Dealership Coolant Flush Vs. DIY

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blue_kjR417

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At 125,000 miles I'm assuming I should really flush my coolant and replace the old probably corrosive coolant with some fresh new. Now looking into either flushing it my self with an off the shelf coolant and flush kit or taking it to the dealership and having them do it. I've heard before that the dealership uses some type of special flush that removes all the old acidic spots left by the corrosive collant. So is any of this true or will a off the shelf DIY flush kit do the job?
 

tjkj2002

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The dealership(and other shops) will actually use a machine to flush the coolant and will cycle 100% new coolant in.They to use a chemical cleaner,there pretty much all the same cleaners and work the same it's just the machine is the difference from the DIY kit.

Dealers around here are starting there $90 coolant flushes so you might want to check for any specials around your area.
 

blue_kjR417

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The dealership(and other shops) will actually use a machine to flush the coolant and will cycle 100% new coolant in.They to use a chemical cleaner,there pretty much all the same cleaners and work the same it's just the machine is the difference from the DIY kit.

Dealers around here are starting there $90 coolant flushes so you might want to check for any specials around your area.

So, Troy would you say that the dealership is worth the extra cost, I've checked around and most are around $100.
 

tjkj2002

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Well after you buy the correct coolant and flush kit your looking at about $40,is it worth it to mess with it over $60? That's your call not mine.

Just remember you only use distilled water in your cooling system,regular tap water contains to many minerals that play hell with the system and clog it up.
 

Ry' N Jen

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Weather you go to a dealership or an other shop, I personally think it's worth the additional cost to have a coolant flush done professionally at a dealership because it cleans out all the residual crap that a DIY kit doesn't and they use the correct coolant
And comes with a 12 month 12000 mile warranty.
 

LibertyTC

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The Hoat coolant should be flushed out every 5 years regardless of mileage.
I had mine done at Dealer and it just easier knowing I do not have to deal with all associated to draining/recycling antifreeze etc.
The main assurances comes from knowing that their flush machine will do a good job and that Hoat will definitively be used.
Also at that kind of mileage, I would also consider having the thermostat replaced at the same time.
 

ShafferNY

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Another thing you might want to consider is disposal of the old coolant. I couldn't find a place willing to take the used stuff even after contacting my local Dept. of Environmental Conservation office.
 

Ohio-white-kj

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Another thing you might want to consider is disposal of the old coolant. I couldn't find a place willing to take the used stuff even after contacting my local Dept. of Environmental Conservation office.

I goggled this a couple years ago and was surprised that the response is actually - use the sewer system. Ohio EPA says to dispose via residential sewer.
 

ShafferNY

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I goggled this a couple years ago and was surprised that the response is actually - use the sewer system. Ohio EPA says to dispose via residential sewer.

I heard the same thing, social I contacted our local Sewer Dept. and asked them what to do with it. They didn't know either. When I asked if it was safe to dump down the drain, I was told not to.

I still have been able to find a place willing to take it.
 

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