Ask A Cincinnati Car Mechanic: Should I Flush my Radiator?

Posted 9/12/16

Import Car Maintenance Info: Do I Need a Radiator Flush? 

Radiators. Like making sure there is water in the well, we never think about them until there is a problem, and like most auto repair problems, it usually happens at the most inconvenient time possible. Radiator problems tend to show up when the radiator is put under the most strain, which is understandably either in the dead of winter when everything is frozen or the hottest day of summer. Do yourself a favor and pay attention to your radiator to prevent yourself from having to do some car troubleshooting on the side of the road in a blizzard. You can keep on top of your import car maintenance bills by scheduling your car for a radiator flush. Having regularly scheduled radiator flushes can considerably lengthen the use you’ll get out of the radiator—and trust us when we say that a radiator flush is significantly cheaper that replacing the whole radiator. 

What’s the Difference? Radiator Flush vs. Radiator Drain

Keep in mind that a radiator flush is different than just draining the radiator. A flush will ensure  that all of the old antifreeze gets out of the system, and help to thoroughly clean out all of the gunk. If you just drain the radiator without flushing, it will only remove part of the old antifreeze and therefore only part of everything that’s floating around in it. Most auto repair shops will probably recommend doing a radiator flush if you are already draining everything out anyway. A clean radiator is a more efficient radiator, and one that will last longer. 

Flushing the radiator will remove rust and other deposits, lubricate the water pump, and protect against rust, both according to Cars Direct and your local auto repair shop.

Auto Repair Made Easy: DIY or Call Your Car Mechanic

When it comes to DIY auto repair, a radiator flush is relatively easy. You can do it yourself. This handy video from Popular Mechanics will walk you through it. But it can also be a messy job, and you’ll have to take that old antifreeze to be recycled at an auto repair shop or car parts store anyway. So, you might want to have it done as part of your regularly scheduled maintenance and save yourself an afternoon. Either way, make it part of your to-do list and save yourself the cost of repair for a busted water pump.

What You Need to Know about Porsche Brakes

One common braking problem we’ve seen on Porsches is a squeaking or squealing sound. This is a good sign your brakes need replacing. That irritating sound is metal on metal, which means your rotors are likely getting scraped. Cayenne Porsches also tend to have premature brake wear and need replaced every 25,000 miles. And if you can avoid it, don’t upgrade to ceramic brakes. They may look pretty cool, but unless you’re Formula One racing on your commute to work, they just aren’t worth the expense. No brake job should cost $8,000 plus, unless you’re driving a $100,000 NASCAR trophy chaser.

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