Radiator Flush in Fond du Lac, WI

During a radiator flush, old coolant is drained from your vehicle’s radiator and the cooling system is thoroughly flushed to remove debris and contaminants.

After flushing, we add fresh coolant to protect your engine and cooling components from corrosion and overheating. Radiator flushes are essential to prevent engine damage caused by inefficient cooling.

Vehicle model and driving conditions influence the frequency of radiator flushes. Most manufacturers recommend a radiator flush every 2-5 years, or about every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

If you drive in harsh conditions—like extreme heat or frequent stop-and-go traffic, you may need to flush the radiator more often. Always check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s recommended interval. Some newer vehicles have extended-life coolant that can go longer between flushes.

If you have the proper tools and skills, a radiator flush can be a DIY project.

Hiring a professional, however, is often a better option because they can ensure the flush is thorough as well as check for underlying cooling system issues, such as leaks or damaged components. Mechanics also have access to specialized equipment that can remove debris more effectively and increase the longevity of your radiator and engine.

If your engine frequently overheats, old or contaminated coolant could be the cause. Buildup or blockages can cause fluctuating engine temperature.

If the heater isn’t warming up like it used to, it could be due to clogs or low-quality coolant. Rusty or dirty coolant can be a sign you need a radiator flush. Puddles of coolant under your car may indicate a cooling system leak that could benefit from a flush.

DIY flushes generally cost between $15 and $40 for the coolant and supplies. Pricing for a radiator flush performed by a mechanic starts around $75 and can be more, depending on vehicle type and other factors. Keep in mind, a professional flush can catch any additional cooling system issues and provide peace of mind with a thorough job.

Skipping regular radiator flushes can lead to a range of cooling system and engine problems:

• Overheating Engine: Buildup in the cooling system can prevent coolant from flowing properly.
• Corrosion: Old coolant loses its protective properties, leading to rust and corrosion in the radiator, water pump and other components.
• Cooling System Failure: Contaminated coolant can clog hoses and damage seals, leading to coolant leaks and possible failure of the entire cooling system.
• Expensive Repairs: A neglected cooling system can damage the engine.

No. A coolant exchange generally involves draining and refilling the coolant without thoroughly flushing out all the contaminants in the system.

A radiator flush is more comprehensive and provides a deeper clean, making it the better option if your system has a buildup of contaminants. During a radiator flush, we use a flushing solution to clean out old coolant, debris and rust before adding new coolant.

It depends on your vehicle’s make and model, as different cars require different coolant formulations. There are two main types of coolant: Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) coolant, which is typically used in older vehicles, and Organic Acid Technology (OAT) or Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants, common in modern cars.

Always refer to your owner’s manual to confirm the recommended coolant type and color. Your mechanic can also guide you to the right choice.

A radiator flush can often help with overheating issues. If your car continues to overheat after a radiator flush, the issue may be with a faulty thermostat, water pump or cooling fan, which would need to be inspected and repaired.

If you have an older vehicle, work with Matthews Tire before performing a flush. We can assess the condition of the cooling system to see if any parts should be replaced to prevent potential issues.

Older vehicles with a poorly maintained cooling system may face some risks, such as large pieces of rust or scale causing blockages or even leaks. Additionally, if seals or hoses are already degraded, they might fail after the flush.