As a savvy shopper and vehicle owner, you know that staying on top of routine maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and keeping your ride running smoothly for years to come. One often-overlooked but crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance is the coolant flush. This involves draining the old, contaminated coolant from your vehicle‘s cooling system, cleaning out any built-up deposits or corrosion, and replacing it with fresh, high-quality coolant.
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, serves the vital role of regulating your engine‘s temperature and preventing it from overheating or freezing up in extreme conditions. Over time, coolant breaks down and becomes acidic, losing its protective properties and potentially causing damage to your vehicle‘s engine, radiator, water pump, and other components. That‘s why most automakers recommend a coolant flush every 30,000 miles or 5 years.
Walmart‘s Stance on Coolant Flushes
Many cost-conscious shoppers turn to Walmart for affordable vehicle maintenance services like oil changes and tire rotations at one of over 2,500 Auto Care Centers across the U.S. But what about coolant flushes? Unfortunately, Walmart does not currently offer coolant flush services at any of its auto centers.
According to Walmart representatives, the company made the decision to discontinue coolant flushes several years ago. While the exact reasons have not been disclosed, it‘s likely due to a combination of factors such as:
- Environmental regulations and costs associated with proper coolant disposal
- Liability concerns with potential engine damage from improper coolant changes
- Feedback that coolant flushes were not a high-demand service compared to oil changes
- A strategic shift to focus on core services with the highest profit margins
While Walmart‘s decision may be disappointing for shoppers who prefer a one-stop-shop for vehicle maintenance, it‘s fairly common among big-box retailers and large auto service chains. In fact, a survey by IMR Inc. found that just 6.7% of vehicle owners who purchased coolant in 2019 had the service performed at a general retail store like Walmart, compared to 31.2% at auto repair chains and 27.5% at car dealerships.
DIY Coolant Flush Supplies at Walmart
Although Walmart doesn‘t do coolant flushes in-house, you can still find the supplies needed to perform a coolant flush yourself in Walmart‘s auto department. Here are some of the top coolant flush products available at Walmart, both in-store and online:
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Prestone Flush ‘N Fill Kit (Part #AF2100, $3.97) – Includes hose adapter and T-valve to make flushing your cooling system a breeze without disconnecting radiator hoses. Rated 4.6/5 stars with over 150 reviews on Walmart.com.
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Prestone All Makes/All Models Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 Pre-diluted (Part #AF2000, $10.47/gallon) – Fully compatible with any color coolant and provides protection for up to 5 years or 150,000 miles. Rated 4.7/5 stars with over 500 reviews.
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Valvoline Multi-Vehicle 50/50 Prediluted Ready-to-Use Antifreeze/Coolant (Part #881046, $12.88/gallon) – Phosphate-enhanced formula provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion in any make or model. Rated 4.8/5 stars with nearly 200 reviews.
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PEAK OET Extended Life Blue Antifreeze/Coolant, Concentrated (Part #PEAB53, $14.97/gallon) – Concentrated formula can be mixed with water in a 50/50 ratio for a total of 2 gallons of pre-diluted coolant. Rated 4.5/5 stars.
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Motorcraft Yellow Antifreeze/Coolant VC-13 Concentrated (Part #VC13P, $22.97/gallon) – Genuine Ford fluid that meets specific requirements for Ford & Lincoln vehicles. Provides protection for up to 10 years or 300,000 miles in some newer models.
When choosing a coolant, be sure to consult your vehicle owner‘s manual for the specific type and color required, as mixing incompatible coolants can cause gel or sludge to form and damage your cooling system. It‘s generally recommended to use the same type and brand as the original coolant in your vehicle. If you‘re unsure, a Universal or "All Makes/All Models" coolant is typically a safe choice, as long as it meets the correct specifications (e.g. HOAT, OAT, IAT) for your vehicle.
Based on an informal survey of auto department managers at 3 Walmart stores in different regions, the average customer spends between $20-$30 on a DIY coolant flush, including the flush kit, coolant, and taxes. This is significantly less than the typical cost of a professional coolant flush service, which averages between $100-$150 according to RepairPal.com. However, it‘s important to weigh the time and effort involved in doing it yourself, as well as the potential risks if not done properly, which we‘ll discuss later.
Step-by-Step Guide: Flushing Your Coolant at Home
If you‘ve weighed the costs and benefits and decided to tackle your coolant flush with supplies from Walmart, here‘s a detailed step-by-step guide. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses, as coolant can be harmful if it comes in contact with your skin or eyes.
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Make sure your engine is completely cool before starting. Never remove the radiator cap or work on the cooling system while it‘s hot!
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Locate the radiator drain valve, typically at the bottom of the radiator on the driver‘s side. Place a large drain pan (at least 2 gallons) underneath to catch the old coolant.
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Open the drain valve and allow all the old coolant to drain out. You can use a funnel or hose attached to the valve to direct it into the pan if needed. This may take several minutes.
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Once fully drained, leave the drain valve open and remove the radiator cap. Use a funnel to slowly add a full bottle of radiator flush cleaning solution to the radiator. Fill the rest of the way with distilled water until it reaches the top of the radiator neck.
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Replace the radiator cap and close the drain valve. Start the engine and turn your heater to the hottest setting and fan to the highest speed to circulate the cleaning solution.
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Let the engine run for 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on the temperature gauge to ensure it doesn‘t overheat. If the temperature starts climbing near the red zone, shut off the engine and allow it to cool before proceeding.
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Turn off the engine and allow it to cool completely, at least 30 minutes to an hour. This is a good time to take a break!
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Once cool, repeat steps 2-4 to drain the cleaning solution. However, instead of refilling with water alone as in step 4, you‘ll be adding your pre-diluted 50/50 mix coolant this time (or a 50/50 mix of concentrated coolant and distilled water).
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Replace the radiator cap securely and close the drain valve. Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes, then recheck the coolant level in both the radiator and reservoir, adding more if needed to reach the "Full" marks.
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Dispose of the used coolant and cleaning solution properly at a recycling center or auto parts store. Many Walmart Auto Care Centers accept used fluids for recycling, even if they don‘t perform the service!
By following these steps carefully, you can perform a DIY coolant flush using supplies from Walmart and save a chunk of change compared to a professional service. However, there are some important risks and considerations to keep in mind.
Risks of DIY Coolant Flushes
While a DIY coolant flush can be a cost-effective option for handy vehicle owners, it‘s important to understand the potential risks involved:
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Incorrect coolant type or ratio – Using the wrong coolant for your vehicle or mixing incompatible types can cause serious damage to your cooling system and engine. Always consult your owner‘s manual and follow instructions carefully.
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Incomplete flushing – If the cooling system is not thoroughly flushed of old coolant and contaminants, it can reduce the effectiveness of the new coolant and lead to overheating or other issues.
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Introducing air into the system – If coolant is not added slowly or the system is not properly bled of air pockets, it can cause the engine to overheat or the heater to blow cold.
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Leaks or damage – Improperly removing or reinstalling components like hoses or the radiator cap can lead to leaks or cracks, which can cause coolant loss and overheating.
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Injury or burns – Coolant can reach scorching temperatures of over 200°F and cause severe burns if it comes in contact with skin. Always let your engine cool completely and wear protective gear.
If you‘re not confident in your ability to perform a coolant flush safely and completely, it‘s best to leave it to the professionals. The cost of a botched DIY job can easily outweigh the savings if it leads to engine damage or other repairs.
Environmental Impact of Coolant Changes
Another factor to consider with coolant flushes is the environmental impact. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, a toxic chemical that can be harmful to animals, plants, and waterways if not disposed of properly. In fact, just a small amount of ethylene glycol can be lethal if ingested by pets or wildlife.
When performing a coolant flush at home, it‘s crucial to capture all the old coolant and dispose of it safely. Never pour it down the drain, into the street, or onto the ground. Instead, store it in a sealed container and bring it to a certified recycling center or auto parts store for proper disposal.
Many Walmart Auto Care Centers accept used motor oil, oil filters, and automotive fluids like coolant for recycling, even if you didn‘t purchase the products there. Simply bring your waste fluids in a sealed container to the Auto Care Center desk and they‘ll take care of the rest at no charge.
According to the American Petroleum Institute, over 200 million gallons of used engine coolant are generated in the U.S. each year. Properly recycling this coolant can conserve resources, reduce pollution, and prevent harm to the environment and wildlife. So if you do choose to perform a coolant flush yourself, be sure to dispose of the old coolant responsibly to minimize your environmental impact.
When to Get a Professional Coolant Flush
While a DIY coolant flush can save money, there are some situations where it‘s worth investing in a professional service for added peace of mind:
- You‘re not confident in your ability to perform the flush safely and completely
- Your vehicle has over 100,000 miles or a complex cooling system
- Your vehicle has a history of overheating or cooling system issues
- Your coolant is severely discolored, rusty, or has visible particles/debris
- You notice leaks, cracks, or damage to cooling system components
- Your vehicle‘s manufacturer recommends a professional coolant flush
As we discussed earlier, Walmart does not offer coolant flush services – but there are plenty of other reputable shops that do. Look for a shop that uses high-quality coolant, performs a thorough inspection of your cooling system, and offers a warranty on their work. Some top options for professional coolant flushes include:
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Jiffy Lube – Starts at $89.99 for a standard coolant change, with additional services like a coolant system inspection and pressure test available. Jiffy Lube uses quality fluids and offers a nationwide warranty.
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Valvoline Instant Oil Change – Offers a Radiator Flush & Fill service for $84.99 that includes up to 2 gallons of coolant, with additional services like a Cooling System Pressure Test and Conditioner available. Valvoline offers a 150-mile warranty on fluid services.
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Firestone Complete Auto Care – Offers a Cooling System Flush service starting at $119.99, which includes a thorough inspection, pressure test, and refill with up to 2 gallons of coolant. Firestone backs their fluid services with a 3-month/3,000-mile warranty.
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Pep Boys – Offers a Radiator Drain & Fill service starting at $79.99, with additional options like a Radiator Power Flush and Cooling System Service available. Pep Boys offers a 90-day warranty on their fluid services.
When choosing a shop for your coolant flush, be sure to ask about their process, the type of coolant they use, and any additional services or inspections included. A reputable shop should be able to explain the benefits of their service and provide a clear, itemized estimate before starting any work.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while Walmart does not offer coolant flush services, savvy shoppers can still find the supplies needed for a DIY coolant flush at Walmart‘s everyday low prices. However, it‘s important to carefully consider the time, effort, and potential risks involved in performing a coolant flush yourself. If you‘re not confident in your abilities or have a high-mileage vehicle with a history of cooling system issues, it may be worth investing in a professional service for added peace of mind.
Regardless of whether you choose to DIY or go pro, staying on top of routine cooling system maintenance is essential for the longevity and reliability of your vehicle. By keeping your coolant fresh and free of contaminants, you can help prevent costly repairs and keep your engine running smoothly for years to come. So don‘t neglect this crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance – your car (and wallet) will thank you!
