How Much Does A Radiator Flush Cost?

Of all the expenses entailed in the field of auto repair and maintenance, the radiator flush cost is surprisingly the lowest around. The cost of a radiator flush easily beats out transmission, brakes or any other major maintenance overhaul for economy and speed.

A radiator flush cost should include the price of draining, cooling and then refilling the radiator to maintain safe operation of the cooling system. The reason for a radiator flush is to remove debris and rusting in the system, as well as fluid that is dirty or contaminated, which decreases the life and operation of the vehicle.  The cost of a radiator flush, while greatly varying, is usually economical enough to make it worthwhile for the car maintenance enthusiast.

Average Cost Of A Radiator Flush

The average cost of a radiator flush is typically between $50 and $150, if having the vehicle serviced at a station; this can increase to the field of $100 to $300 if the service is performed at a dealership. The radiator flush cost is affected by the vehicle’s age, as well as its make and particular model, and many newer models of automobiles may add substantially to that radiator flush cost by requiring special coolants.

Radiator Flush Coupons

These handy price-denters can make a serviceable albeit not major difference in the cost of a radiator flush. They are found at most coupon online sites or at the websites for service centers, and, although colorful, cannot be said to be huge cash savers. For example, the Brakes Plus website offers a coolant exchange coupon of $69.99, a savings of only $5 over the regular $74.99 price. Most websites have similar savings at similar minuscule prices; however, five bucks off a radiator flush cost is still five bucks.

Radiator Flush — How Often?

It is generally recommended that a radiator flush be performed every 24 to 36 months, at least as listed by the American Automobile Association, or every 25,000 to 30,000 auto miles. These are the most common intervals for this particular service.

How To Flush A Radiator: Do It Yourself

For those who want to keep radiator flush cost to a minimum, do-it-yourself radiator flushes are probably the answer. These can be accomplished in several steps.

One should first park the vehicle anywhere that spilled coolant will not do damage. Then one unscrews the radiator cap ONLY AFTER the engine has completely cooled.

Next, one locates the radiator drain plug at the bottom, placing a large container under it to collect coolant (enough to drain it twice). One unscrews (usually with a screwdriver) the plug and drains the old coolant.

Then one adds a flushing product to the radiator and fills the unit with water from the hose. One runs the car until normal temperature is reached, then continues to run it for 10 minutes with heater on full, then one shuts off the engine to let it cool.

When it has cooled, one drains the flush product out and replaces the plug, then fills the radiator with fresh antifreeze. This should cost between $25 and $45 for the antifreeze by itself; do it yourselfers thus save between $20 and $200 on this service.

Radiator Flush Kits

The cost of a radiator flush may move some consumers to seek do-it-yourself methods. Radiator flush kits for the do-it-yourselfer are only nominally expensive, and can be purchased at good Auto stores such as Kragen’s, or online at Amazon.com. There are a number of competitive price listing websites such as AutoMD that catalog the array of prices for radiator flush kits. Radiator flush cost for a kit runs from $15 to $30 for most reputable models, and the cost of radiator fluid will add at most $50 to the cost of a radiator flush.