Antifreeze filter. How to flush the engine cooling system. When to install an antifreeze filter: the heater isn't heating, dirt in the car's cooling system gets under the water pump seal, and antifreeze starts leaking. Why is it necessary to flush the engine cooling system? The reasons are very simple: the antifreeze wasn't changed on time, or the coolant was of poor quality. I'll show you a simple and effective way to flush your car's engine cooling system without the expensive expense of an antifreeze filter.