Acura TSX coolant FLush

[tuan209]

Hey Guys,

I want to change the coolant in my car, and was wondering what is the best method? Car has almost 40k. Should I flush now or just wait?

Thanks
Tuan

 

[Ray H]

Given the heat you're subject to in Houston, changing out at about 40,000 miles is more common-sense preventive maintenance than unnecessary expense in my opinion. (I was out this afternoon in our 104 degree heat wave and counted four cars with their hoods up - I wonder why?

) If your car has Honda's green antifreeze it's probably an extended life product. Use the same - it's a good one. When you drain the old juice, if it drains clear green (no turbidity), you're basically good to go with a refill of the same stuff in 50/50 premix concentration from your Acura or a Honda dealer. Be sure to set your heater control to its hottest setting to assure that the heater core drains, too, and leave it open during the refill. Remove your overflow bottle (easy on Honda vehicles) and thoroughly rinse and use a long brush to free any crud buildup in the bottom. When you reinstall the bottle, fill it about 1/2 way with the premix. Watch the level closely for a couple of weeks and top up to the cold "full" line when cooled until the cold level remains stable. During this time, also ocassionally move the heater control to its warmest position for several seconds when driving to assist moving any remaining trapped air out of the heater core. Check your owner's manual to see whether your car has an air purge screw plug on the thermostat housing to assure purging air when you refill. It's important to do this to prevent an airlock in the cooling system that may affect engine cooling (and corrosion!). Your Acura owner's manual will give explicit instructions about the entire procedure - Honda's very thorough about describing proper owner maintenance procedures for those who appreciate a hands-on experience with their rides.