Cooling Systems Service
From our experience, the number one cause of major engine failure is cooling system neglect. Most of these repairs could have been prevented by relatively inexpensive maintenance. The cooling system consists of the Radiator, Radiator hoses, Heater hoses, Water Pump, Thermostat, and fan. A mixture of water and coolant/anti-freeze flows through the engine, water pump, thermostat and radiator. The goal is to dissipate and remove the heat off the engine. The radiator uses ram air from the speed of the vehicle while driving to cool off the fluid and then electric radiator fans to assist in the cooling process while idling and slower city driving speeds.
Coolant is a mixture of the proper coolant/anti-freeze and water.
Improper balance of water and coolant causes corrosion and serious problems that you cannot see. Coolant breaks down in its protective qualities with time and mileage and needs to be flushed out at regular intervals.
Water VS Coolant
Water is a great coolant for the engine. It even does a better job than the coolant/anti-freeze itself. In fact if you wanted to cool an engine, water alone is the best method. However, there is one problem with only water: it corrodes the internal parts of the engine. Corrosion damages many important components in the cooling system that can restrict cooling. So, we add coolant to the water to help protect the cooling system from corrosion. The coolant is also an anti-freeze formula that helps to prevent the water from freezing in your engine.
Severe corrosion can occur when additives that protect the cooling system have been depleted.
Rust, scale and sludge can plug cooling system fins, preventing proper circulation of coolant.
Suggested cooling system service intervals
For most vehicles we recommend every other year or 30,000 mile intervals. Testing the cooling system for ph balance and acidity is another way to determine if the cooling system requires service. Some manufacturers are now recommending higher mileage intervals on newer vehicles. Because of variables in driving conditions, the type of coolant, and your car manufacturer’s recommendations, cooling system intervals can vary widely. We take into consideration the vehicle manufacturers recommendation as well as the coolant condition when recommending cooling system services.
