Auto Fluid Flushes in Safety Harbor, FL
The Pros and Cons of Regular Vehicle Fluid Flushes
Debunking the Myths
When we take our vehicle to a local repair chain for service, the assumption is that the professionals there will follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance. Still, the truth is that they often do not. Many dealers and repair shops, particularly the chains, will try to upsell customers with more services than the manufacturer suggests. At Duane’s we never try to sell a service you don’t need.
When Should You Get a Fluid Flush?
Coolant mixes 50-50 water and antifreeze and keeps the engine at optimum engine temperature. You may need a coolant flush if your coolant is murky or has sludge or rust buildup in the radiator. A coolant flush helps prevent coolant leaks and engine mechanical problems. Your car's transmission must have a specific type of oil to make it function properly. This is commonly referred to as transmission fluid; it can pick up dirt and grime over time. The dirt can coagulate and clog the transmission system, resulting in severe damage to the transmission. Factory manufacturers recommend changing your transmission fluid at 75,000 or 100,000 miles. For power steering, many factory manufacturers say that the power steering fluid lasts for the lifetime of the vehicle, but that's not always the case. Your power steering fluid takes a lot of heat because it's exposed to heat from the engine whenever the car is running. It's also susceptible to extreme cold and winter temperatures. The back-and-forth can lead to early breakdown of the fluid. For this reason, mechanics often recommend changing the power steering fluid and flushing it every 50,000 to 75,000 miles. Other than an oil change, Brake fluid is the most common fluid service that the provider performs. Brake fluid is vital but also susceptible to gathering dust and grime. Insufficient brakes are ineffective breaks and can be unsafe. It is also vulnerable to dirt and other contaminants. It's very easy to get water in your brake fluid. Your brake fluid should be transparent or at least translucent. If your brake fluid has a noticeable color, especially brown, it means that it's contaminated. However, should you smell something burning or your brake fluid is black, go to your mechanic immediately because you are experiencing impending brake failure. To avoid such a dangerous situation, change your brake fluid every 2 to 3 years or every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. While you can get away with not changing some of the fluids, you are risking your car if you do so. Some of our services, like brake fluid flushing, are required for the safety and performance of your vehicle. Remember that regular intervals are an approximation because everyone deals with different driving conditions depending on where you live and whether you have severe weather. These things can change the math on what those intervals should be.
Get Your Fluid Flushes With Us
If you have questions about fluid flushes for your vehicle, contact us at Duane's Dealer Alternative in Safety Harbor, FL, to find out if your fluids should be flushed. We have Toyota and Lexus ASE-certified technicians on our staff, and we are a leading-edge auto repair facility with state-of-the-art equipment and the best-certified technicians in the area. We understand the challenges you face when maintaining your vehicle due to the heat and saltwater in our area. We specialize in Lexus and Toyota repair but service all imports, including light and medium trucks. We have built a reputation on honest, dependable auto repairs at a rate you can afford. We provide our customers with a 36-month/36,000-mile nationwide warranty through TechNet Professional Automotive Service. Give us a call today to arrange an appointment for the fluids in your vehicle.