15 Sep Radiator Flush: Autumn Car Care Tip in Plymouth Meeting, PA
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for autumn. Bring on the chilly nights, the hats, gloves, and scarves, because I can’t wait. I love working outside in the coolness of fall. Raking up leaves and drinking hot cider around the fire pit makes me feel great. Want to make your car feel great too? Here’s a great Autumn Car Care Tip that will help your car or light duty truck run more efficiently. Schedule an Antifreeze Maintenance Service to troubleshoot your cooling system. Your service technician can determine if you need any repairs, a Radiator Flush, or just fresh antifreeze.
How Does My Car’s Cooling System Work?
Your car’s cooling system regulates and disperses huge amounts of heat generated by the combustion engine that powers your vehicle. The water pump forces the liquid coolant/antifreeze through the passages in the engine and other components, where it accumulates excess heat. Then as the coolant/antifreeze enters the radiator, the air flow from the front grill helps lower the temp. The radiator also has a multitude of thin tubes with air flowing around them, which also dissipates the heat. Once the fluid reaches the bottom of the radiator, the cycle is repeated.
Radiator
Your radiator is located just behind your front grill and is filled with antifreeze. It protects your engine and air conditioning condenser from overheating. The radiator also plays an important role with your vehicle’s on-board computer controlled system. An engine temperature sensor communicates with the computer to determine the engine’s temperature. The computer can then adjust the air/fuel mixture and the engine timing. The efficiency of the radiator and antifreeze directly affects the performance of your engine.
Pressure/Radiator Cap
The pressure cap on your radiator holds the entire cooling system under pressure. A faulty radiator cap can allow contaminants into the antifreeze. It can also cause the fluid to leak out of the radiator and affect the overall performance of the cooling system.
Water Pump, Hoses, Belts
The water pump is responsible for constantly circulating the antifreeze throughout the cooling system. The hoses connect the water pump to the upper and lower portions of the radiator. The serpentine belt is a long belt that operates numerous components in your engine, including the water pump.
What Makes Antifreeze Effective?
Antifreeze is designed to withstand temperatures well below zero degrees F without freezing, and well above 250 degrees F without boiling. It contains special additives that inhibit rust and scale buildup, and provides lubrication for the internal parts of the cooling system. Your vehicle doesn’t run on pure antifreeze. Antifreeze must be diluted with distilled water, making it safe for your engine and preventing ‘boil-over’. The common ratio is 1:1 (50/50) antifreeze and distilled water. Your vehicle type, location, and driving habits may determine a different ratio. Consult your manual and qualified service technician if you have questions or concerns.
Formulation
The antifreeze formula for your specific car or light duty truck can be found in your owner’s manual. Always use the manufacturer’s recommended formula for your vehicle. Never mix or blend different formulas, or use an antifreeze not compatible for your vehicle. Antifreeze comes in a lot of different colors these days, not just the typical neon yellow-green. Although some brands use color to specify the formula, others don’t. Therefore, don’t choose your antifreeze by color alone.
pH Testing
Inspecting your antifreeze for contaminants and pH testing can help determine if the antifreeze is still performing, or if it needs to be replaced.
What Is A Radiator Flush?
A radiator flush drains the old antifreeze and then forces pressurized fluid through the engine, radiator, and heater core in both directions, at different times, to remove contaminants. This service should also pressure test the cooling system and radiator cap for leaks, and clean the recovery bottle.
Why Does My Car Need A Radiator Flush?
Over time and miles, the anti-corrosion additives in the coolant are depleted and the coolant can actually start to eat away at the metal cooling system components. Rust and scale build-up can be harmful to the radiator and the air conditioning condenser. The lubrication can also be used up, so the internal components of the cooling system can start to wear, causing expensive premature replacements.
Antifreeze Maintenance Service
Following the routine maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual for the cooling system is the best way to extend the life of your vehicle. Antifreeze plays a vital role in the efficiency of your engine, and most of the other systems in your vehicle. If you are past due on an antifreeze maintenance service, don’t put it off any longer.
Do I Need A Radiator Flush, A Fill, Or A Diagnostic?
How do you know if you need to schedule a Radiator Flush, A Coolant Fill, or a full diagnostic service? First, check your manual and then talk it over with your service technician. If it’s been more than 4 or 5 years since you have had a radiator flush, then it’s time to get one. However, if the fluid still looks okay, have the technician do a pH test to determine if you are ready for a new coolant fill. If you see or smell leaking antifreeze, then schedule the diagnostic service so you can get your car running at it’s best again.
Where Can I Get A Radiator Flush?
Plymouth Auto & Tire Center can diagnose any issue with your cooling system, determine the appropriate coolant replacement schedule for your car or light duty truck, and make sure you’re getting the correct formula coolant. Our Mission is simple – Same Day, Affordable, Quality Service, Guaranteed!
Schedule A Service in Plymouth Meeting, PA
Contact us today by phone (610) 825-6558 or via our website to request a diagnostic service, an antifreeze maintenance service, or a radiator flush appointment.
Hours
Monday – Saturday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED