When is flushing really needed?

[ARB1977]

I would say every other time. I did mine in the Taco, next time ill drain and fill.

 

[demarpaint]

I like the idea of just draining the radiator and refilling it. Is once a year necessary on a new car or can it go 18 months the first time, then once/year. I only logged about 5,000 miles the first year and it seems a little wasteful for me?

I've always gone about 3-4 years and did a flush and refill, its been a long time since I had a new car.

Frank D

 

[99]

Regular coolant changes negate the need to do flushes to clear out built up crud. I have always drained/refilled my radiators every 2-3 years. Doing it this way, I have never had to do a flush to clear out junk because there has never been any. Replacing the coolant regularly also helps to keep the water pump alive longer as the water pump lubricants are constantly getting replenished with the coolant changes.

 

[bullwinkle]

IMHO, if the system hasn't been neglected, & has always had the correct coolant/distilled/de-ionized water combo, then drain/refill should be fine. The problem I've seen is that on used vehicles the coolant (& transmission) maintenance is ALWAYS forgotten!!