procedure for a vehicle's cooling system, specifically targeting the radiator. The radiator is a crucial component of the vehicle's cooling system, responsible for dissipating heat from the engine to prevent it from overheating. It does this by circulating coolant, a mixture of water and antifreeze, through the engine and then through the radiator, where the heat is released into the air.Over time, the coolant can become contaminated with rust, scale, and other debris, which can reduce the efficiency of the cooling system and potentially lead to overheating or damage. A radiator flush involves draining the old coolant from the system, cleaning the inside of the radiator and the entire cooling system with a special flush solution, and then refilling it with fresh coolant. This process helps to remove any build-up of contaminants, ensuring that the cooling system operates efficiently and effectively. Regular radiator flushes are part of routine vehicle maintenance and can help extend the life of the engine and the cooling system.
How do I know I need to replace my Radiator Flush
Radiator Flush: Signs of Failure and Service Schedule
Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Radiator Flush
Visible Rust or Debris in Coolant
If your coolant appears rusty, brown, or contains visible particles, this indicates contamination and requires immediate attention.
Engine Overheating
When your engine frequently overheats or temperature gauge reads higher than normal, clogged coolant passages may be the culprit.
Sweet Smell from Engine
A maple syrup-like odor often indicates leaking coolant, which can result from corroded cooling system components.
Grinding or Knocking Sounds
These noises could indicate that debris in your cooling system is circulating through your engine.
Recommended Service Schedule
General Recommendation
Most manufacturers recommend a radiator flush every 30,000 miles or every 2-5 years, whichever comes first.
Severe Driving Conditions
If you frequently drive in:
- Hot climates
- Stop-and-go traffic
- Dusty environments
Older Vehicles
Vehicles over 10 years old may benefit from more frequent flushes, typically every 24,000 miles or annually, to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal performance.
After Major Repairs
A radiator flush is recommended after:
- Radiator replacement
- Head gasket repair
- Engine overhaul
Note: Always consult your vehicle's owner manual for specific maintenance schedules, as requirements can vary by make and model.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
