You may be under the impression occasionally adding antifreeze and water to your radiator to replace evaporated fluid is all the maintenance your car’s cooling system needs. If so, you’re wrong. Like all vehicle components, the cooling system needs preventive maintenance. This important service is called a coolant flush. Your engine relies on a steady flow of antifreeze to keep it at optimal operating temperature. Your car’s cooling system is what protects it from temperature extremes so it will run as reliably in subzero temperatures and in triple-digit temperatures as it does on a balmy spring day. Even if you live in an area not typically subject to extreme temperatures, your vehicle’s cooling system still needs regular service to keep your engine operating as intended.
Common Symptoms Your Car Needs a Cooling System Flush
One obvious sign your vehicle is due for a coolant flush is the “low coolant” or “check engine” light illuminates on your dashboard. Another sign is your vehicle is overheating. This occurs when deposits in the cooling system interfere with the steady flow of antifreeze to your engine. A coolant flush is an important part of preventive maintenance because it removes debris that can clog the lines that carry antifreeze needed to keep your engine cool. If your engine overheats, it’s imperative to have it serviced right away. Driving an overheated car can cause significant, expensive engine damage.
Why Is a Coolant Flush So Important?
There are several key benefits of cooling system service, the most important being it keeps your engine running smoothly and prevents it from overheating and breaking down. More specifically, a cooling system service:
- Flushes oil buildup, scale and rust from your system
- Protects your engine from boiling over in the heat of the summer
- Protects your engine from freezing up in winter
- Enhances the longevity of your cooling system by preventing corrosion and rust
Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the optimal coolant fluid change frequency for your car. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend motorists have their coolant replaced every 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
What Does a Coolant Flush Entail?
When you take your vehicle in for a coolant flush, a technician will fill the radiator with a flushing chemical and then turn the car on until it reaches operating temperature. Next, he will open the valve to the cooling system and drain all the old fluid, close the valve and fill the system with water, then open the valve again and drain the water. This thoroughly cleans (flushes) the system and removes gunk and debris. The technician will then fill the clean system with a mixture of half water and half fresh coolant.
Has it been awhile since you’ve taken your vehicle for a coolant flush? Is this a service you’ve yet to pursue for your car? If so, contact us. DeBoer’s Auto knows precisely what services your car needs to serve you reliably for years to come.
