What is an engine flush?

If you've ever had your oil changed, then chances are you've had a mechanic ask if you'd like to have your engine flushed. There's quite a bit of confusion over what an engine flush is and when you should have one done. Some people swear by them, others think flushes are a waste of money and some people get an engine flush that isn't a real engine flush!

How does an Engine flush work?

As an engine runs, oil is used to keep it lubricated and running smoothly. However, the oil itself gets dirty and that's why you have to get your oil changed every so often. As oil runs through the engine, it picks up all kinds of dirty and fuel impurities. If you don't get your oil changed often enough, then you run the risk of having it congeal inside your car or truck. These means that the dirty oil starts to build up and change into a solid. It's most common for oil to coagulate around caps and and seals. However, most people agree that it takes some time for oil to actually get so dirty that it solidifies.

Once the oil build up, it posses are real risk to other parts in the engine. It can cause the rest of the oil to get blocked up and even seal up your car or truck's engine. In other words, dirty oil can lead to real expensive repairs. Engine flushing seeks to remove any of the solidified oil in your car. Most commercial "engine flushes" are just basic diesel fuel. You add it to your engine fuel and let the car run for roughly 5 minutes before you drain the oil all out. Then, the crank case is refilled with clean oil. The process is fairly quick and easy, but most oil places will charge close to $100 for the service.

Is an Engine Flush worth it?

In most cases, if you get your oil changed regularly, then you do not need to have an engine flush done. Some mechanics recommended that the procedure is done only 2 or 3 times during the life of the vehicle. Some people believe that engine flushes cause more harm then they are worth, particularly to the seals of the crank case. If the seals are damaged, they can cause the fresh oil to leak, which leads to repairs that are more expensive than the engine flush itself! It's best to have a reliable local mechanic or dealer who has your vehicle's best interests in mind and can advise you on when an engine flush is required. Some dealers will recommend an engine flush even when it's not necessary, simply because it's a fast procedure that they can charge $100 for. Finally, some people confuse a flush with a cooling system flush, which should be done every 2 - 3 years before winter when you change the anti-freeze in your vehicle.   So remember: get regular oil changes and use similar oil types for your vehicle and you will probably never require a "flush."