Should You Flush Car Your Radiator?
A lot of drivers hear the term “flushing the radiator” (usually from their mechanic) and immediately think they need to do it. After all, the term seems to imply that the service will eliminate contaminants and other debris. Once performed, the thinking is that your car will run more smoothly and be less susceptible to overheating. You might be surprised to learn that your vehicle doesn’t need to have this service performed. In fact, it’s usually a waste of money.
Now, before some of you start emailing me angry letters extolling the virtues of flushing, let me explain my position. Below, we’ll explore a few basics of cooling systems, including how they work. Then, I’ll describe why flushing won’t accomplish what a lot of mechanics promise.
First, A Few Basics
As you probably know, your car’s radiator is part of the cooling system. It helps your vehicle mitigate the heat that is generated while in operation. Normally, you would add antifreeze or coolant periodically in order to keep the system from overheating. Doing so also prevents rust and corrosion from accumulating. Every once in awhile, you may need to replace the coolant. You’ll find the intervals that your car’s manufacturer recommends replacing it in your owners manual.
For example, one of my vehicles is a Toyota Corolla. The owners manual mentions that the radiator is filled with a “life-long coolant.” It recommends that it be inspected every 18 months and replaced when it’s filthy.
Is Flushing Necessary?
The concept of flushing is focused upon getting rid of the debris that collects at the bottom of the cooling system. Let’s approach this objectively. To “flush” something suggests that there’s a high-powered thrust of liquid through a particular part. That’s what is supposed to remove the debris and sediment. But, if you ask your mechanic how the service is performed, you’ll learn that the “flush” really just means that the antifreeze (or coolant) is being drained and replaced. If you’re careful, you can probably do the job yourself.
The Bad News
Your cooling system will collect debris; over time, that debris will begin clinging to the bottom. Even if you drain and replace the coolant every 2 years, you won’t be able to completely avoid the build-up of sediment. Draining and replacing the fluid only removes the debris floating around loosely. The problem is that rust and corrosion can accumulate. Once that happens, you may start experiencing overheating problems. At that point, the only long-term solution is to take the radiator apart and rebuild it, or replace it entirely.
To the question of whether you should flush your car’s radiator, unless it’s specifically recommended in your owner’s manual, save your time and money.
Tags: Car Maintenance, Car Maintenance, Car Radiator