My car is approaching 50k miles and I've never had one done so thinking of getting it done when I get my oil changed at Lexus service this weekend. How often do you get radiator coolant flush and how much should it cost? And no, I can't change coolant/oil myself because my car is parked in a commercial parking garage and no tools/space.

 

I've recently been asking about the same thing with my GTI, and I think that 50k is probably a bit early for coolant flush, at least on a modern vehicle. But, it depends on your usage. If it's a car you are driving aggressively on a regular basis, you may want to do a coolant flush. However, most cars and most drivers will probably last 100k before they need to worry about it. I would just keep an eye on your coolant level and coolant temps to make sure they are staying where they should be.

Having said that, it is a good preventative maintenance item. Over time, the coolant could become contaminated or evaporate. This might have a barely noticeable, yet still very real impact on its effectiveness. So there's no wrong answer here. Personally, I'd wait a bit longer especially considering Lexus claims it'll last 100k.

 

In my old ES-300, I never did have it flushed in the 14 years I drove it. only topped it off on occasion.
My Jag recommends a drain and fill every 2 years, and I've been a bit lax on that.

 

follow your owner's manual.

 

I'd hold until 90-100k miles, check the quality then and evaluate at that point. My 1st gen IS had its first flush around 120k and it was starting to look a bit worn around then. My 3IS just rolled 60k miles and the coolant still looks brand new and hasn't dropped in level.

 

Ya Lexus service told me it was 90k or 9 years so I didn't get it changed.

 

might be a stupid question but Is it normal to top off coolant fluid every year? Mine seems to be getting low every time winter comes around and have to fill up. I dont see any leaks anywhere. Although I am at 100k

 

I don't think you should be losing coolant, ideally. The cooling system is a closed, pressurized system. Though, it could be as simple as a minor leak in the thermostat/water pump or something of that nature. It sounds like a very slow leak if it's only once per year.

 

Ive topped mine off only once in 50,000km and 2 years of driving. And I put maybe 200ml in...Level is pretty much perfect.
If I’m not mistaken I think it’s normal to lose a tiny bit over time, Because of engine temperature the water within the coolant can evaporate resulting in coolant level dropping off a bit. Also you can lose a bit through the overflow reservoir which is normal.
If your topping off on a regular basis something is wrong, once a year a tiny top off doesn’t sound alarming.

 

Also might just be the coolant contracting a bit more with the cooler winter temps, especially if you're parked outside.

 

strange I have the same issue as you but I'm only at 86km currently. coolant is fairly cheap so I thought only I had this issue.

 

Thanks for the info.

Yeah it gets to the point where its Low and i fill it up to Full. I am at 100k so wondering if water pump has or been slowly leaking. Also, crappy coolant cap design always has dried coolant on it so could have lost some there as well

Will keep an eye on it hopefully dont have a fill up again