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A radiator flush is one of the critical vehicle maintenance services highlighted in the scheduled maintenance placard in the owner's manual. When speaking about a fluid flush, the first thing people think of is an oil change. And while many drivers know the radiator, a considerable number of them aren't savvy with radiator flushes. This post is here to help you understand what a radiator flush is and how often you need to visit your auto care technician for a flush. However, let's first understand the radiator fluid.
What is a Radiator Fluid?
Coolant is the fluid circulating in the radiator and cools the engine by dissipating much of the temperatures generated by the motor. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing up under icy conditions in winter, thus continuing to cool the motor despite the extreme cold. Coolant is a critical fluid that requires proper maintenance for a healthy and high-performance engine.
Understanding a Radiator Flush
Just like the transmission or power steering fluid, the radiator fluid can also get aged over time. Unwanted materials, particles, contaminants, and debris can build up in the radiant fluid. Continued use of a contaminated radiator fluid can cause corrosion, flaking, and rusting of the internal surfaces and components.
A radiator flush is the removal of the old antifreeze and, in the process, flushing out the unwanted substances and particles. The process involves pumping gallons of cleaners, water, and antifreeze to remove the dirt and contaminants. The benefit of a radiator flush is that it also prevents scaling, corrosion, and rusting, thus extending your radiator's lifespan. Afterward, a new antifreeze is poured into the radiator to restore its engine-cooling performance.
How Often Should You Flush Your Radiator?
The best way to know when you should perform a radiator flush is to consult the owner's manual. Still, the driving condition, driving habits, and other factors can affect the radiator-flush intervals. Regardless, the average interval for having a radiator flush is after every 100,000 miles or five (5) years.
It's also crucial to be aware of the red flags that your car requires a radiator flush. For instance, if you see debris or corrosion in the antifreeze, consider having the coolant changed.
If you need a professional radiator flush, bring your vehicle to our automotive repair and maintenance shop today! We'll also inspect the cooling system to identify any antifreeze leaks and also to solve other related issues.