Radiator Flush Cost

• Expect to pay $40 -$200 to have a radiator flushed, depending on the age, make and model of the vehicle; the recommended type and amount of coolant needed; and whether the work is done by a standard tire, muffler, oil-and-lube or auto repair shop, or by a car dealership, which tend to be slightly more expensive. CostHelper readers report paying $54 -$144 for a radiator flush at a standard shop, at an average cost of $99; and $70 -$175 at a dealership, for an average cost of $109.
• Do-it-yourself supplies can cost $10 -$50, depending on what is included. For example, a radiator flush kit with clamps and garden hose adapters can cost $1 -$15; a bottle of radiator cleaner can cost $3 -$25 for a 16-34-ounce bottle; and it can cost $10 -$30 a gallon for standard antifreeze/coolant (typically green or red) or $15 -$40 a gallon for super-long-life antifreeze with a rust/corrosion inhibitor (this coolant is typically orange). CostHelper readers report do-it-yourself radiator flush costs of $13 -$34, with an average of $21.

• During a radiator flush, the original coolant is drained and replaced with a special coolant/detergent mixture and fresh water; this is then drained and replaced with a standard mixture of coolant and water. It can take 20-30 minutes to flush a radiator with a machine, or up to an hour or two without a machine, because the vehicle's engine and radiator have to cool, then run and cooled again. An Expert Village video illustrates flushing engine coolant with a home garden hose and Castrol.com provides how-to instructions.
• The maintenance schedule in the vehicle owner's manual will indicate how often the cooling system should be flushed and refilled, and the recommended type of coolant to be used. However, the need for a radiator flush also depends on driving habits and conditions; in areas where winters are exceptionally cold or summers extremely hot, many vehicle owners schedule a radiator flush at the start of each season. As a general rule most auto experts recommend flushing a system that uses standard antifreeze (green or red) at least every 30,000 miles or two years, although some recommend doing this annually. Super-long-life antifreeze typically lasts about 100,000 miles or five years.

• Many company websites offer discount coupons for various services. For example, Brakes Plus, Firestone, Goodyear and Midas periodically offer coupons worth $5 -$25 off basic services, including a radiator flush.

• Radiator flushes can be performed by car dealerships; gas stations; oil-and-lube shops like Jiffy Lube; tire shops like Firestone or Goodyear; muffler shops like Midas; repair shops or auto parts stores like Meineke or Pep Boys; or independent repair shops.
• The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and the International Automotive Technicians Network provide searchable directories of repair shops.
• Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic. Check to see if there are any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.

More Articles in Car Maintenance