Do you know when to change coolant? Keeping an eye on the fluids in your car is an important way to maintain a healthy engine. Learning how often to change coolant is a great step that you can take towards becoming a more responsible car owner.

To learn when to flush coolant, keep reading below!

How Coolant Works

As your car runs, coolant is pumped through your engine to prevent it from overheating. An overheated engine can cause major problems and sometimes irreparable damage to your car. That’s why coolant is one of the most important fluids to keep an eye on.

When to Change Coolant

Coolant, like all other fluids used in your car, has an expiration date. That means that your engine could be overheating even if your coolant is topped off. Check with your mechanic or consult your car’s specifications to find out how often to change coolant in your car.

Most coolants used in modern cars last up to 5 years or an impressive 150,000 miles. However, this varies depending on coolant type.

There are some warning signs that you can look out for that suggest your coolant is low. These include:

  • A high temperature gauge reading on your dashboard.
  • Strange noises coming from your engine.
  • Jerky or otherwise strange feelings when you drive.
  • A sweet smell coming from your engine. Coolant has a notoriously sweet scent that some people have likened to pancake syrup.
  • A puddle underneath your car – this could indicate a leak in your coolant system.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time for a coolant flush.

At-Home vs. Professional Coolant Changes

It’s relatively easy to add coolant to your vehicle at home. All you need is the variety of coolant that your car takes and a basic knowledge of your engine. Locate the coolant in your engine and top it off according to the fill instructions for your vehicle.

What about a coolant flush, though? This is slightly different than just topping off your coolant because it involves removing all the old fluid and filling the system with completely new fluid.

To drain old coolant and replace it with new coolant, it takes specialized tools and a good understanding of where everything is located under the hood of your car. That’s why this is a great service to outsource to professionals.

Coolant flushes are quick and relatively inexpensive. This makes them a great investment for busy folks or people who want extra peace of mind about the state of their vehicle.

Visit Slick Mobile Oil Today

Are you due for a coolant change? Don’t risk long-term damage by letting your engine overheat. Now that you know when to change coolant, you can stay on top of your coolant levels with confidence!

If you’re still wondering when to flush coolant or want guidance on your specific car, reach out to us today. At Slick Mobile Oil, we’re happy to serve you, whether that means telling you how often to change coolant or scheduling a full service appointment for your vehicle. Find out more about our offerings today!