Engine Coolant change & replacement made easy

The engine coolant circulates through the car's cooling system, it serves to keep the engine at an optimal temperature for an efficient combustion cycle and prevents it from overheating. The coolant runs from the reservoir, through the radiator, the water pump and onto the thermostat to be circulated through the engine back to the reservoir where the process begins anew.

• Mechanic will inspect the engine coolant and the cooling system.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the engine coolant.
• If recommended by manufacturer, mechanic will first add coolant cleaner to the coolant and run the engine.
• Mechanic will then drain the cooling system.
• Mechanic will top up the system with water and drain the system twice.
• Mechanic will, finally, top up the system with fresh engine coolant.
• Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• Mechanic will inspect the cooling system again for any leaks and run the engine.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend an engine coolant replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

• When the 'Maintenance' light is on.
• When the 'Engine Temperature' light is on.
• When the engine runs at a higher temperature than usual (engine overheats).

An engine coolant replacement usually takes around 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Without a steady supply of cool engine coolant flowing through the cooling system there is a risk that the car will overheat, in some cases the engine can then suffer expensive internal damage. Debris like scale or rust shed by the internals of the system can cause an inadequate flow of engine coolant through the system. Eventually, the system can clog up entirely.

Should you experience problems with the engine coolant supply, then it is advisable to have the cooling system inspected and, if necessary, have the coolant replaced. Seeing that engine coolant is generally prone to deteriorate over time it should always be replaced as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer.

Having the correct level and concentrate of coolant is of paramount importance both for maintaining engine efficiency, but also to prevent internal issues building up, such as rust. Driving with a bad engine coolant can lead to the engine overheating and could cause damage to the engine. If you suspect there is any issue with your engine coolant or there are concerns about its age or condition, book with a professional mechanic with immediate effect to check the engine coolant and replace it if necessary.

No, it is not safe to drive with low engine coolant. Doing so can cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to serious and very expensive engine damage.

Coolant can last anywhere from 2 years to 5 years. However, it is recommended that you change your coolant at least every 5 years, if not sooner, to help prevent rust and corrosion.

If you find that your temperature gauge warning light is illuminating and your engine is frequently overheating, it is possible that you may need to get a coolant flush by a qualified mechanic. It is dangerous to drive any further when the temperature warning light comes on as it could cause catastrophic damage to the engine parts.

Yes, you can add or top up your coolant to your car without flushing it as long as the coolant type is the same and is pre-mixed as per vehicle guidelines. In the long run, it can be beneficial to do a coolant flush to remove unwanted debris from the system for maximum performance, this does depend on your vehicle make and model however.

Engine coolant is sometimes also called anti-freeze, but they are not technically the same thing. Antifreeze is a more concentrated ethelyne glycol-based substance that is mixed with water to keep the radiator from freezing in the cold and overheating in extreme heat. This mixture is called coolant.

The quality of engine coolant is not usually checked during an MOT test but it is good practice to have it topped up and refilled to help ensure the engine can be cooled efficiently. However, remember that leaking coolant that creates a pool on the floor within 5 minutes that’s more than 75mm in diameter will fail an MOT test.

No, a coolant flush isn’t necessary for most cars. You don’t need to flush your coolant unless you’ve put the wrong type of coolant in your car, or if your coolant is dirty. Carrying out an engine coolant flush can be good practice in certain cases, to help limit contamination of the fluid.

The cost to do a coolant flush ranges from about £70 to £150 depending on the make and model of the car and coolant used.

If you don't change your antifreeze, it will eventually become corrosive and damage your engine. The acidity can also damage the radiator, water pump and other components of the cooling system.

A cooling system service typically includes a flush of the radiator and cooling system, replacement of the coolant, and a check of the radiator cap and thermostat.