Coolant Flushes

Coolant, also called antifreeze, is the fluid that absorbs heat from the engine and then disperses it through the radiator. It is also channeled through the heat exchanger in the passenger compartment when you turn up the car’s heating system. Coolant is a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water, typically in a 50/50 ratio.

Your car’s radiator builds deposits that can clog the cooling system. A coolant flush and fill will also prevent overheating—the most common cause of breakdowns and internal engine damage. It’s important to change your antifreeze seasonally. S&S Tire recommends replacing fluids every 30,000 miles.

Symptoms your coolant/antifreeze system may need service:

• Fluid loss or leakage
• Steam coming from motor
• Indicator (warning) light(s) on dashboard is illuminated
• Temperature light/gauge indicates the car is running hotter than usual

S&S Tire will:

• Fully inspect the coolant/antifreeze system
• Repair and/or replace any components, if needed
• Replace old coolant/antifreeze with new fluid

Why is servicing the coolant system important?
Since coolant functions in a hot, hostile environment, it will break down over time. Specifically, the coolant’s rust inhibitors get depleted, leaving the small cooling passages in your engine and radiator vulnerable to corrosion. Inevitably some corrosion will take place, even with rust inhibitors, which will contaminate the coolant with debris.

If coolant servicing is ignored, the rust inhibitors stop working, resulting in cooling system rusting from the inside out. The primary source of rust in a car’s cooling system is the engine block. Particles of rust will also clog tiny radiator and heater passages, causing your engine to overheat.