Is Your Coolant Doing Its Job? Signs You Need a Coolant Flush
Why Coolant Is Crucial for Your Engine’s Health in Calgary’s Summer
When summer heat rolls into Calgary, your vehicle faces a new set of challenges. High temperatures make your engine work harder to stay cool, especially during long drives or stop-and-go traffic. Coolant, or antifreeze, plays a critical role in regulating your engine’s temperature, preventing overheating, and protecting internal components from corrosion and wear.
Calgary’s temperature spikes can push cooling systems to their limits. Without effective coolant circulation, parts like water pumps, radiators, and thermostats face extra stress. Plastic expansion tanks in some makes, such as BMWs, are particularly prone to cracking under high heat. Rubber components—hoses, belts, and seals—also become brittle and are more likely to fail.
Ignoring your coolant health can lead to serious engine damage. A functioning cooling system ensures your vehicle runs efficiently and reliably, even in extreme conditions.
What Happens During a Professional Coolant Flush?
A professional coolant flush does more than just top up the fluid. It’s a thorough cleaning process that removes old, contaminated coolant along with rust, scale, and debris that accumulate over time.
Here’s what to expect:
Inspection: A technician checks the radiator, hoses, reservoir, and water pump for visible signs of wear, leaks, or damage.
Drain and Flush: The old coolant is drained from the system. Then, a flush solution or clean water is circulated through the system to remove any remaining residue.
System Refill: The system is filled with fresh coolant specific to your vehicle’s requirements.
Pressure Test: A final check ensures there are no leaks and the system maintains proper pressure.
This service restores your vehicle’s cooling efficiency and extends the lifespan of essential components.
How Often Should Calgary Drivers Flush Their Coolant?
Vehicle manufacturers generally recommend a coolant flush every 48,000 to 96,000 kilometres, or every 2 to 5 years. However, Calgary’s extreme seasonal shifts mean local drivers may need more frequent service, especially if they often drive older vehicles or take extended road trips during the summer.
Some telltale signs you need a coolant flush include:
Engine is running hotter than normal
Coolant is leaking under your car
Rust-colored or cloudy coolant in the reservoir
Sweet or musty odour from under the hood
Heating or cooling issues inside the cabin
Frequent summer driving, towing, or mountainous travel can accelerate coolant degradation. Proactively flushing your coolant helps prevent overheating, protects the engine, and reduces the chance of mid-trip breakdowns.
Book a Coolant System Check with a Trusted Car Repair Shop in Calgary
If your vehicle is due for a coolant flush or showing signs of trouble, don’t wait. A simple inspection can identify issues before they become costly repairs. Components like thermostats and water pumps often fail when engines are under stress, especially during Calgary’s heat waves. Keeping your cooling system in peak shape reduces the risk of breakdowns and improves long-term vehicle reliability.
At Bowest Motors, technicians perform detailed inspections and coolant flushes tailored to your vehicle’s make and model. They check for early signs of trouble, such as seepage around expansion tanks or dry, cracked hoses. Whether you drive a compact car or a high-mileage SUV, regular coolant maintenance ensures safe, efficient performance year-round.
Schedule a coolant system check today and stay cool, confident, and road-ready this summer.