You should bring your vehicle to our shop every 48,000 kilometres to have the radiator fluid changed. Radiator fluid is a combination of both coolant and antifreeze to keep your engine cool in the summer and prevent freezing in the winter. This fluid is crucial in preventing the engine from overheating or seizing because portions of it are frozen. Again, this fluid needs to be changed every 48,000 kilometres. If you are faithful about this, you ensure the following.
Prevents Clogs
Changing the fluid isn’t the only radiator service at 48,000 kilometres. The cooling system is also flushed at this milestone to ensure it does not become clogged with dirt and debris. This cleans out the radiator, the radiator hoses, and other cooling system parts such as the overflow reservoir.
If you ignore the coolant flush, you may end up with a clogged cooling system. When this happens, your car, truck, or SUV will overheat every time that you drive it. Think of a cooling system flush as a statin for high cholesterol. The flush cleans out the arteries in your car’s cooling system.
Replaces Dirty Fluid
In addition to the above, replacing the coolant/antifreeze every 48,000 kilometres keeps clean fluid in the cooling system. If you have ever popped the hood and looked at the engine, you can see that it gets dirty. This is especially true if you drive a lot on unpaved roads.
A dirty engine can mean dirty coolant, which will reduce the coolant’s effectiveness both in the summer and winter. By the time you have driven 48,000 kilometres, your vehicle needs a few things done to it including the cooling system flush and refill. This protects the cooling system.
Keeps the Engine Cool
Finally, a clean cooling system and clean coolant keep the engine cool. Ideally, your engine’s temperature should never rise above 104 degrees Celsius. If the engine gets hotter than this, you will see your temperature gauge needle rise into the red zone of the temperature gauge.
If this happens, pull over and call for a tow truck to our shop. If you drive your vehicle when the engine is running too hot, you could cause serious damage. For example, excess heat can crack the head gasket or engine block. You do not want to know the cost to fix those two things.
Give us a call to set up an appointment for a cooling system flush if it has been more than 48,000 kilometres since your last one. You now know why this service is so important.