 | Jeff Lovell is the owner of Neptune Radiator and Auto Repair. He started a radiator repair shop in 1996 and has grown over the last 15 years into an automotive repair shop. With 3 ASE Certified technicians including 1 Master ASE Certified technician, they have over 40 years of combined experience. They do everything except glass and body repair. For more information please contact us at 620.231.5890 or visit us at 902 West 4th Street. |
Automotive Service & Repair
2011-10-20 09:58:11
Flushing your radiator
Q: I’ve never had to worry about car maintenance until now and know nothing about it. My neighbor said that I need to have my radiator flushed for winter. How important is it to flush your radiator?
A: The radiator is a car’s cooling system and its function is to remove heat from the engine. While running, your car’s engine generates a LOT of heat. If this heat is not removed, the engine will be damaged or possibly destroyed.
The cooling system reduces engine heat by circulating coolant—which is a specially formulated liquid, usually a type of alcohol, mixed in equal parts with water—throughout the engine and then back through the radiator, which transfers heat from the coolant into the air that passes through the radiator.
During the process, the coolant can collect dirt particles and over time, calcium deposits build up. If the system becomes plugged with debris, the coolant can not circulate and the engine will overheat. Flushing the system regularly assures that the coolant is free of particles.
Another reason why you should have your radiator flushed regularly is to make sure that the antifreeze is strong enough to take the winter cold.
Finally, doing a coolant flush every 30 to 40 thousand miles will lengthen the life of the water pump, heater core and intake gaskets.
