At about 111k miles the MM on my ‘09 Sport MT gave the code to replace the coolant. My choices are to either have the dealership do it or have the (pretty good) shadetree mechanic in the town where I spend my summers do it. Does the dealership do anything beyond draining and refilling, anything like flushing the system with some sort of device? If not, I’ll probably opt to support the small summer town economy (and save myself a bundle while I’m at it). Thanks in advance

 

Your mechanic should be more than capable of doing it, it's a simple service. Some quick lube places use machines but i've seen those machines cause more problems with thermostats that i'd like to admit having worked at several when I was younger. They mostly do it because it's faster and less messy than draining and filling the radiator. I am not sure if the dealership uses those machines but it's not worth the price increase either way. I'd suggest bringing your mechanic Honda coolant if you can. Here is a good sales pitch by Honda saying why you should use it.

Coolant Information Page

Regular Prestone or whatever will work too, but for a service that i'm going to do every 100k/60k or whatever I don't mind spending an extra couple of dollars for piece of mind. That's literally a penny a day

 

Thanks--quite helpful. I'll definitely use the Honda fluid, as you suggest. Do you happen to know how many 1-gallon jugs I'll need for the replacement? Thanks again.

 

Specs for 2013 shows 5.1 quarts, so slightly over a gallon.

2013 Honda Fit Reviews - Honda Fit Price, Photos, and Specs - CARandDRIVER

I've read on here that one gallon is enough for just the radiator, but haven't changed mine to confirm, maybe someone else can.

 

The Honda coolant comes pre-mixed, which means its 50% water. Just open the drain on the radiator and also drain the coolant overflow tank. I think one jug was enough...at least for my 2009 Fit.

Since the coolant is pre-mixed, don't fill the system with distilled water for the purpose of doing a flush. If you do, it will be very difficult to obtain a true 50/50 refill since the only drain is the radiator.