Is it time to flush your radiator and renew your vehicle‘s coolant? Keeping the cooling system properly maintained is absolutely critical to engine health, especially in hot summer weather. Old, degraded coolant can lead to overheating, corrosion, and expensive repairs.
So does Walmart offer coolant flushing services in 2024 at their Auto Care Centers? Unfortunately no – Walmart does not provide coolant or radiator flushing services. However, you do have options to get your vehicle flush done affordably…
In this detailed guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know:
- The benefits of periodic coolant flushes
- Where to buy DIY flush kits from Walmart
- How to flush your radiator yourself
- Professional flush service options and costs
- Expert tips to keep your vehicle coolant system in top shape
Let‘s get your car ready for summer driving!
Why Coolant Flushes Matter
Before we get into where to get flushes done, let‘s look at why they‘re so important:
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Prevents overheating – Old coolant loses effectiveness, leading to hotter engine temperatures
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Reduces corrosion – Fresh coolant has anti-corrosive additives to prevent rust and scale inside radiator
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Extends engine life – Keeping the cooling system in good order improves longevity and reduces repairs
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Maintains performance – Effective coolant and fresh fluid improves flow and cooling capabilities
But don‘t just take my word on it… here are some key statistics:
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Overheating is the #1 killer of engines, causing up to 40% of mechanical breakdowns
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70% of vehicles fail to meet coolant health standards at the 3 year / 36,000 mile mark
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Coolant flushes can improve cooling system health by over 50%
Clearly it‘s not a maintenance task to overlook or delay. Now let‘s explore your options to get it done affordably.
DIY Coolant Flush Kits at Walmart
Walmart makes it easy to flush your own radiator with DIY kits containing everything you need. Kits start at around $3!
Here are some of the top options available at Walmart stores and online:
| Brand | Kit Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Prestone | Cleaner, filter, fittings | $3 |
| BlueDevil | Cleaner, water pump lubricant | $6 |
| Bar‘s Leaks | Heavy duty cleaner, flush additive | $10 |
| Irontite | OEM-grade cleaner, flush tool | $25 |
You‘ll also need to purchase new 50/50 prediluted coolant or straight antifreeze to refill after flushing. Prices range from $10-$15 per gallon.
Some key coolant/antifreeze brands at Walmart include:
- PrestoneEXTENDED LIFE Antifreeze/Coolant – $15 / gallon
- Peak Original Green Antifreeze/Coolant – $10 / gallon
- Mobil Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant – $12 / gallon
The savings can be substantial – DIY kits start under $20 total versus $100+ for professional flushes. But you will have to get a bit dirty!
Step-By-Step: DIY Radiator Flush
Flushing it yourself takes time and some mechanical aptitude. Here are the basic steps:
Needed Supplies:
- DIY flush kit from Walmart
- Coolant – 50/50 premixed is best
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- Gloves & eye protection
Flush Procedure:
- Park on level ground and let engine fully cool
- Locate radiator drain plug – consult manual if unsure
- Place drain pan under plug, open plug with wrench and drain coolant
- When fully drained, close drain plug tightly
- Remove radiator cap and attach kit supply tubes
- Pour flush chemical into radiator – careful not to spill!
- Reinstall cap, start engine and let run 10-15 minutes
- Shut off engine, let fully cool, and drain flush solution
- Repeat steps 5-8 using only water to rinse system thoroughly
- Finally, mix new coolant per directions and refill system
- Start engine, check for leaks, allow to run and reach operating temperature
- Top off coolant level once more after bleed air escapes
Key safety precautions:
- Use gloves and eye protection – coolant can burn skin and eyes
- Only work on a fully cooled engine to prevent burns
- Properly dispose of drained fluid – don‘t pour down drains
- Check for leaks after refilling – immediately clean any spills
If you don‘t feel equipped to handle the flush yourself, that‘s understandable! In that case, keep reading to learn about professional service options…
Where To Get Professional Flush Service
While the DIY route saves money, having a shop handle the messy coolant flush makes good sense for many vehicle owners. National chains charge around $100-$150 for a standard radiator flush service.
Here are some of the leading auto service providers performing coolant system flushes:
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Jiffy Lube – Starts at $109.99 standard, $129.99 premium flush
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Firestone – Standard flush service $129.99
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Meineke – Coolant exchange service starts at $159.99
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Pep Boys – Coolant flush service starts at $99.99
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Valvoline Instant Oil Change – Starts at $119.99
Many dealerships and local repair shops offer this service as well, often at higher rates than the quick-service chains above.
Tip: Ask providers for any current coupon specials or advertised discounts on coolant flushes. Jiffy Lube for example regularly promotes $20 off coupons, bringing cost closer to $90 for a standard flush.
Based on the complexity and mess involved, I recommend most drivers utilize professional flushes. The minor additional cost is worth it for the convenience and assurance of proper maintenance. DIY is best left to those with mechanical experience.
How Often Should You Flush?
Coolant should be refreshed every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. Some guidelines based on vehicle age and mileage:
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Every 30k miles or 36 months for most vehicles
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Every 60k miles or 5 years for newer vehicles with long-life coolant
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Every 15k miles or 1 year on older vehicles over 150k miles
Severe conditions like hauling heavy loads, dusty roads, or extreme heat require more frequent flushing.
Using additives between flushes can help extend the viability of coolant. But a complete flush is still needed periodically to truly renew the system. Don‘t put it off – overheating damage can cost thousands in repairs!
Conclusion – Your Best Coolant Flush Options
While Walmart itself does not directly offer coolant flushing, you can buy supplies there to flush your radiator DIY-style for under $20.
However, for most vehicle owners, having a professional shop like Firestone or Jiffy Lube perform the flush is money well spent for the convenience and assurance of proper maintenance. Watch for coupons to offset the $100-$150 service cost.
Either way, a periodic radiator flush is vital to trouble-free operation. Don‘t wait until you have overheating issues or leaks! Follow the recommended intervals to keep your coolant refreshed.
Your engine will thank you next time temperatures really soar! Let me know if you have any other questions on keeping your ride running cool.
