2021 Telluride coolant fill question

[spindlbeak]

I took my 2021 Kia Telluride SX AWD to the dealership the other day for a service and asked them to top off the coolant reservoir since it is low. The stealership told me something I have never heard of before. They told me that they can not top of the reservoir without having to flush the coolant system first because it is pressurized. Once the coolant has been flushed, then you can top off the reservoir like normal.

Is this total BS the dealer is telling me in order to charge me for a coolant flush or is there some truth to what the dealer is saying? Also, the Telluride is too new for a coolant flush. There is no coolant leak. It has been at the same level since I remember seeing it which is pretty much at the low level mark.

Thank you for the information.

 

[Senator20]

They can add coolant to the tank. That tank is not pressurized. Just go to your local auto parts store and buy some 50/50 and top it off.

 

[ronniebell]

The dealership's advice about needing to flush the entire coolant system on your 2021 Kia Telluride SX AWD before topping off the coolant reservoir because it is pressurized doesn't match usual automotive maintenance practices. Typically, the cooling system is pressurized to raise the coolant's boiling point and prevent vapor formation when the car is running. However, this pressure doesn't stop you from adding or topping off coolant.

Here's a breakdown: The cooling system gets pressurized when the car is running and the coolant heats up, but this is controlled by the radiator cap, which releases excess pressure to keep the system at a certain level. Topping off the coolant is a standard maintenance task that doesn't require a system flush, especially if the level is just a bit low. It's best done when the engine is cool to avoid opening a pressurized, hot system. If your coolant level has always been slightly low and there are no signs of leaks, you probably just need to top it off to the recommended level. A coolant flush is typically advised according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule or if there are coolant system issues like contamination. For a 2021 vehicle without coolant system problems or identified leaks, and where the coolant level has been stable, a flush should not yet be necessary.

 

[Senator20]

The system is pressurized because the pressure raises the boiling point of the coolant.

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[spindlbeak]

Thank you all for your responses and it confirms what I was thinking. I'll go ahead and top off the level myself.

 

[Senator20]

Thank you all for your responses and it confirms what I was thinking. I'll go ahead and top off the level myself.

Thats what I did.