Cooling system flush
Engine coolant (antifreeze) is the liquid used in a cooling system flush. Engine coolant is a heat transfer fluid designed to remove excess heat from your engine. It keeps your radiator cool, which is needed as car engines run hot, especially in warmer weather. Without something to counteract the excessive heat generated by the engine, your car can overheat.
How does it work?
The engine creates a lot of heat and power while driving. The job of the cooling system is to ensure the engine stays a cool temperature. The coolant absorbs the heat from the engine and stops the engine water from boiling in summer. Engine coolant also makes sure the metal parts don’t rust and the rubber/ plastic parts don’t corrode.
Importance of a cooling flush
Without the engine coolant, the heat created during constant internal combustion would ruin the engine very quickly. Water is mixed with the coolant, however the water alone isn’t able to keep the engine cool. The heat of the engine would eventually boil the water or the heat in summer would evaporate it, leading to serious car issues. Antifreeze also gets the PH level of the coolant fluid correct, and helps prevent electrolysis and corrosion which can lead to engine part failure, plus head gasket failure and subsequent engine overheating and damage.
Benefits of a cooling flush service
- Clean old coolant build-ups out of the system.
- Removes rust and scale deposits, which can cause overheating and damage your entire cooling system.
- Contains additives that lubricate your car’s water pump, this can help extend the life of your water pump.
- Helps prevent rust from building up in the water pump, which helps the cooling system to operate more efficiently.
- In a coolant flush service mechanics will also inspect the thermostat, radiator, and all hoses and belts. This is beneficial because it checks for leaks and other potential problems.
- It prevents the old coolant from becoming acidic. Once it starts to become acidic it can damage the bearing in the water pump, the rubber hoses, and the aluminum components of the engine which can cause the head gasket to blow.
Signs you need a cooling flush service 
- The temperature gauge reads hotter than normal while the engine is running
- Coolant leaks and puddles beneath your car (orange, yellow, red or green fluid)
- A grinding noise is coming from under the hood of your vehicle
- Flecks or pieces of rust start to show up in the coolant liquid
- Steam or an odor similar to boiling maple syrup is coming from the engine
- Dashboard warning lights come on
What happens if you don’t get a regular coolant flush service?
How often you should get a coolant flush system varies on the type of car you have, if you are unsure look in your vehicle’s manual or talk to a mechanic. If you have been recommended to have a coolant flush by a mechanic or it’s due to its next coolant flush, and you don’t get it done, it can cause more issues.
Corrosion, sediment, and other unwanted products will continue to build up in your coolant system. Eventually, this will lead to damage to gaskets or other components, meaning leaks, overheating, and other expensive issues. It’s much better to do a coolant flush now, rather than after it has started doing damage to your car’s engine. If you ignore it you will likely find yourself paying for a lot more costly repairs later.
Cooling System Flush Service in Hamilton
If your car is in need of a cooling system flush come to Grimmer Motors. You can trust our experienced, qualified, and skilled mechanics will get the diagnosis and repair right the first time. Don’t wait until your car has overheated to book in, be proactive and book in today!