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The radiator in your car helps to cool the engine. That's something that many car owners understand, yet only a handful of them know the importance of observing a strict radiator fluid-flush schedule. Another aspect that most people get confused about is when or how often they should change the radiator fluid.
As mentioned above, the radiator fluid prevents the car motor from overheating. When its volume decreases, you risk overheating the engine, especially when you're stuck in traffic. As a result, you get stranded in the middle of the road at an unexpected time. Always check the radiator fluid after driving your car. Remember, the fluid and its contents are pressurized, so don't attempt to open the radiator cap when the engine is running. If possible, use a heavy cloth to open it. If you can't see the fluid surface near the top or see rust and dirt elements, it is time to flush it out.
What Does a Radiator Flush Mean?
The purpose of flushing your radiator fluid is to ensure that the system operates smoothly and effectively. The fluid is a blend of antifreeze and distilled water, mixed in one to one ratio. With time, the fluid becomes contaminated with dirt, dust, and debris. In winter, the antifreeze breaks down and cannot prevent the fluid from freezing up. Such problems lead to engine problems, such as a cracked engine block. Flushing the fluid rids the radiator of the contaminant and replaces the old fluid with the new.
How Often Should You Flush Your Radiator?
The best way to know when you should flush your radiator fluid is to read your vehicle's manufacturer's manual. Nevertheless, some situations might compel you to perform the fluid flush at a shorter interval than recommended. Generally, it would help if you changed your radiator fluid once every five years or after every 100K miles of driving.
Your can will usually show some signs and symptoms of contaminated radiator fluid. For instance, if you notice dirt, debris, or rust in your radiator fluid, find a qualified technician to flush the fluid out. Now that you understand the importance of the radiator and the dangers of operating the engine with dirty fluid, it would be best not to skip a radiator fluid flush.
If you need a radiator flush service done right and quickly by seasoned professionals, please give us a call or bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today!