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Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

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Does Your Car Really Need a Radiator Flush?

February 21, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Denver is breaking temperature records every single year. It hit 102 in July 2021, 103 in July 2016, and 104 in June 2018. Will we see 105 this year?

When the temperatures creep upwards, it’s important to ensure your car is ready for the heat. Car’s today are built with an internal system to monitor heat and protect the engine. The engine uses antifreeze to keep your engine running, and the entire system cool. 

Is it running properly? Is it time for a radiator flush (also known as a coolant flush)?

It’s essential to keep your vehicle’s coolant fresh by following manufacturer’s guidelines. Ready to learn more? 

What a vehicle’s cooling system does  

If you’ve ever stood near the hood of your vehicle after driving on the highway for a while, you know how much heat is produced underneath the hood. Imagine the parts in action as you fly down the highway at 50, 60, even 70 miles an hour or more. All of that action creates a tremendous amount of heat. 

While the components of a vehicle are created for intense heat, car designers also build in a cooling system to counterbalance the heat, and make sure every part in the system remains in good working condition as you drive. 

If your vehicle didn’t have an effective cooling system, the engine would heat up and stop functioning in a matter of minutes. 

It’s equally important to keep in mind that the cooling system has a job to perform year-round. It works hard to protect the engine as temperatures soar over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as safeguard the engine when temperatures fall below zero. 

Most engines today use a liquid cooling system that works by passing liquid continually through the engine block. Coolant, or antifreeze, is pushed through the engine via the water pump, absorbing heat as it moves through the passages. 

Does Your Car Really Need a Radiator Flush?

As the liquid leaves the engine, it travels to the radiator where it is cooled by an air stream entering through the grill of the car. It cools enough inside the radiator to return once again into the engine, pick up heat, and repeat the process again. 

A thermostat is located between the engine and the radiator to monitor the coolant’s temperature. If the coolant is above a certain temperature, it flows into the radiator to cool. If it’s below, it circulates back into the engine. 

This coolant continues to circulate throughout its life, heating and cooling to protect the internal components of the engine compartment. Coolant, or antifreeze, is composed of ethylene glycol, designed to withstand temperatures tens of degrees below zero, and engine temperatures reaching 250 degrees or above. For most climates, a concentration of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water is sufficient to get the job done. It’s highly poisonous to humans and animals, so keeping it away from both is important. Its slightly sweet fragrance can attract animals and children; take appropriate protection measures. 

Why a radiator flush is needed

Like other fluids in your vehicle, coolant is designed to run nonstop while the engine is operational. Radiator fluid is a protection device, designed to heat and cool as it flows through the system, keeping the components clean and running to do their job well. 

Over time, coolant can start to pick up dirt, debris, and other contaminants that build up in the system. This can lead to corrosion, scaling, rust, or other potential problems that you do not want in your engine or radiator. 

A radiator flush solves this problem. It’s designed to keep the entire cooling system in pristine shape. Think of it as a blood transfusion of the cooling system. 

A radiator flush forces several gallons of cleaner, water, and coolant through the system, eliminating contaminants or build-ups that may have been deposited since the last flush. 

Simply draining the radiator doesn’t do a proper job of removing contaminants. Trace debris may still be stuck inside the system, attached to the various components. By flushing the system, you remove these deposits and create a clean system once again. 

A radiator flush is also designed to repair and protect the various components that may have weakened with age. When you use the right additives and perform a radiator flush as suggested by your car’s manufacturer, it can lubricate the various parts, lengthen the life of the water pump, and help prevent future corrosion before it starts. 

Is it time for a radiator flush?

As a general rule of thumb, most manufacturers recommend having a radiator flush performed every 30,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Of course, your manufacturer knows best based on how the system was designed. Follow their suggestions to ensure a long life. 

Driving conditions can also impact expectations. Driving up and down the mountain each day can add to the stress of the coolant system. Pulling heavy loads continually can also impact the system. You know your driving conditions best. If you feel your car could benefit from a radiator flush, erring on the side of caution is always best. 

Your vehicle will also give you a sign if it’s time for a radiator flush:

  • You notice a leak by way of a puddle of coolant underneath your car
  • You notice a knocking sound in the engine compartment as you driv
  • Your car starts to overheat
  • You notice visible debris in the coolant
  • Steam or an odd smell coming from underneath the hood

What happens if you don’t flush the radiator

Is a radiator flush really necessary? 

When there is a problem inside the cooling system, you’ll notice any one of the symptoms from above. It can start in the form of a leak, migrate to a knocking sound in the engine, and eventually cause your engine to overheat. The problems won’t go away if you don’t take care of the problem. 

If left unchecked, the symptoms escalate and you wind up with even bigger problems. Further corrosion. Larger leaks. Failing components. Bigger repair bills. 

The easiest way to stop the problem in its tracks is to stick with a schedule and get a radiator flush from time to time, to keep your cooling system operating well. 

When was the last time your car had a radiator flush? 

Filed Under: Engine Tagged With: Radiator Flush

Car Maintenance To Make Your Old Car Like New Again

July 26, 2013 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

It is no secret that times are hard. More and more people are watching what they spend and finding ways to save money. One major way people are saving money is by avoiding a new car purchase. Buying a new car means taking out a loan – unless you have the cold, hard cash and most people do not have that kind of money.

Car Maintenance To Make Your Old Car Like New AgainSo, instead of buying new, people are finding ways to take better care of their current car to extend its life. The maintenance is worth the money because more and more cars are staying on the highway well past 100,000 miles. Here are some tips to help you keep your current car rolling down the road.

  • Take care of your muffler, catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. When your check engine light comes on, that is your car’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Pay attention to what it is saying. If it is determined that you need a new oxygen sensor, go ahead and replace it. However, if the same problem keeps happening, it is time to replace the catalytic converter, muffler and the sensors. Your car will run smoother, have more power, and get better gas mileage. Let us check the condition of your car to ensure running longer. Express Car Care of Denver auto repair can help if you do break down.
  • Flush more than just your radiator. Everyone knows that a radiator system should be flushed. However, your power steering fluid and your brake fluid should also be flushed to get rid of any build-up that may have developed over time.
  • Have your air conditioning system cleaned and deodorized. This will help keep your system running efficiently and keep it from having an obnoxious odor (a common problem after several years of use).
  • Replace your ball joints and struts or shocks. Your car may not be exhibiting signs that those items need replaced, but when you start racking up the miles, it pays to prevent a problem, rather than wait for a problem to occur. Not only will you be riding in a safer car, your car will ride much better.
  • Have your wheels (not your tires) aligned or replaced. Over time, your wheels can wear down in spots. Having someone align them and fix all the areas of wear and tear will improve the ride.

Filed Under: Car Maintenance, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Denver Auto Repair, Oxygen Sensor, Radiator Flush, Transmisison

Radiator Flush

January 14, 2012 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

During the winter months when the temperatures can be as cold as below zero and in the summer when the temperatures can be so hot you’re sweltering, it is crucial your heating and cooling system is working properly.  These are the perfect times to have a radiator flush performed on your vehicle.            

The engines in today’s vehicles are filled with parts that are made of aluminum.  Water pumps, manifolds, engine blocks and the heater and radiator are all made of aluminum.  In order to protect the aluminum in these essential parts from corrosion, you need fresh anti-freeze in your engine.  Your anti-freeze should be checked during routine maintenance visits but you should also have a radiator flush done at least once a year, maybe twice a year, depending on the vehicle you drive and how it’s driven.

Every time you drive, your radiator is using up a coolant (anti-freeze) and water mixture to help bring down the temperatures in your car’s engine system.  The longer and the faster your car is driven the more stress is put on the engine, causing temperatures to soar.  These high temperatures increase the potential for your vehicle to overheat.   One of the ways to avoid overheating your engine is to keep fresh coolant in the radiator.

Coolant, like other fluids used in your vehicle, will break down over time.  This is why it is important to replace or flush your coolant mixture.  When the coolant breaks down more stress is placed on your radiator and your engine runs hotter than it should.  Dirt and deposits also build up and can reduce your vehicle’s performance.  Prolonged use of dirty coolant can result in costly damage to your radiator.  So if you haven’t had a radiator flush in the last year, take the necessary steps to get one and maybe save yourself some headaches in the future.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Filed Under: Car Maintenance, Denver Auto Repair, Heating-Air Conditioning Tagged With: Radiator Flush

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

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