Search over 1,400 topics on CostHelper.com
BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children cars & car maintenance education health & personal care home & garden personal finance pets & pet care small business weddings
CostHelper.com > Cars  > Radiator Flush

Radiator Flush Cost

How Much Does a Radiator Flush Cost?

low cost Range: $50-$145

Related Topics:

Radiator

Tune-up

Wheel Alignment

>> All Articles for Cars
 
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.
What should be included:
  • Anti-freeze, pressure test, waste disposal and labor should be included. Most shops will provide quotes by phone or online.
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.
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.
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.
Article updated May 2007
  post E-mail post Post  
 

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Flushed Radiator
Amount: $70.00
Posted by: Honda Driver in Campbell, CA.Posted: October 15th, 2007 02:10AM
Car Make: HondaCar 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.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush - Jiffy Lube - Bad Experience
Amount: $79.99
Posted by: Not Recommending Jiffy Lube in Chicago, IL.Posted: May 5th, 2008 09:05PM
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.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
DIY Radiator Flushing
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: Toronado282 in Altamonte Springs, FL.Posted: July 13th, 2008 09:07AM
Car Make: OldsmobileCar 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.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Did it myself
Amount: $40.00
Posted by: Avoid people you can't trust and do it yourself in Farmington, CT.Posted: October 31st, 2008 02:10PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Mustang
Auto Shop: None
Here were my notes to myself. I spent $40. $10 each for 2 gallons of antifreeze, probably around $10 for flushing fluid, and around $10 for Red Line's Water Wetter.

1. Drain the antifreeze (~2 gallons) from the radiator through the petcock. Close the petcock.
2. Refill the radiator with Prestone Flush and about 2 gallons of water.
3. Start the car, warm it up, and let it run for 10 minutes once warm. Shut the car off.
4. Drain the water from the radiator through the petcock. Close the petcock.
5. Refill the radiator with about 2 gallons of water.
6. Start the car, warm it up, and let it run for 10 minutes once warm. Shut the car off.
7. Drain the water from the radiator through the petcock. Close the petcock.
8. Refill the radiator with Prestone 50/50 PreMix antifreeze. Leave the radiator cap off.
9. Start the car and watch the uncapped radiator. This allows air to escape the system.
10. Add Prestone 50/50 PreMix antifreeze as needed, and put the cap on the radiator. 11. Allow the engine to run for 10 minutes once warm, then shut off. 12. Allow the radiator to cool off, then open and add more antifreeze if necessary. 13. After driving the car in the near future, keep an eye on the antifreeze. Add if necessary.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush - Jiffy Lube -
Amount: $92.50
Posted by: boogs3 in San Antonio, TX.Posted: January 27th, 2009 10:01PM
Car Make: PlymouthCar Model: Grand Voyager SE
Auto Shop: Jiffy Lube
I took my van for an oil change and the manager of Jiffy Lube on Federicksburg road told me that my van needed a radiator flush and over charged me and besides that now i have a noise in the radiator that i didnt have before.
DONT RECOMMEND it
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
radiator flush
Amount: $15.00
Posted by: rob....s in cicero, IL.Posted: January 29th, 2009 09:01PM
Car Make: chevyCar Model: cavaliler
Auto Shop: drive way
did it myself 15 dollars
including tax
really quite simple
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush
Amount: $30.00
Posted by: a user in Seattle, WA.Posted: February 18th, 2009 02:02PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Del Sol
Auto Shop: None
Did this myself, it is time consuming because of having to wait for the car to cool off after each warm up. Didn't want to burn my hands. Other than that it would be a lot easier if you had a garage. I had to do this job in an apartment complex lot, and didn't want my car running without me there. So grab a magazine and just start reading.

Otherwise the steps were covered by another member above. Very easy job.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
did it myself, bought chemicals from walmart
Amount: $13.00
Posted by: abe in san diego, CA.Posted: April 11th, 2009 11:04PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Ranger
from walmart $13 got me:
$3 bottle of prestone super flush
$3 prestone back-flush kit
$7 gallon of 5yr/150,000mile coolant

I had a really bad case: globs of clay-like brown rust. This took me way too long... hours... not sure how many. It was the damn backflush kit that made it take so long. I did: backflush, then circulated the soapy flush fluid, then backflush again, then coolant. In the end the coolant was still a little brown, but i was tired. Prolly good enough.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush & Fill
Amount: $49.99
Posted by: vicgems in Sterling Heights, MI.Posted: April 27th, 2009 07:04AM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Taurus
Auto Shop: Mobil Express
I went in for an oil change & found out that my Taurus (which is a 1996 with only 53,400 miles) has NEVER had a radiator flush performed. I had it done, it took 15 minutes & cost only $49.99. Oil change was 28.00 & new air filter was 12.99. I find by doing these relatively inexpensive maintenance things periodically greatly lengthen the lifespan of a vehicle & would advise to have it done professionally if you\'re inexperienced.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush
Amount: $34.12
Posted by: DOitURSELF in Brooklyn, NY.Posted: September 3rd, 2009 03:09PM
Car Make: CadillacCar Model: Eldorado
Auto Shop: None
I did alot of research before doing it myself via webvideos/sites reading. In the end its not that difficult just takes alot of time refilling and draining and waiting for engine to cool.If you own a cadillac eldorado the petcock valve is on the lower right behind lower outtake valve. its hidden by a wire and Extreamly difficult to reach. Instead just open the lower valve you'll have to any way and drain that way. you can take out the battery for more manuvering space but not needed because you'll have to keep putting it back etc. long story short here are tips i learned to watch for
1.Check radiator cap if hot before opening
2.Check antifreeze if it comes out brown its rust and need flushing.
3.Never use water instead of antifreeze,it does exact opposite to your car.
4.you will need screw driver, plies,garden hose, prestine flush(big bottle-you have big engine), and some dex-cool anti free (2).
6.READ bottle directions
7. steps are basically flush old stuff out,wash out with plain water then fill up with plain water, flush again and put in pretine flushand then fill with water after, then flush again and wash out, then fill up with water and flush again, Then finally wait for engine to cool and fill up with antifreeze with cap off start engine let air escape then close.(note let engine idle 10 minutes before flushing and only flush after its cool). Note again i bought some chemical resistant heavy duty gloves so i could so it a bit faster but other components are still hot so be careful.

The price basically
99.centds for a funnel
4.00 for prestine flush
15.00 for 1 dexcool anti freeze 14.12. 58 foot gardenhose. TOTAL 34.12 last word is buy gloves just in case
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Jiffy Lube
Amount: $79.00
Posted by: Ricardo in Columbus, OH.Posted: September 30th, 2009 10:09AM
Car Make: BuickCar Model: Century
Jiffy Lube didn't do a good job with mine either. I think all they did was drain the old antifreeze and replaced it without using any chemicals. Other than that I recommend never using dexcool antifreeze even though it is recommended by GM. It is known to damage radiator hoses. Use a compatible type of antifreeze of GMs
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Oil Change, Engine Coolant Drain / Fill
Amount: $99.00
Posted by: Ali Gator in Marietta, GA.Posted: February 19th, 2010 08:02AM
Car Make: AcuraCar Model: TL
Auto Shop: Nalley Acura Dealership
This was a Winter Oil Change special that included oil change, coolant drain and fill (radiator flush), wiper blade change and 22 pt inspection (plus a free car wash)
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: a user in Fontana, CA.Posted: February 28th, 2010 09:02PM
Car Make: 2000Car Model: honda civic
I buy a car worth $5400 but after 2wks the water from the radiator leak what will I do.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush
Amount: $115.00
Posted by: AnotherHondaDriver in Dublin, CA.Posted: April 10th, 2010 11:04AM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Odyssey (2000)
Auto Shop: Wheel Works
Gonna do it myself next time. Cost me 77 for the diagnostic + 115 for the radiator flush. Too much money. Turns out a hose was leaking. that cost me an additional 219. OUCH. Total around $430 to fix a leaking radiator hose.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
car
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: gator717 in albany, OR.Posted: April 12th, 2010 09:04AM
Car Make: dodge b250Car Model: dodge
Auto Shop: none
if you buy the items the day before you do the radiator the car is ice cold and you can do it at 9 am providing you bought the items the day before around 12noon
so tghis letting car cool off is crazy if you do what i just mentioned.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush
Amount: $144.00
Posted by: Hislady07jax in jacksonville, FL.Posted: May 21st, 2010 01:05PM
Car Make: Jaguar (1999)Car Model: XJ8L
Auto Shop: Tires Plus
Need my "upper coolant crossover pipe" replaced ($317) and they recommend a radiator flush - which "will bring the total to $462." So $144 for the flush?? Geez. Think i'll just have the repair done and take it elsewhere for the flush.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Do it myself with Peak Flush Kit
Amount: $15.00
Posted by: Pete Ng in Houston, TX.Posted: May 21st, 2010 06:05PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Odyssey 2003
Auto Shop: Home Sweet Home
AAP got a special of 2 gallons of full concentrated Peak, 1 quart of Peak Super Clean and Flush and a Flush kit for $20. Jumped on it with a coupon $10 off $25. Took me over 1hr to get it done per the procedure.

Probably the cheapest yet the best one Radiator Flush I have ever done.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush (toyota Redwood City/Sunnyvale, CA) $70 till 6/30/2010
Amount: $70.00
Posted by: Kylie in Sunnyvale, CA.Posted: June 1st, 2010 01:06PM
Car Make: lexusCar Model: 2003
Auto Shop: Toyota Sunnyvale
Toyota 101 in Redwood City have radiator flush/fill special via website coupon till 6/30/2010 for $70. Toyota Sunnyvale will also match this pricing. Great price and service from competent deal service.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Crazy Price
Amount: $99.99
Posted by: Don't go to Jiffy Lube!! in Warrensburg, MO.Posted: August 9th, 2010 04:08PM
Car Make: PontiacCar Model: Grand Am
Auto Shop: Jiffy Lube
They saw my child coming! What a rip off. Won't ever do business with Jiffy Lube again.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Do not go to Jiffy's lube
Amount: $291.00
Posted by: Rick291 in Herndon, VA.Posted: October 22nd, 2010 07:10PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
Auto Shop: Jiffy's lube
Went to Jiffy's Rip Off Joint for oil change. They coaxed me into changing the Transmission Oil, coolant and oil for $291. I foolishly accepted. They changed that all in 20 minutes ! Now reading all this, I am realizing that I got ripped off. I will never again do business with Jiffy's Lube again and do not recommend anyone
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
John Elway Toyota Ontario Expensive and Bad Service
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: John Stone in Ontario, CA.Posted: December 9th, 2010 03:12PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Rav4
Auto Shop: John Elway Toyota
My wife brought in the car. They told her that the tires were bad. We bought 1 year ago. They mentioned that the battery was weak. We bought that 2 years ago. They mentioned that the other stuff will cost more. We brought in car before for Rotor and brake replacement. They screwed up and the brakes engraved into rotors. I don't think they replaced the rotors, just the brakes next time we brought in. Car still has issue. Never go back to John Elway Toyota. They will try to milk you for your money and they give bad service.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush Campbell's auto & air
Amount: $119.00
Posted by: Firestone-hires-crooks in tallahassee, FL.Posted: December 10th, 2010 08:12PM
Car Make: KiaCar Model: Optima
Auto Shop: Campbell's auto & air
2004 Kia Optima 4cyl - radiator flush $119, among other things that included: changed out leaking power steering hose ($92 + $70 labor), serpentine belt ($28+ $50labor). Engine oil change w/MOA ($48). Engine runs better - though still rough in the cold. Mechanic says mileage will improve. Good service... will follow up after couple of months.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
DYI
Amount: $160.00
Posted by: Bruce smith in sunset, SC.Posted: January 1st, 2011 11:01AM
Car Make: chevyCar Model: k2500
Auto Shop: driveway
ok yall i flushed my system put all new hoses new radatior new thermerstatus and housing and done it all for 160 bucks i order my stuff from Rockauto.com and u look on line u can git 5% off discounts that help alot i am 17 years old and i can change it most people can just add another 30 bucks for the tools if u dont have them
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator flush PEPEBOYS
Amount: $53.99
Posted by: OVI in BRIDGEPORT, CT.Posted: March 14th, 2011 01:03PM
Car Make: FORDCar Model: EXPLORER AWD
Auto Shop: PEPBOYS
GREAT SERVICE, BEST OF ALL WAS A$20.00 DOLLAR COUPON DISCOUNT ON A REGULAR COST OF $69.99 GREAT DEALL!!!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush - Middletown, CT
Amount: $140.00
Posted by: KEEP AWAY FROM MIDDLETOWN, CT MIDAS in Middletown, CT.Posted: May 31st, 2011 06:05PM
Car Make: ChevroletCar Model: 1999 Venture
Auto Shop: Midas
Cost $300.00 for Tranny Flush, Radiator Flush and Oil Change, was suppose to check a few things which never did, water temp keeps going to half way, looked like watered the fluid to much and find out may need a new water pump, the drain plug was broken which had teh part and asked when they drained the system could put the new one on which failed to do. they do sloppy and over priced work and are a rip off. Charged $149.00 just for the coolant flush

Manager can be very rude and has issues
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
radiator flush for ford windstar
Amount: $120.00
Posted by: veera in hillsboro, OR.Posted: August 13th, 2011 01:08PM
Car Make: ford windstarCar Model:
Auto Shop: hillsboro hyundai
After 15% coupon. Better than what Ford dealer quote
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Radiator Flush and a few other things...
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: js3 in Artesia, CA.Posted: November 28th, 2011 08:11PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Crown Victoria
Auto Shop: DIY
I flush the radiator in the Crown Victoria every few years. The temperature in Southern California is mild all year round, but we do drive to Las Vegas six times a year and have passed through Baker when it was 115 degrees out.

Incidentally, every summer there are fresh spots of charred asphalt on the highway where a car has overheated and burned down to the ground, so it's an incentive to keep the cooling system in good shape.

Car is 18 years old and the thermostat, radiator cap, top and bottom radiator hoses are all original, so I pulled them and put in new ones. Also the water temperature sending unit was malfunctioning for a while, so I replaced that. The additional cost for the extra parts was another $77. I bought a lot of the parts through RockAuto on manufacturer closouts (Brand names, very cheap)

I use a yellow "Glazers" pencil and write the date/mileage of the repairs on the underside of the hood to keep track.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


 

Comment On Your Experience With a Radiator Flush
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Car Make: Car Model: 
Auto Shop:   
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 


More Articles in Cars - Car Maintenance

Search More Than 1,400 Topics on CostHelper.com