Is It Time for a Coolant Flush?

All About Coolant Flush



Your vehicle has specific measures in place to protect your vehicle’s engine. This responsibility is tasked to the cooling system and its antifreeze. It’s essential to keep your coolant fresh with your manufacturer’s recommended coolant flushes. Wondering how to know if it’s time for a coolant flush?



High Temperature Gauge and Vehicle Overheating

Your engine coolant’s main responsibility is keeping your vehicle’s engine temperatures low. If you notice the temperature gauge frequently becomes high and your engine is overheating, chances are it’s time for a coolant flush. If you allow your engine to overheat, you may have to deal with serious, expensive problems. Protect your vehicle from this outcome by visiting a mechanic at Ed Martin Acura when you notice temperature issues.



Do you notice a sweet smell in your car?

One clear sign that it’s time to schedule a coolant flush is when you notice an engine scent that reminds you of pancakes. Antifreeze contains an ingredient called ethylene glycol that has some sweet-smelling properties. When your car burns through coolant, it can release a scent that reminds drivers of maple syrup or butterscotch candy. While the smell may seem nice, it’s a sign that your engine needs attention from a service technician.



Maintenance Schedule, Signs, and Symptoms

These two signs are distinctive, while others may be tougher to pick up on, like strange engine noise. If you hear an engine noise or notice that something with your vehicle is off, it’s important to bring in your vehicle for service as quickly as you can. Here are some of the other signs to keep an eye out for:

  • Leaking fluid -- When antifreeze is leaking, you may notice a blue or orange liquid under where you park your vehicle. When normal coolant levels aren’t maintained, your engine will quickly overheat.
  • Seasonal attention -- Coolant issues can happen throughout the year, but vehicle overheating most commonly happens during the warmer months. Make sure that your car is ready for summer by getting maintenance before your engine has issues.
  • Maintenance schedule -- It’s always a great idea to check your owner’s manual. The suggested care for your vehicle is determined by the age, make, and model of your vehicle.

If you still are questioning if you need a coolant flush, schedule an appointment at Ed Martin Acura. Our service technicians will be able to advise you and perform a coolant flush if necessary.



What is a coolant flush?

Topping off your vehicle’s antifreeze can temporarily solve coolant issues but won’t fix the source of the issue. This is where a coolant flush helps. One of our trained service technicians will make sure that the vehicle’s coolant isn’t leaking. Once they confirm that there is not a larger problem, they will remove all of the old, burnt antifreeze.


Our Ed Martin Acura service team will use professional-grade solutions to get rid of existing debris, dirt, sludge, rust, and buildup that may be in your engine system. A mechanic will then complete your coolant flush by adding fresh antifreeze to your engine with a conditioner that will keep it protected for longer. This process improves the health and protection of your vehicle. You’ll quickly notice an immediate boost in engine cooling and performance after this service.


Get a Coolant Flush at Ed Martin Acura

If you need a coolant flush, our service experts at Ed Martin Acura are here and ready to help you. We proudly serve drivers throughout the Indianapolis area. Request an appointment online or call us now to get started today.