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How Often Should You Flush Your Coolant & Transmission Fluid?

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Coolant & Transmission Fluid Flush Interval at James Toyota

Maintaining the health and performance of your Toyota requires regular fluid checks and replacements. Two of the most important fluids in your vehicle are coolant and transmission fluids. Both play critical roles in keeping your engine and transmission running smoothly and reliably. However, a common question that owners ask our service advisors is how often they should flush and/or replace these fluids? Continue reading along as we discuss Toyota’s recommended maintenance intervals surrounding coolant & transmission fluid flushing and replacement services.

Learn more about why you should service your Toyota at James Toyota, here.

Interested in other common Toyota maintenance services?

Check out the following: Oil & Filter Change, Tire Balancing & Rotation, Brake System Service

What Does Coolant Do?

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is essential for regulating your engine's temperature. It prevents overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter by circulating through the engine and absorbing excess heat. Over time, however, coolant can become contaminated with rust, scale, and other debris, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to engine damage.

What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

On the other hand, transmission fluid lubricates and cools the many moving components of your transmission. This helps ensure smooth gear shifts and protects against unnecessary wear and tear. Over time, your Toyota’s transmission fluid can degrade and become contaminated, leading to decreased performance and potential damage to your transmission.

How Often Should You Flush or Replace Your Coolant & Transmission Fluid?

As a general rule of thumb, most Toyota models are recommended to have their coolant flushed every 50,000 to 100,000 kilometers, depending on factors such as type of coolant used. When it comes to transmission fluid flushes, Toyota engineers recommend that these be performed every 80,000 to 160,000 kilometers. It must be noted, however, that these intervals are approximate figures and are subject to change depending on your driving habits. For example, if you do a lot of towing, frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, or operate your vehicle in extreme temperatures like that of Timmins, Ontario, you may need to flush or replace your coolant and transmission fluid more often. For the most accurate information, your best bet is to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Schedule Your Coolant & Transmission Fluid Flush Service at James Toyota

Now that you’re aware of how often you should flush your Toyota’s coolant and transmission fluid, when it comes time to service your vehicle, trust our factory-certified technicians at James Toyota to get the job done right the first time. Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable service advisors and book a service appointment, today!