“Antifreeze” is a chemical, primarily consisting of ethylene glycol, which when mixed with water serves to lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the mixture. Traditionally, the combination of antifreeze and water is known as “coolant”. As opposed to air-cooled vehicles which rely on fan-driven air blowing over engine components, water-cooled engines use a radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, hoses, and passageways within the engine. Within this system, the coolant travels in a circular path driven by the water pump, through the engine where it removes heat generated by combustion, through the vehicle’s heater core (supplies heat to the vehicle’s and through the radiator where its heat is shed to the outside air, to begin the cycle again.
Coolant flushes are very beneficial to your automobile. It’s extremely important to provide maintenance to your cooling system, which is why we suggest getting a coolant flush once a year. This cleanse works by clearing out all of the old anti-freeze and the contaminants that have built up over time.
Here are the 6 benefits of coolant flushes that you need to know:
- Removes Rust and Deposits
Coolant flushes wipe away rust and scale deposits, which tend to build up in your cooling system over time. When the new anti-freeze is flushed through your system, these deposits are removed along with the old anti-freeze. If you do not get a coolant flush to remove these rust and scale deposits, then your vehicle could overheat and your whole cooling system could be damaged.
- Extends Water Pump Lifespan
When you get a coolant flush, the new anti-freeze that is put into your cooling system actually contains additives that help lubricate your vehicle’s water pump. This lubrication works to extend the lifespan of your water pump.
- Prevents Rust and Foam
The additives that exist in the new anti-freeze additionally assist in the prevention of rust and foam build up in the water pump. When there is no rust and foam, your cooling system will operate more effectively.
- Removes Contaminants
The existing anti-freeze in your cooling system will lose it’s anti-corrosive properties over time and lead to the build-up of contaminants. If you receive a coolant flush, these particles will be completely cleansed from your system.
- Inspects for Cooling Issues
Every time you get a coolant flush, you will also receive an inspection of your entire cooling system. This inspection is important because it does a full assessment of your cooling system, checking for leaks and other problems that might arise in the future.
- Prevents Acidic Anti-Freeze
If the old anti-freeze isn’t flushed out of your system it can become acidic and will start to break down and cause clumping. Flushing your coolant system with new anti-freeze will prevent this from happening.
Every vehicle varies in its maintenance schedule, so make sure to check your owner’s manual to see when it’s appropriate to get your next coolant flush. A good rule of thumb is to get a coolant flush once a year. When was the last time you got a coolant flush? If the answer has been over a year, then stop by Riet River Auto today, or give us a call and we can schedule you an appointment.
