Auto Talk: Cooling system flush
By Chris Lechman

During the summer months, your vehicle’s cooling system works especially hard to overcome the higher ambient temperatures. The added heat of mountain driving in Colorado works your engine even harder. But without timely maintenance, additives in your vehicle’s coolant wear out; the solution becomes acidic and can decrease the life expectancy of many components in the cooling system.

Regular flushing of the system keeps the proper balance of chemicals in the system and ensures protection against boiling in summer and freezing in winter.

There are several areas you’ll want to inspect when checking on the health of your cooling system.

Coolant level: If the coolant level is too low, there may not be enough coolant to properly cool the system, and the gauge or light on your instrument panel may not give you and an accurate reading.

Coolant color: If the coolant is becoming discolored (dirty) or it has become cloudy, it is time to have your cooling system flushed.

Leaks: Inspect the radiator, hoses and engine for signs of a coolant leak. Hint: A leak will often leave a trail of crusty, dried up coolant. Hoses deteriorate from the inside out, so it is hard to know the exact condition of the hose. Inspect for a bulging hose and squeeze the hoses. If the hose feels especially soft or if you feel it “crackle” on the inside when you squeeze it, the hoses should be replaced. As a general rule, you should consider replacement of radiator and heater hoses for maintenance after five years or 60,000 miles of use.

Radiator: Inspect for leaks and obstructions that may prevent proper airflow through the fins, which could reduce the radiator’s efficiency.

Because your coolant’s normal temperature can be from 195 to 220 degrees or higher, the system operates under pressure, thus raising the boiling temperature. A faulty radiator cap or leak in your cooling system may not allow the pressure to build up and cause the system to “boil over.” Caution: Because the system is under pressure, never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot!

Similar to other maintenance items, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep your engine cool and protected by changing the engine coolant regularly.

Chris Lechman is manager of Keller's Professional Auto & Diesel, 18385 E Girard Ave., Unit A, Aurora. 303-343-9200; www.kellersproauto.com.

Keller’s Professional Auto & Diesel is a AAA-approved repair facility (AAR) facility.



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