Car Radiator Maintenance

Maintaining vehicle fluids is very important to keep the vehicle operating in peak form. Many motorist overlook radiator maintenance. While most drivers will keep close watch on checking oil levels and other fluids, they fail to realize the importance of the radiator. In order to keep an automobile engine running at top form, the radiator must be maintained properly.

• If an engine overheats, other problems within the cooling system can occur. Basic radiator upkeep is all about keeping the vital fluids required up to qualifications.


• Engine coolant, commonly called antifreeze, is a big part of keeping the vehicle engine running smoothly. Basically, coolant is a 50/50 chemical mix with water and regulates the water temperature to keep the engine operating properly. Most experts feel the coolant should be replaced every year. 


• The radiator should be completely drained and refilled every two years at a minimum. This procedure is called "radiator flushing.” Flushing the radiator is very important because over time rust and sediment can build up in the radiator, clogging the system. If the coolant appears to be dirty or brown in color the radiator should be flushed. Coolant should be a yellow-green or orange color, depending on the type of antifreeze used.


• Refilling the radiator can be easily done. The radiator needs to be filled according to the coolant instructions that are used. 


• The overflow reserve tank should be filled to the 50/50 mix guidelines. 

If these simple precautions are done on a regular basis, the vehicle should operate at a high performance.