No-one wants to be "that car" broken down on the freeway with steam pouring from under the hood.

If your car is overheating you can't just blame the hot weather for your problems, although it doesn't help either. Under normal operation your car engine produces a lot of extreme heat and it's the radiator and cooling system that prevents your car, and you for that matter, from being damaged by all that heat. A special fluid called coolant is added to your radiator system which helps to dissipate the heat. Radiator coolant, despite the name, also prevents liquids from freezing and protects the system from rust and corrosion as well.

• Is your car running hotter than normal
• Is Your Car Overheating regularly
• Does your car leave puddles where your park
  

If you see these signs in your vehicle come and see the team at Dufty Automotive Services and we can perform a well deserved service on your radiator and cooling system. Our fully trained team of experts will flush your cooling system, using a solution which is designed to remove any build up.

• Your radiator will run more efficiently and have an increased life expectancy
• Your engine will also run more efficiently and have an increased life expectancy
• Overall performance and power in your vehicle will be boosted
• Lubricate and protect your water pump.

Your car maker's log book will recommend intervals for when to flush your radiator system, It is commonly suggested that you flush your coolant system every two years or 40,000 km's depending on which comes first. However, your engine size, local weather type, the quality of your current coolant, and the amount of km's driven can all change how often you need to replace the coolant in your radiator.

At Dufty Automotive Services, we provide at your request a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report for free as part of any minor, major or log book service on your vehicle. This includes checking the level and condition of coolant in your system and the written report will tell you if we feel a radiator flush, coolant replacement or any repairs are required to maintain the performance of your vehicle.

Eventually rust and scale deposits begin to build up and if left unchecked for too long the whole system may become choked. The system ceases to be effective at cooling and protecting your car. This build up of rust and debris can also damage important components of your cooling system including your water pump, radiator, hoses and thermostat and can reduce the lifespan of those parts, leading to expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

While there are a lot of websites giving advice on how to flush a radiator yourself - Its not something we recommend. These days, vehicles are much more complex and mistakes like incomplete flushing or changing the coolant in your vehicle without flushing can disturb the sediment and cause blockages in your thermostat or radiator.

It's advisable to have your systems inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic, and properly flushed before being refilled with the recommended coolant type, the system purged of any air pockets, and then the whole system expertly reviewed again to ensure full working order and to prevent any costly breakdowns in the future.

Radiator coolant is quite toxic and needs to be handled very carefully. It has a sweet smell which can be attractive to small children and family pets so proper, safe storage is very important - letting a professional handle this task for you means not handling or having dangerous chemicals around your house. Coolant is also harmful to the environment and needs to be disposed of safely. Professional workshops like Dufty Automotive Services can have the coolant recycled or properly disposed of to ensure protection of the environment.

When the cooling system is cleaned, the solution is drained and the coolant replaced. Following a radiator flush your car's cooling system should be running like a dream. See the team at our Leumeah workshop today!