Warning Signs Your Car Needs a Coolant Flush

Coolant is one of the vital fluids that keep your car in good working order. Like other fluids in your vehicle, coolant can leak or degrade, leading to less-than-optimal performance. Because of this, it’s important to check your coolant levels regularly and replace it when necessary.

There are many signs that your car might need new coolant. At Fort Myers Mitsubishi, we want to help you keep your car in great working order, so we put together a list of these signs. Keep reading to learn what a coolant flush is and when to get one.

What is a Coolant Flush?

Image by Damir Kopezhanov licensed with Unsplash license

A coolant flush is a routine maintenance procedure that keeps your car in good working order. Coolant is a specialized fluid that regulates the temperature of your engine so that it can function in extremes of heat and cold. It contains antifreeze, which helps lower the freezing point of your engine, allowing it to run during the winter. It also keeps your vehicle’s engine from overheating during those hot summer months. As a bonus, most coolants have anti-corrosion ingredients that prevent rust and other buildup in the engine.

Since coolant is so important, it’s vital to keep your car topped up and ensure that the coolant is uncontaminated. Due to the heat and friction inside the engine, the chemicals in your coolant can break down, leading to decreased performance. The level of coolant will also decrease over time. In many cases, it’s enough to simply top up the coolant reservoir in your engine, but sometimes, your vehicle may need a coolant flush.

During this procedure, a mechanic will completely empty the old coolant from your car. They will then top your reservoir up and make sure that your car hasn’t suffered any damage. This procedure clears contaminants from your engine and can lead to increased performance. Extreme temperatures can lead to serious engine damage, and it’s much cheaper to spend a little on a coolant flush than pay for serious engine repairs. Although maintenance schedules vary by car, it’s usually best to get a coolant flush once every 100,000 miles or every three years.

6 Signs Your Car Needs a Coolant Flush

Your car will give you a range of signals that it’s ready for a coolant flush. These are the six most common signs that it’s time to take your vehicle into a mechanic:

Sweet Smells

One of the first signs of low or degraded coolant is a strange, sweet smell coming from under the hood. This odor is the result of overheated ethylene glycol, which is an ingredient in coolant. This smell reminds many people of syrup, candy, or waffles, and is a sure sign that your car needs a flush or at least a top-up. Your car may emit this smell if your engine is unable to regulate its temperature and overheats. Getting a complete flush can help remove old residue that may have built up while your car was low on coolant.

Odd Noises

Strange noises from under your car’s hood are never a good sign and may indicate a coolant malfunction. If you hear a gurgling sound when you start the car, it might be time to check your coolant levels. This sound is the result of air bubbles that can fill the space left by low coolant levels. While you may be able to simply fill the reservoir, it’s usually a good idea to take your car to a mechanic for a coolant flush. This can enhance performance and a professional will be able to check for any engine damage.

Overheating

One of the clearest signs that your car needs coolant is regular overheating. If this happens, you may notice a burning smell coming from your engine, especially on warm days. It’s also important to keep an eye on your engine’s temperature gauge. If the indicator is regularly above the red line, make sure to take your car in to a mechanic. Overheating can be a serious problem and can damage your vehicle’s components, so try to remedy the issue as soon as possible.

Low Coolant Levels

If you think your car might be low on coolant, it might be a good idea to look under the hood. Find the coolant reservoir and make sure that the fluid is at or above the minimum fill line. If your coolant is extremely low or looks dirty, consider scheduling a coolant flush with a mechanic you trust.

Leaks

Leaking is one of the most common issues that can lead to low coolant levels and engine overheating. This may occur because of old and cracked hoses or other damaged components within your car’s engine. If your vehicle is leaking coolant, you’ll most likely notice puddles of fluid underneath the vehicle after leaving it parked.

Since your car holds a variety of fluids, it’s important to make sure that you’re seeing coolant. Coolant is usually blue or orange, while oil will be black or dark brown and transmission fluid is red or brown. If your car is leaking coolant, take it to a mechanic who can find the source of the leak and complete a coolant flush and replacement.

Heater Malfunctions

Although it might seem counterintuitive, heater malfunctions may be a sign of low coolant levels. Your car’s heating system uses heat diverted from the engine to warm the cabin. If your heater isn’t working, it might be time to get a coolant flush. Heater issues can be caused by a variety of factors, so be sure to visit a service center to get an accurate diagnosis.

That’s our list of signs that your car might need a coolant flush. We hope this makes it easier for you to spot coolant issues and resolve them quickly. If you live in the Fort Myers, FL area and need a coolant flush, Fort Myers Mitsubishi has you covered. Our experienced service staff is available to help and you can schedule your appointment easily online. If you have any other questions about our inventory, financing options, or service department, feel free to contact us. Stay safe on the road and we hope to see you soon.