How long should coolant last

If the fluid in your cooling system is filled to the top when your engine is cold, it will need somewhere to go when the fluid warms up and expands. The excess coolant goes into the reservoir. Once the engine cools down, the extra coolant flows back into the engine through a vacuum system. Over time, the coolant reservoir can leak, become worn, and fail because it is used on a regular basis. If the cooling reservoir shows signs of becoming bad, and it is left unattended, the engine can become damaged and complete engine failure is possible.

It is best to avoid this by providing the coolant reservoir with regular maintenance. Check your coolant on a regular basis and ensure it is properly filled up.

While you are doing this, look for any signs of cracks or broken pieces that indicate the coolant reservoir needs to be replaced. Since the coolant reservoir does not last the life of your vehicle, there are a few symptoms you should watch for that indicate it is going bad and will need to be replaced soon. As soon as you notice any problems, have the vehicle looked at as soon as possible so as not to cause damage to your engine. This article originally appeared on YourMechanic.

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But ads are also how we keep the garage doors open and the lights on here at Autoblog - and keep our stories free for you and for everyone. As a general rule of thumb, you should get a coolant flush every 30, miles or three to five years, whichever comes first.

Other factors include type of coolant and the environment in which you typically drive. It is very important to be proactive about getting a coolant flush. If you wait until your temperature gauge gets a little too close to the red line, it might already be too late. Do you have additional questions or concerns about getting a coolant flush? It is important to flush the coolant on a regular basis to keep your car healthy and running for a long time.

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