Reasonable price for a coolant flush?

[MattB]

My '01 I30 is approaching 75000 miles, so I figured it would be a good time to have the coolant flushed, especially with summer coming up soon. The dealer quoted me $175 for the flush using factory coolant and a BG flush machine. Is this a reasonable price?

[Darktide]

I wouldn't do it if I were you. If you flush it then chances are you'll find a bunch of leaks. Just go to like a Meineke or something.

[MattB]

I wouldn't do it if I were you. If you flush it then chances are you'll find a bunch of leaks. Just go to like a Meineke or something.

Infiniti recommends having it flushed at 60K. 15000 more miles shouldn't make a huge difference. Why would flushing the system cause leaks?

[Darktide]

IMO it has more to do with age than mileage. The reason a flush would cause leaks is because its normal practice to put an acid solution in to clean the system. If it hasn't been done regularly then chances are there is some corrosion or filth blocking some holes. You're probably fine with your mileage but normally I'd just replace the fluid and call it a day. But thats just my opinion.

[Sentientbydesign]

If you're ok with the hassle of disposing of your own fluids, you can do the flush yourself for under $40.

[MattB]

IMO it has more to do with age than mileage. The reason a flush would cause leaks is because its normal practice to put an acid solution in to clean the system. If it hasn't been done regularly then chances are there is some corrosion or filth blocking some holes. You're probably fine with your mileage but normally I'd just replace the fluid and call it a day. But thats just my opinion.

What would you consider a regular interval? I may consider just having them drain and fill instead, it's probably cheaper anyway.

[hsckris]

If you're ok with the hassle of disposing of your own fluids, you can do the flush yourself for under $40.

+1. Most auto parts stores have fluid disposal available for free.

[Darktide]

You're a bit wrong on that. No auto parts stores will take coolant. That is classified as a hazardous material and normally you have to wait until your city does a collection for it or pay a company to dispose of it for you. Under no circumstances should you just go and dump it in your back yard or some place , not only is such an act illegal. It's also extremely damaging to the environment. Take care of these things properly.

[hsckris]

You're a bit wrong on that. No auto parts stores will take coolant. That is classified as a hazardous material and normally you have to wait until your city does a collection for it or pay a company to dispose of it for you. Under no circumstances should you just go and dump it in your back yard or some place , not only is such an act illegal. It's also extremely damaging to the environment. Take care of these things properly.

Well mine down here take any kind of oil so I just figured they'd take coolant. Regardless, many counties (here at least) have facilities for disposal and they take everything so that'd be an option.

[Mike G]

What would you consider a regular interval? I may consider just having them drain and fill instead, it's probably cheaper anyway.

Drain and fill yourself, save the dealer costs, then do it again after 500 miles. You should be good for another 75k after that....--Mike

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Antifreeze has chemicals in it which help keep the waterpump seals pliable. I feel my car has a lot of miles on itand the seals need it.

Since the water pump changeout on a Maxima is so laborintensive I consider it cheap insurance to change it everyyear. During the summer I add a bottle of water pumplubricant to refresh the antifreeze chemicals.

[MattB]

Drain and fill yourself, save the dealer costs, then do it again after 500 miles. You should be good for another 75k after that....--Mike

Why do it again after 500 miles?

Antifreeze has chemicals in it which help keep the waterpump seals pliable. I feel my car has a lot of miles on itand the seals need it.

Since the water pump changeout on a Maxima is so laborintensive I consider it cheap insurance to change it everyyear. During the summer I add a bottle of water pumplubricant to refresh the antifreeze chemicals.

Infiniti's maintenance schedule calls for it every 30K.

[Darktide]

The reason why he suggested doing it again after 500 miles is because if you just drain you might not get all of it out so you do it again so you get more new fluid into the system.

I would just replace the fluid and not flush. Most newer cars (96+ GMs and '00+ just about every other make) use a coolant that should last 5 years to 50k miles.

[Sentientbydesign]

Ditto on the autoparts stores. Most of them won't even take your oil filter or oil bottles (both of which should be recycled).

The most annoying thing about coolant flush/replacement is what to do with the spent fluid. My area only has a pick up event every couple of months and some of them have stupid requirements like you have to make a trip per gallon

Prestone makes a flush kit. You cut one of your hoses and put in a T. When you need to flush it, you can attach a water hose to the T and let her rip.

[MattB]

As far as the seals are concerned, the BG flush system information site claims its cleaner is harmless to the seals and thus wouldn't cause leaks. Is this true or just marketing?