Flush Your Coolant System Every 30,000 Miles
The Problem
Coolant that's been in the system for 5+ years causes internal corrosion, clogs, and overheating.
The Hack
Get a coolant system flush every 30,000 miles or 3-5 years (check your manual). The shop drains old coolant, flushes the system, and fills with fresh 50/50 mix. Costs $80-120.
Why It Works
Coolant contains anti-corrosion additives that deplete over time. Depleted coolant allows rust and scale buildup inside the radiator, heater core, and engine water jacket — leading to expensive clogs and failures.
Pro Tips
- $80-120 flush vs $1,000-2,000 in cooling system repairs
- Check your owner's manual for the specific interval
- Coolant color indicates type — don't mix different types
- This is one of the most overlooked maintenance items