Vehicle Radiator Flush

When was the last time that you flushed your vehicle's radiator? While most drivers recognize the importance of changing their vehicle's engine oil, many overlook the importance of flushing their radiator. Whether you drive a car, truck or SUV, though, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions by flushing the radiator at the specified mileage intervals. Doing so is important for the five following reasons.

#1) Identify Cooling System Leaks

A radiator flush will allow you to identify leaks in your vehicle's coolant system. All vehicles have a closed cooling system in which the coolant circulates. But over time, it's not uncommon for leaks to develop. If your vehicle's cooling system has a leak, it won't be able to hold pressure, resulting in the loss of coolant.

#2) Protects Engine From Overheating

Because it allows you to identify cooling system leaks, a radiator flush can also protect your vehicle's engine from overheating. During a radiator flush, clean coolant will be pumped through the radiator, the hoses, the engine and other parts of your vehicle's cooling system. Therefore, you can rest assured knowing that your vehicle has the appropriate amount of fresh coolant to keep the engine from overheating.

#3) Inhibits Rust and Corrosion

Perhaps the greatest benefit of regular radiator flushes is that it inhibits rust and corrosion. Coolant contains more than just distilled water and antifreeze. It contains anti-corrosion compounds. When not changed on a regular basis, though, coolant will lose these compounds, leaving your engine and its cooling system susceptible to rust and corrosion.

#4) Prolongs Life of Water Pump

Your vehicle's water pump will last longer if you flush the radiator on a regular basis. The water pump, of course, is the propeller-driven component of your vehicle's cooling system that's responsible for pumping coolant to and from the engine. If it fails, your engine may overheat. To prolong the life of your vehicle's water pump, you need to flush the radiator according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

#5) Cleans Hoses

Finally, a radiator flush will clean buildup and debris from inside your vehicle's coolant hoses. Your vehicle should have at least two coolant hoses: One hose leads from the engine to the radiator, whereas the other hose leads from the radiator to the engine. When sediment and debris accumulate inside these hoses, it can restrict the flow of coolant. As long as you flush your radiator on a regular basis, though, this shouldn't be a problem.