Why are fluid flushes important?
The bottom line about vehicle fluid flushes, is that it all comes down to how long you want your vehicle to last. If you purchased a pre-owned or used vehicle and don’t know if it was properly maintained you should definitely have your fluids checked to determine if the fluids need to be flushed.
We’re all aware that our vehicles require oil changes, but what about all of the other fluids in our cars? These fluids are for the transmission, engine cooling (coolant), power steering fluid, brake fluid, and rear-differential flush.
It’s important that you take care of all the fluids in your vehicle, to ensure the operational longevity of your vehicle and receive the biggest return on investment with your vehicle purchase and the maintenance of it with these fluid flushes.
What does a fluid flush include?
A fluid flush is the process of ‘flushing’ out all the bad fluid that is at end-of-life, sludgy, contains contaminants, or just either clogging your system or not performing the way the fluid should be for the system it is operating within, in your vehicle.
At KCC Car & Truck Care we recommend following your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Fluid types and lifetimes vary by vehicle, some transmission need to be flushed every 35,000 miles, others are sealed units with lifetime fluid. If you purchased a used vehicle, it’s best to perform all flushes at once and have the peace of mind that the services have been completed. This should ensure the longevity of your vehicle by having all your systems operating at their best.
For newer vehicles If you are past 30,000 miles and don’t know if the fluids have been flushed in your vehicle. Relax. It’s okay. We just recommend you schedule an appointment to have your fluids inspected and to determine if you need a fluid flush, which you more than likely will if your vehicle is more than 3 years old and has over 30,000 miles with no fluid flushes being completed through the life of the vehicle.
- Power Steering Flush $89
Power steering fluid flush with power steering line cleaner and OEM specified fluid.
- Brake Fluid Flush $139
Vacuum powered brake fluid bleeding with DOT 4 brake fluid. Racing spec brake fluid available upon request.
- Coolant Flush $130
Cooling system flush and bleeding with OEM specified coolant type.
- Porsche PDK Service $500
Full Porsche PDK transmission fluid service including Dual Clutch Transmission fluid and external filter replacement.
- Chevy 6L80 Transmission Service $550
This service is designed to help with slipping or chattering Chevy Transmissions. Includes transmission filter replacement, Mobil 1 LV ATF Dexron HP and transmission oil cooler flush.
- Volkswagen 09G Service $600
Designed to improve shifting in Volkswagen automatic transmissions, this service includes replacement of the AT filter, pan gasket and OEM transmission fluid.
How do I know when I need a fluid flush?
The easiest thing to do is call us at 708-981-3856 and we will provide you with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle and FREE CARFAX Maintenance Report.
Otherwise, check your vehicle owner’s manual. Most vehicle owner’s manuals include a Factory Scheduled Maintenance Schedule.
What are the different types of fluid flushes offered?
Transmission Flush in Homer Glen, IL
We recommend having your transmission fluid flushed every 30,000-35,000 miles and ensure that the transmission filter is changed during this flush as well. Automakers may have the recommendation of around the 75,000-100,000 mile mark to have this service completed. However, transmission fluid is actually an oil, and like any oil it breaks down after a while. You don’t drive your vehicle with 3,000 mile oil in it, until 30,000 miles. So why would you do the same with your transmission? With transmissions and their costly repair, we recommend to side on the err of caution since the transmission flush cost is usually around $150 – $350 (depending upon make and model of the vehicle) and is cheaper than a full transmission repair.
Engine Cooling (Coolant/Antifreeze) Flush in Homer Glen, IL
This is a combination recommendation as vehicles 2011 and newer are using 5-year to 10-year coolant/antifreeze, greatly reducing the need for an engine coolant flush from the ordinary antifreeze. However, we are ‘weary’ of the 5-year to 10-year claim and still think you should check the quality of the fluid over the miles and is why we still recommend getting your fluids checked every 30,000-35,000 miles as it can also determine if something is wrong with the system before something major happens. For all the ‘older’ vehicles of 2011 and older, it is still recommended to have this completed every 50,000-75,000 miles.
Power Steering Flush in Homer Glen, IL
Power steering systems are exposed to engine bay heat and sub-zero winter temperatures that can breakdown the consistency of the fluid and could slowly damage and erode the steering gear seals, pump and/or hoses that can eventually lead to failure. Therefore, we recommend a power steering fluid service flush every 30,000 – 35,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush in Homer Glen, IL
This is an important fluid for your vehicle as it’s the reason you can stop your vehicle. We recommend having your brake fluid checked because brake fluid addresses the reduction of the water content in the fluid, as with the age of the brake fluid water can be introduced into the brake system via condensation. Brake fluid should be clear or translucent, if the fluid is rust-colored it means that moisture has or is getting into the system and a flush is needed, if the brake fluid is black or burnt smelling, contact a mechanic immediately as your brake system is failing!
Rear-Differential Flush in Homer Glen, IL
This is one of the most overlooked maintenance flushes for all rear-wheel drive vehicles. In a rear-wheel-drive vehicle the rear-differential has its own lubrication and keeping all the moving parts in the rear-differential healthy prevents ‘slipping’ or complete wear down that would require full replacement of the rear-differential which is not a cheap repair. We recommend changing this oil at least every 30,000-35,000 miles and should never exceed 50,000 miles.