How Often Do You Need Your Radiator Flushed in Cincinnati?
Most people don’t understand how important regular radiator flushes are to car repair. And their radiators suffer as a result. In general, we recommend flushing your radiator every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on the quality of your radiator fluid, the condition of your radiator, and how harsh the winters have been in Cincinnati.
Though the main part of a radiator’s job is to make make sure that the engine doesn’t get too hot in warm weather, old antifreeze can also be a big problem when it gets too cold. Your radiator is filled with a mixture of coolant and water in a radiator to make sure that your car is operating at the appropriate temperature at all times. The coolant part of the mixture makes the liquid in the radiator freeze at a much lower point. It would be impossible for your car to survive the Cincinnati winter if every time it snuck below freezing your radiator was in danger. A typical 50/50 mix of coolant and water will take that freezing point of the liquid in your radiator from 32 F to closer to -30 F. This is only when the coolant isn’t too old, however. When this coolant mixture gets old, you may start to have problems.
Too Long Between Radiator Flushes Causes Expensive Damage
When a car’s cooling systems get clogged with contaminants, this degrades the state of the coolant itself, making it more acidic, and moving the freezing point warmer. If the radiator has been topped of with water at any point, this also inches that freezing point closer to 32F. And given Cincinnati’s intense winters, this can cause serious repair problems for your car. Even when it’s warm out, a radiator flush will remove any physical contaminants from the system as well. Either way, radiator flushes should be part of your regularly scheduled performance maintenance plans, just like brake jobs and tune ups.
The good news is you can purchase your own radiator fluid test from any mechanic and most auto parts stores. The directions are pretty simple. Place the strip in the coolant, and compare the color to the sample colors on the back of the box. Depending on what color matches up, you might be due for a Cincinnati radiator flush.
The DIY Option: How to Flush Your Own Radiator
If you decide to drain your radiator, there are many online videos that can walk you through the process. But we would like to point out that you should always wait for several hours after running the car before beginning the process, being sure the radiator cap is cool before you start. If it’s not cool enough the pressure released from the cap can be quite dangerous, even able to cause severe burns. Always use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant, even in the summer. Water alone will freeze in the winter. If you’re in a bind during hot weather, water will get you home, but make sure to mix evenly with coolant. Frozen water in a radiator can ruin your cooling system.
Can’t Remember Your Last Radiator Flush? It’s Time
If you haven’t flushed your radiator this season, it’s probably time to bring it in for a Cincinnati radiator flush. Sure, you could probably push through another season, but your radiator will pay the price. All that gunk will just continue to build up. And considering Cincinnati’s harsh winters, you owe it to your engine and your car to give the radiator extra special care.
A Radiator Flush Benefits Your Car In the Long Run
Radiator flushes should be on your list of regularly scheduled maintenance because they significantly improve the longevity and performance of your radiator. Flushing your radiator removes the rust and contaminants that build up in its system. It substantially extends the lifespan of your water pump due to protective additives in the antifreeze. Plus, this protects rust and foam from building up in the water pump. If you decide to ditch the DIY route and head to your favorite Cincinnati auto repair shop, they’ll also look for any repair issues so you can be ready for anything winter has thrown at you. At our auto garage, our technicians like to go the extra mile so that you get superior service.
Give Us a Call and Save Yourself the Hassle
Whatever you do, don’t let the radiator flush get away from you. Dirt and contaminants will build up in the system whether you pay attention or not.
Rather watch the ball game? Who would blame you? Give us a call. We’d be happy to help. Need to be somewhere after the game is over? We can let you know how long that radiator flush will take so you can be sure to get where you need to be on time. We have been specializing in all forms of European car repair for years. We take great care in each and every job. That is why we are one of the most respected auto repair shops in the Cincinnati area. Your vehicle will be in trusted hands!