A flush pushes out old fluid, along with the dirt and sludge a simple drain leaves behind, and refills the system with new fluid. We do transmission, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering and differential flushes.
Each one does a different job. A transmission flush helps the car shift smoothly and the transmission last longer. An engine oil flush loosens sludge before an oil change. A coolant flush helps keep the engine from overheating and the coolant from freezing. Fresh brake fluid keeps the pedal firm and responsive, power steering fluid keeps the steering smooth, and differential oil keeps the gears that drive the wheels properly lubricated.
We test before we flush. Brake fluid is checked for moisture, coolant for freeze protection, and transmission fluid for colour and smell. Then we tell you what's due and what can wait, and we use the fluid type your car calls for. Many transmissions, CVTs especially, need a specific fluid, and the wrong one can cause shifting problems.
Why it matters
Brake fluid absorbs water
Brake fluid pulls moisture from the air over time. Water lowers its boiling point and corrodes lines and calipers from the inside. On hard or long braking, the pedal can go soft.
Old coolant eats metal
Coolant loses its corrosion inhibitors with age and starts working on water pumps, heater cores and gaskets. Weak coolant can also freeze in a deep cold snap.
Fluid costs less than a transmission
Worn transmission fluid runs hotter and protects less. Even where the manual calls it lifetime fluid, we check its condition on cars that see a lot of stop-and-go, idling or towing.
Signs it's time
- Harsh, slipping or delayed gear changes
- Soft or spongy brake pedal
- Coolant that looks rusty or murky
- Whining or stiff steering when you turn the wheel
- Missed oil changes, or sludge under the oil filler cap
- A flush listed as due in your owner's manual
What's included
- Fluid level and condition tested first
- Transmission flush with the fluid your manufacturer specifies
- Engine oil flush before an oil change
- Coolant flush and refill, with freeze protection checked
- Brake fluid flush, bled at each wheel
- Power steering flush on hydraulic systems
- Differential and transfer case flush on AWD and 4x4
- Old fluid collected for recycling
How often
Varies by fluid
Brake fluid is due every two to three years on many cars. Coolant, transmission and differential fluids run on much longer intervals. Your owner's manual has the exact schedule, often with a separate one for severe use.
