Warm weather is on its way, so it is especially important to make sure that the engine cooling system of your vehicle is in proper working order.
It is recommended to have your engine coolant flushed every 2 years or 30,000 miles, and to take care of any and all coolant leaks as soon as you are aware of them. This will keep your engine cooling system in good shape to reduce chances of overheating and damaging the engine of your vehicle.
The reasons we recommend regular flushing of your coolant are as follows:
- The function of coolant is to raise the boiling point, and lower the freezing point of the water/coolant in the engine and the rest of the cooling system.
- Coolants also carry special lubricating properties to keep the water pump lubricated.
- When the components in coolant break down the pH balance begins to change.
- Manufacturers recommend the pH starting point to be at 10 on the pH scale. When the pH drops it becomes acidic and can start to deteriorate zinc and tin in the solder joints, then aluminum, copper and cast iron starts pitting.
- Rubber hoses and gaskets will deteriorate from the inside out.
- Depending on the type of coolant that is in your vehicle they can be various colors, and you do not want to mix them. Standard (green) coolant and the extended life coolants (orange, pink, yellow, blue and clear) can have a gel-like effect if mixed.
Keep a close eye on your cooling system, or have a professional technician regularly check and service it. The bottom line is that coolant leaks and overheating can result in further damage to your vehicle, and unresolved issues can even cause major engine damage.