- Vehicle Flush Services - Pros and Cons - Jim Clausen
Most auto manufacturers do not recommend an engine, coolant or auto transmission flush as part of a routine vehicle maintenance schedule. Car manufacturers simply recommend that the fluid and filter (if equipped) be replaced. Yet many auto repair shops and dealership service departments will recommend a flush service. This article looks at the advantages as well as the disadvantages of a flush service.
Vehicle Engine Oil Flush Service
Changing a car’s engine oil and filter usually leaves some residual dirty oil, as well as deposits in the internal engine components and passages. Most engine oil flush machines run a heated pressurized solution throughout the motor. The solution is then sucked backed out of the engine. The motor is then filled with new oil and a new filter is installed.
Advantages
- cleans oil passages
- removes more dirty oil
- cleans oil deposits
Disadvantages
- cost
- chance of loose deposits lodging in oil passages
- may not be recommended by car manufacturer
Vehicle Automatic Transmission Flush
Most automatic transmission services do not drain the torque convertor. Often times the torque convertor holds more fluid than the main body of the transmission. A transmission flush machine is pressurized and removes all of the fluid. Usually a cleaning agent is introduced to remove all fluids and deposits. Since the oil pan is not removed and the filter isn’t replaced, the cost of the flush usually isn’t much more than a typical service.
Advantages
- cost
- removes all fluid
- cleans internal components
Disadvantages
- chance of causing seal leaks
- filter is not replaced
- may not be recommended by car manufacturer
Vehicle Radiator Coolant System Flush Service
A coolant flush can be done manually or with a flush machine. Performing a manual flush entails pouring a chemical into the radiator and running the engine to allow the chemical to circulate through the system. With a flush machine, the coolant is forced through the cooling system and virtually all of the old coolant is removed from the cooling system.
Advantages
- cleans cooling system components
- removes virtually all coolant
- removes rust
Disadvantages
- cost
- may not be recommended by car manufacturer
- pressure may cause leaks
In most cases the typical service, as recommended by the manufacturer, is sufficient to keep the vehicle in good running condition for years to come. If the car owner decides on a flush, they should get a written warranty against any damage that a flush may cause. Most repair orders that are signed by the vehicle owner at the auto repair shop state that no expressed warranties apply.
James Clausen - Clausen received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in Automotive Management and Marketing at Northwood University, graduating ...
