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A Coolant Flush Could Be the Secret to a Warmer Winter Road Trip

A stock photo of a person working on a car engine.

Can a Coolant Flush Fix My Car’s Heater?

When a cold snap hits, just about any walk to your car can feel like it’s twice as long as it should be. That just makes you feel all the better when your vehicle’s heater kicks in and fights off the chill before it gets to your bones. If you have noticed it takes longer for your car’s cabin to warm up or it just doesn’t get as warm as it once did, one possible issue could be that you need a coolant flush. So, how does a coolant flush fix your car’s heater? We’re glad you asked. A few of our master technicians got together to put together some helpful information. Let’s see what they found.

READ MORE: How Do You Warm Up Your Car Quickly?

How Do Car Heaters Work?

It’s easy to take automotive controls for granted. Most of the time, these systems work fine. When they fail, it’s often during the most inconvenient time. Modern vehicles all use similar HVAC systems. The engine creates the heat that is pumped into the passenger cabin. Coolant or anti-freeze circulates through the system and absorbs heat. When the heater is turned on, fans blow some of that hot air into the cabin.

Reasons to Schedule a Coolant Flush

Your car, truck, or SUV’s coolant system requires regular maintenance. As the platform ages, the coolant or anti-freeze can break down and become more of a problem than a solution. Rust and sludge can build up in the system, and flushing it out can solve several problems.

Scheduling a coolant flush can be the key to getting the heat in your car working again. During a typical coolant system flush, the following things will occur:

  • Coolant will be drained
  • Technicians will perform a pressure test
  • Fresh coolant will be added back into the system

If you have any questions about how to best care for your car, truck or SUV, make an appointment with the Downtown Tyee Chevrolet Buick GMC Service Department today.