How Much Does a Coolant Flush Cost? (2026)

A coolant flush (coolant exchange) costs about $90–$160 at a quick-lube chain in 2026, per Take 5’s published range. Dealer coolant services we found cost $156–$223. Doing a drain-and-fill yourself costs about $20–$35 for two gallons of prediluted 50/50 coolant. Many factory coolants now last 100,000 miles or more for the first change.

Sources: chain price pages, retailer and manufacturer list prices, official documents (below) · Prices checked 2026-11-09 · By CarWhere Research · Methodology

Coolant Flush cost by service type

ServiceParts / fluidLaborTypical shop total
Coolant exchange (quick lube / chain)$20–$35~2 gal 50/50 at retail—Included in package$90–$160[1],[2],[3]Take 5’s published coolant exchange range
Dealer coolant service——Included$155–$225[4],[5]Posted Honda dealer specials: $155.99 coolant change; $199.99–$222.88 coolant exchange

Packages include a set amount of coolant (Pep Boys: one gallon, more at extra cost). Before tax, shop-supply and disposal fees. Where we derive a total, labor is hours × $$100–$150 per hour[6],[7]. See the methodology.

DIY vs. shop vs. dealer

WhereCostWhat you get
DIY$20–$352 gal prediluted 50/50Prediluted 50/50 coolant costs $9.98 (Prestone Universal) to $17.97 (Prestone Platinum, vehicle-specific) a gallon at Walmart. A Honda CR-V takes about 1.56 gallons for a coolant change.[2],[3],[8]
Chain / independent shop$90–$160Quick lubes exchange the coolant under pressure and refill with coolant that meets your manufacturer’s spec; Midas stores run $10–$20-off coupons.[1],[9],[10]
Dealer$155–$225Factory coolant and bleed procedure; Honda dealer specials we found ran $155.99–$222.88.[4],[5]

Work only on a cold engine, use the coolant type your manual names, and bleed air out as the manual describes. Used coolant is hazardous waste: take it to a recycling drop-off, not a drain.

What drives the cost

  • Coolant type: universal 50/50 costs about half as much as vehicle-specific formulas at retail.[2],[3]
  • System capacity: packages include a set volume and charge for extra (Pep Boys includes one gallon).[11]
  • Shop type: dealer services were $155–$225 in our examples, versus $90–$160 at a quick lube.[1],[4],[5]

When you actually need it

Modern long-life coolants have long first intervals. Toyota’s schedule for Super Long Life Coolant calls for the first replacement at 100,000 miles and then every 50,000; the 2027 Silverado schedule lists Dex-Cool every 150,000 miles or 6 years. Follow your own manual or maintenance minder rather than a quick-lube sticker.[12],[13]

If your temperature light is on, stop and see coolant temperature warning light.

More repair costs

AC recharge (freon) costTransmission fluid change / flush costTPMS sensor replacement costBrake pad replacement costCar battery replacement costSpark plug replacement costSerpentine belt replacement costTiming belt replacement costWater pump replacement costWheel alignment costTire rotation costShocks and struts replacement costWheel bearing replacement costCV axle replacement costAlternator replacement costStarter replacement costCatalytic converter replacement costFuel pump replacement costRadiator replacement costHybrid battery replacement costEV and Tesla battery replacement costOil change costAll repair costs →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a coolant flush cost?

About $90–$160 at a quick-lube chain (Take 5’s published range), $155–$225 at the dealers we checked, or about $20–$35 in coolant to do it yourself.

How often should coolant be changed?

Per your owner’s manual. Toyota’s Super Long Life Coolant is first replaced at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000; GM’s Dex-Cool in the 2027 Silverado is every 150,000 miles or 6 years.

Is a coolant flush the same as a radiator flush?

Shops use the terms loosely. A coolant exchange replaces the coolant under pressure; a drain-and-fill drains the radiator and refills. Either way, the new coolant should meet your manufacturer’s spec.

Can I just top off coolant instead?

Topping off with the right type is fine for a small drop, but a level that keeps falling means a leak to find. Replace the coolant on the manual’s schedule.

Sources

  1. Take 5 Oil Change, Coolant Exchange & Fluid Top-Offs, accessed 2026-11-09.
  2. Walmart, Prestone Universal Antifreeze + Coolant, 50/50 Prediluted, 1 gal (listing), accessed 2026-11-09.
  3. Walmart, Prestone Platinum Antifreeze + Coolant, 50/50 Prediluted, 1 gal (listing), accessed 2026-11-09.
  4. Roush Honda (dealer), Service offer: Coolant Change Service, accessed 2026-11-09.
  5. Ed Voyles Honda (dealer), Service Price Menu, accessed 2026-11-09.
  6. Ratchet+Wrench, 2026 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey (posted labor rate distribution, p. 13) (2026-06-29), accessed 2026-11-09.
  7. Ratchet+Wrench, Industry Insights: U.S. Auto Repair Shops and Labor Rate Trends (PartsTech 2025 shop survey) (2026-08-19), accessed 2026-11-09.
  8. American Honda (owner’s manual), CR-V Owner’s Manual: Vehicle Specifications (CVT fluid and coolant change capacity), accessed 2026-11-09.
  9. Jiffy Lube, Fluid services (coolant exchange), accessed 2026-11-09.
  10. Midas (West St. Paul, MN store), Store offers: transmission fluid exchange and cooling system fluid exchange coupons, accessed 2026-11-09.
  11. Pep Boys, Transmission Flush & Fluid Change Services; Coolant Flush & Exchange, accessed 2026-11-09.
  12. Toyota (maintenance schedule, Mexico-market Yaris), Maintenance Schedule: Super Long Life Coolant, spark plugs, timing belt, drive belts, accessed 2026-11-09.
  13. GM-Trucks.com, 2027 Silverado Maintenance Schedule (2026-10-23), accessed 2026-11-09.