If you are new to coolant flushes and you never had one before, this blog is for you. First, let’s help you create a picture of what this is. If you think of your car engine as a system with a series of tiny explosions, the coolant is the liquid that is keeping these explosions burning at the right temperature. Without it, your vehicle’s engine would overheat.
In other words, coolant or anti-freeze is the name of the engine’s temperature-regulating system. If you ever had your engine overheat, you probably know how important it is to get the right dose of uncontaminated coolant.
Why do you need regular coolant flushes?
Simply put, regular coolant flushes are needed to prevent system failure. Overheating is the main reason behind many cases of highway breakdowns, which is why you need to take coolant seriously. Like every other fluid, your vehicle’s coolant can break down and get filled with debris. This weakens your engine performance, and if the fluid levels become low, you could be facing plenty of engine problems such as a blown gasket, damaged radiator, etc.
In reality, some coolants last longer than others. However, every vehicle should perform regular coolant flushes and get the system flushed at least once a year. This would remove any rust or scale deposits, keeping anti-freeze at bay and preventing it from becoming acidic, which could damage other components as well.
3 signs you need a coolant flush
- Low coolant levels: If your coolant is low, your cooling system could have a leak. It’s easy to detect the leak under the vehicle or notice the smell. If you notice the following signs, it’s time to have your coolant system inspected in detail.
- Discolored coolant: The color of your coolant should never change. However, when the liquid gets contaminated with debris, or your car is overdue for a coolant flush, the additives in it would deplete, making the liquid cloudy or changing its color.
- Engine overheating: Lastly, low or weak coolant levels are a sure sign that your radiator’s job performance is compromised. Your car engine may overheat, seize up and crack. If this has happened before, it’s probably late for a coolant flush. But if it didn’t, make sure to book a coolant flush and prevent an expensive engine repair.
The benefits of a coolant flush are obvious – you’ll get your car’s engine free of contaminants and lubricate your water pump with clean liquid. Getting a coolant flush will also prevent the old anti-freeze from becoming acidic and eating away at the water pump, rubber hoses, and aluminum components of your engine.
Check your owner’s manual to see if it’s time for a coolant flush, or book your appointment at Stop&Go today and have our team of mechanics inspect your coolant system.