Radiator Flush in Green Bay, WI

A radiator flush is a maintenance service where old coolant is drained from your vehicle’s radiator and the cooling system is thoroughly flushed to remove debris, rust and other contaminants. After flushing, we add fresh coolant to protect your engine and cooling components from corrosion and overheating.

Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended frequency of radiator flushes, which vary by vehicle model and driving conditions. Most manufacturers recommend a radiator flush every 2-5 years or 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

Extreme heat or frequent driving in slow traffic may increase the frequency. Some newer vehicles have extended-life coolant that can go longer between flushes.

If you have basic mechanical skills and the proper tools, including a hose, bucket and new coolant, a radiator flush can be a DIY project. Having it done by a professional is often preferable because we can ensure the flush is thorough, and we can also check for leaks or damaged components. Our technicians also have access to specialized equipment that can remove debris more effectively.

Common signs your car might need a radiator flush include:

• Overheating: Frequent overheating may mean you have old or contaminated coolant.
• Rusty or Dirty Coolant: If your coolant shows visible debris, or is discolored or rusty, you’re likely overdue for a flush.
• Coolant Leaks: Puddles of coolant under your car may mean your cooling system has an issue that could benefit from a radiator flush.
• Poor Heater Performance: If your heater isn’t warming up like it used to, it could mean you have clogs or low-quality coolant.
• Frequent Temperature Fluctuations: Fluctuating engine temperature can indicate that coolant is not circulating efficiently because of buildup or blockages.

The cost of a radiator flush depends on location and vehicle type, and whether you choose to do it yourself. A radiator flush performed by a mechanic generally starts at $75 and could be more depending on your vehicle type.

DIY flushes are more affordable, usually between $15 and $40 for the coolant and supplies. Keep in mind, a professional radiator flush can catch any additional cooling system issues and provide peace of mind.

Skipping regular radiator flushes can lead to a range of cooling system and engine problems, including an overheating engine because of buildup, which keeps the coolant from flowing properly. Your vehicle also may experience corrosion in the radiator, water pump or other components.

You could end up with cooling system failure because contaminated coolant can clog hoses and damage seals. A neglected cooling system also can damage the engine, resulting in costly repairs, which far exceeds the cost of a simple radiator flush.

No—they are similar but not the same. A coolant exchange generally involves draining and refilling the coolant without thoroughly flushing out all the contaminants.

But a radiator flush involves using a flushing solution to clean out old coolant, debris and rust prior to adding new coolant. A radiator flush provides a deeper clean, making it the better option if your system has a lot of buildup.

The type of coolant you need 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.
• 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. Using the wrong type can damage the cooling system. Your mechanic can also guide you during a radiator flush service.

A radiator flush can often help with overheating issues, particularly if the problem is due to old or contaminated coolant, clogs or blockages in the cooling system. If your car continues to overheat after a radiator flush, the issue may be with another part of the system, such as a faulty thermostat, water pump or cooling fan.

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

A radiator flush can dislodge large pieces of rust or scale, which could cause blockages or even leaks in weakened areas. If seals or hoses are already degraded, they might fail after the flush.