1UZFE

hi all,

i went to get my oil changed and they tried to sell me on a $70 radiator fluid flush? the guy showed me what i can only describe as turkey-baster with four colored ***** in it. then he pointed to the line that stated, "NOT SAFE." he told me i had enough in there but it wasn't "protecting my radiator."

i've got over 75K miles. i don't think it's ever been flushed. but how do i really know if i need to? is there any additive i can buy?

thanks everyone,
don

LexLS

I have read that a cooling system flush is one of the most neglected service items. It's a fluid just like the oil, it needs to be changed periodically. Probably about once every two years or so but check your manual. Things can build up in there so it is a good idea to do a flush, not just drain and refill. There is a special cleaner made by Prestone that gets the junk out. I will be doing a flush when it warms up around here and I do all my other engine stuff.

http://www.prestone.com/tips/page1.htm

It sounds like you're basically low on coolant or have the wrong ratio in your system. If you don't know when it was last flushed it would be wise to do so. You can read more on the prestone site.

1UZFE

FROM LEXUS OWNERS CLUB:

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...15&#entry36827

LexLS

That's an interesting thread, but it pretty much says what I said before, do the flush!

Regarding what to buy...whatever the manual states, that doesn't neccessarilly mean you need to buy Toyota coolant .

RA40

iTrader: (6)

I've used Dex Cool in two other cars. I didn't find it as long lasting as it should have been and someone told me that GM had revised the flush interval.

The Toyota stuff is priced at $12 but given I'll flush it every 15-20K it isn't a big expense along with a new thermostat $15.