5 Benefits of a Radiator Flush
Just like oil lubricates the engine of your vehicle, radiator fluid, a combination of water and anti-freeze, lubricates the water pump which circulates the radiator fluid in the engine for cooling purposes. After extended use, the radiator fluid loses its lubrication properties and its ability to keep from freezing at sub-zero temperatures. When this happens, it’s time for a much-needed radiator service.
So you may be asking, is a radiator drain sufficient or is a radiator flush necessary? Flushing the radiator injects 4 to 5 gallons of anti-freeze through the cooling system which cleans out all of the old anti-freeze and any contaminants that have accumulated in the cooling system. It is a fairly inexpensive process that should be performed every year, or as recommended in your owner's manual.
So what is a radiator drain? Draining the radiator only removes about 50% of the total anti-freeze in the system and leaves the majority of contaminants. This also means that the new anti-freeze added to the radiator will just be mixing with the remaining old fluid. This procedure is less expensive yet considerably less effective.
What are the Benefits of a Radiator Flush?
- Removes Rust and Scale Deposit - A flush removing the old anti-freeze helps to remove the rust and scale deposits that build up over time. This is important since these build-ups can cause overheating or damage to your radiator.
- Lubricates the Water Pump - Additives in the coolant lubricates the vehicle’s water pump and lengthens its life.
- Removes Contaminants – The additives in the coolant lose important anti-corrosive properties over time so the build-up of particles is inevitable.
- Inspection of System – During a radiator flush service, a complete inspection of your cooling system will be conducted, including a pressure test to check for leaks.
- Protect Against Rust and Foam- The additives in the new anti-freeze will be more effective in preventing rust and other build up of debris, and preventing foaming in the system so it operates more efficiently.
Tips to Remember: It’s understandable why maintaining a vehicle’s cooling system is important to the overall vehicle maintenance. If neglected, serious damage can occur in the entire engine, not just the water pump. This would be a much more significant repair cost over the cost of a simple radiator repair!
If you have more questions about the benefits of a radiator flush, contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about radiator service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
Just like oil lubricates the engine of your vehicle, radiator fluid, a combination of water and anti-freeze, lubricates the water pump which circulates the radiator fluid in the engine for cooling purposes. After extended use, the radiator fluid loses its lubrication properties and its ability to keep from freezing at sub-zero temperatures. When this happens, it’s time for a much-needed radiator service.
So you may be asking, is a radiator drain sufficient or is a radiator flush necessary? Flushing the radiator injects 4 to 5 gallons of anti-freeze through the cooling system which cleans out all of the old anti-freeze and any contaminants that have accumulated in the cooling system. It is a fairly inexpensive process that should be performed every year, or as recommended in your owner's manual.
So what is a radiator drain? Draining the radiator only removes about 50% of the total anti-freeze in the system and leaves the majority of contaminants. This also means that the new anti-freeze added to the radiator will just be mixing with the remaining old fluid. This procedure is less expensive yet considerably less effective.
What are the Benefits of a Radiator Flush?
- Removes Rust and Scale Deposit - A flush removing the old anti-freeze helps to remove the rust and scale deposits that build up over time. This is important since these build-ups can cause overheating or damage to your radiator.
- Lubricates the Water Pump - Additives in the coolant lubricates the vehicle’s water pump and lengthens its life.
- Removes Contaminants – The additives in the coolant lose important anti-corrosive properties over time so the build-up of particles is inevitable.
- Inspection of System – During a radiator flush service, a complete inspection of your cooling system will be conducted, including a pressure test to check for leaks.
- Protect Against Rust and Foam- The additives in the new anti-freeze will be more effective in preventing rust and other build up of debris, and preventing foaming in the system so it operates more efficiently.
Tips to Remember: It’s understandable why maintaining a vehicle’s cooling system is important to the overall vehicle maintenance. If neglected, serious damage can occur in the entire engine, not just the water pump. This would be a much more significant repair cost over the cost of a simple radiator repair!
If you have more questions about the benefits of a radiator flush, contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about radiator service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
