Best Place to get a coolant flush

[DR.NT]

Hey Guys

I have a 2002 Buick Century with 104k on it and I want to get the cooling system flushed.

What is a better place to take it to, the dealership or a place like mr.lube?

any insight is appreciated


-NT

[mlc2000]

makes no difference. Price is probably the same.

[Pete_Coach]

Just take it to a place that has the newest machines. The newer machines pressure pump the fluid out. They get it all out. Do not just go somewhere that the mechanic drains the radiator. Oh, and replace it with new GM spec antifreeze.

[eelfliw]

Check your car manual and look under the hood. If your car has one of those long life coolants (usually orange color), then it doesn't need to be changed for 5 years or 160,000KM. Save your time and money.

If it does need changing, do it yourself. Find the drain bolt on the water pump or thermostat housing. Remove the bolt and drain the coolant. Do the same for the rad. Be sure to catch all the fluid and dispose of it properly. Once all the fluid is gone, replace the bolts. Fill the rad and coolant tank and start the engine. Keep an eye on fluid level and fill as needed. There will be air pockets in the engine so check fluid level regularly for the next several days.

[B0000rt]

If it does need changing, do it yourself. Find the drain bolt on the water pump or thermostat housing. Remove the bolt and drain the coolant. Do the same for the rad. Be sure to catch all the fluid and dispose of it properly. Once all the fluid is gone, replace the bolts. Fill the rad and coolant tank and start the engine. Keep an eye on fluid level and fill as needed. There will be air pockets in the engine so check fluid level regularly for the next several days.
Well, it's better off to go to the mechanic, as they'll beable to get all of the old fluid out, and flush it properly.

Same with a transmission fluid change.

[myapple]

Well, it's better off to go to the mechanic, as they'll beable to get all of the old fluid out, and flush it properly.

Same with a transmission fluid change.
Some places will just run tap water through your system to flush everything out. Frankly, anybody can do that themselves. After you drain and catch all the old fluid, simply flush out the system with a garden hose.

[russfest]

While I agree that taking it to a place with the newer machines is good they can pressure all the old fluid out and do a pressure flush, I am of the opinion you can do it yourself.

I drain all I can out, flush it once with fresh water ( I myself dont trust those back flushing 't's you can install) then use the ten minute gunk brand rad flush stuff. After that drain it, then flush it thoroughly with fresh water. fill it a few times and then run it. when nothing comes up re add coolant. You can buy long life stuff, I would use that if your system is pretty clean. As a rule of thumb you can usually tell by looking into your rad through where the rad cap is and see the fins in your rad, if they have no whitish scale buildup and are a yellowy coppery colour, its good. As to the suggestion that you use the the new GM stuff, why? Seriously? Thats meant for the new style coolant system, theres is no benefit whatsoever for using that on older GM vehicles.

But in the end, do what you are comfortable with.

[canadiantofu]

Sounds like you don't want to DIY. How about a radiator shop?

I've found them to be price competitive, and you have specialist looking over your stuff.