We know you want to get the most out of your vehicle, and with proper maintenance, your car or truck can run smoothly for years down the line. Everyone knows to come in for scheduled tire rotations, brake pad replacement and oil changes, but what about other engine maintenance procedures?
The most common cause for problems and vehicle breakdowns is a cooling system failure. Build-up of rust or blockages in hoses and lines can cause your engine to overheat or damage engine parts. However, having your cooling system flushed can ensure your vehicle’s engine is working at peak performance and can keep its parts from suffering unnecessary wear and tear.
What is a Cooling System Flush?
A cooling system flush is exactly what it sounds like: a maintenance procedure in which all of the fluid is removed from the cooling system, which is then power flushed and cleaned. This removes sludge, rust, and build-up from the lines and rinses it all out. New coolant is then added and pushed through the system. This is different than a drain, which simply removes the old coolant and refills the system with new fluids.
What Should I Look For?
If you are having issues with your cooling system, you may notice some of the following issues with your vehicle:
- Low coolant warning light coming on
- Engine temperature gauge going into the red zone
- Low coolant levels
- Coolant leaks
- Steam coming out from under the hood
- Cold air coming out of your heating vents
How Often Should I Flush?
Your vehicle’s manual should tell you the ideal schedule and manufacturer’s recommendation for a cooling system flush, but other factors that may determine how often you should have this service done include:
- Vehicle’s mileage
- Climate you drive in
- Age of the coolant currently in your vehicle
- Type of coolant your vehicle requires
On average, it is suggested you get a complete coolant system flush every 24,000 to 30,000 miles, or every two to three years. Whichever comes first.
Help with Cooling System Flushes in Katy
Here at Dillon’s Automotive, we take preventative vehicle maintenance seriously, and we want to make sure your car or truck is running safely and efficiently. If you are unsure if your vehicle needs a cooling system flush, or if you have noticed any symptoms that may indicate an issue with the cooling system, give us a call, stop on by or schedule an appointment online. We’ll take a look under the hood.
