Radiator Repair

Your car’s radiator is a reservoir that holds water and antifreeze to help keep the engine cool, and will occasionally require a radiator flush.  The radiator not only helps cool the engine when it is running, it also helps keep the engine from freezing up during the winter when the car is parked.  Depending upon the type of vehicle you have, a radiator can be very small to relatively large, and will be filled with a combination of water and antifreeze (or sometimes just antifreeze).

Over time, radiators can become dirty, or water and antifreeze may contain too many impurities that render the antifreeze ineffective at cooling the engine.  When this happens, the radiator needs to be flushed.

It is important for you to keep your coolant/antifreeze flushed and your radiator properly maintained.  Major engine damage can occur if neglected, including damage to the radiator, heater core, and other cooling system components.

There is no set rule for how often you should get your radiator flushed. The frequency of radiator flushes will depend on several factors, such as your own driving habits and the quality of antifreeze you use.

Occasionally flushing your car’s radiator will help extend the useful life of your vehicle.  Over time, the antifreeze in your vehicle may become acidic and lose its ability to help protect the engine from extreme temperatures.  A skilled service technician can test the acidity level of the antifreeze.  If the water and antifreeze in your radiator is too acidic, you need to get a radiator flush.

While there is no set schedule for getting a radiator flush, almost all car manufacturers recommend that you drain and refill your radiator with quality antifreeze at least every other year, or every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Occasionally flushing the radiator will help keep it clean and prevent buildup of dirt and sediment.  Fresh antifreeze will also help protect your car engine from extreme cold or hot temperatures.

Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers is your best choice for proper radiator maintenance, flushes and, if necessary, full replacement.  The staff of experienced ASE-certified service technicians is courteous and professional and committed to providing you with same day service, using only the highest quality products, at the most competitive price in town.  Best of all, as a locally owned and family owned company since 1976, at Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, you have the assurance of knowing that the Dobbs Associates will get the job done right the first time – and stand by their work.