Victoria Auto Repair and Maintenance
Questions about flushing radiators? Most vehicle manufacturers have guidelines that specify how often you should flush your radiator
As a general rule of thumb however, for many older cars you should flush your cooling system every 24,000 to 36,000 miles. For newer vehicles, you can go a lot longer since antifreeze formulas have been changed for the better but there is no hard and fast rule – you must always provide a little leeway that takes into consideration other factors; for example, you have to take into account the age of your vehicle and how hard you use it. This usually decides the frequency of how often flushing the radiator may be required for your particular vehicle.
What is a radiator flush?
A radiator flush, also known as a coolant flush, plays a key role in maintaining the health and functionality of your engine. The various internal parts act as an adjuster which stores a combination of water and antifreeze/coolant. The water keeps the engine cool by absorbing the extra heat produced from the engine when it is running. Also, the radiator circulates the antifreeze to prevent the engine from being frozen in the cold weather when it is not running. Another important part of a proper radiator flush is to ensure any sediment or rust that may have formed on the radiator does not form into corrosion which will severely impair your engine’s ability to run smoothly – or at all.
When should You flush the radiator?
There is no required specific time line for a car radiator flush. The frequency can be varied depending on several factors, such as your driving habits and the quality of antifreeze. You can get the radiator flushed according to the car manufacturer’s guideline or at your own discretion in accordance with the mileage. Usually it is recommended to flush the radiator at every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, or at least every other year – whichever comes first.
You need to drain the radiator completely first, rinse with water and refill with good quality antifreeze. You can do it by yourself or have our professional mechanics to help you. Flushing the radiator on a regular basis helps keep it clean and prevents the sediment from dirt and rust settling into your engine and significantly extends the life of your vehicle.
