HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A COOLANT FLUSH?

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HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A COOLANT FLUSH?

Posted on June 4, 2023

 

How Do You Know If You Need a Coolant Flush?

 

A vehicle owner doesn’t need to be a master automotive technician. But, having a little bit of automotive knowledge can be helpful. Do you know what your coolant system does? If you do know how it works, when was the last time you had an expert take a closer look at it? Our team of expert service technicians thought it would be helpful to share a few things about your coolant system, what it does, and potential problem signs. Let’s take a look at what they came up with.

 

READ MORE: How Do I Restore My Headlights?

 

What Does the Coolant System Do?

 

Your vehicle’s cooling system is very aptly named because that’s exactly the function it performs. Almost every car, truck, or SUV using an internal combustion engine for the last several decades uses liquid cooling to dissipate heat. After the radiator is filled with coolant (also called antifreeze), it is circulated around the engine bay pulling heat away. When it reaches the end of the line, the fluid zig-zags through the radiator and is cooled by air coming into the engine. This process continues largely uninterrupted as long as there is sufficient coolant in the system.

 

3 Signs You Need a Coolant Flush

 

Every vehicle comes with its own service intervals and requirements. Other than noticing a coolant leak, the signs a coolant flush may be needed could be easy to miss, if you don’t know what to look for. Experiencing any of the following symptoms could indicate it’s time to make an appointment at the Southside Dodge Service Department:

 

1. Overheating: If you notice that your vehicle’s temperature gauge spikes to the hot side, there could be a problem with the coolant. Pull over immediately, shut the engine down and wait for it to cool.
2. Warning lights: The check engine light can be turned on for a variety of reasons, one of them being a struggling coolant system.
3. Vehicle’s age: Debris and other contaminants seem to find their way into the strangest places of an automobile. Driving a car for five or more years may require a coolant flush to get rid of anything floating around the cooling system that shouldn’t be there.

 

It is likely that an automotive technician will suggest a coolant flush while you’re there for another matter. You will have to make the final decision if you want to tack on the extra time and expense. However, by opting to get the system flushed out, the technician will look over other parts of the cooling system, including hoses and the thermostat. This is an excellent opportunity to catch small problems before they become major issues.

 

Our service team is here to answer any questions you might have about keeping your vehicle in peak condition. Make an appointment with us, today, if it has been a while since you’ve come in for service.