Your vehicle has fluids in it, including something known as “coolant.” This is a special fluid that helps regulate the temperature of your engine so that it works well even in extreme temperatures. It has antifreeze in it, for those cold winter days. It’s also formulated to help keep your engine from overheating on hot summer days. Meanwhile, it helps prevent rust and build-up in the engine. So it’s a good thing, but eventually it needs to be “flushed.”
Coolants Tend to Breakdown
Over time, coolant chemicals can break down due to the heat and friction of the engine. This leads to contaminants in the system which means decreased performance. Therefore, a flush is done to take out the old coolant and replace it with fresh coolant. A coolant flush is typically done every 100,000 miles or every three years.
Signs You Need a Coolant Flush
Besides knowing the general guidelines for when a coolant flush makes sense, what are some signs you might notice that would cause you to make an appointment at AV Bumper-to-Bumper in Lancaster, CA (661-949-1999) for a coolant flush?
If you notice a sweet smell coming from under the hood, a smell that reminds you of candy, waffles or syrup, that odor is coming from your coolant– it’s actually overheated ethylene glycol. You might need a flush!
Now if you hear a “gurgling” noise coming from under the hood, you’ve probably got air bubbles filling the space left by low coolant levels. Again, you might need a flush.
Does your vehicle seem to be regularly overheating? Is there a burning smell coming from the engine on hot days? Is your temperature gauge showing a hot engine? If so, get your coolant checked and perhaps flushed.
Other things to look for include low coolant levels, leaks (coolant is usually blue or orange), and your vehicle’s heater not working as intended.
