Autosys: Why Should I Perform a Cooling System Maintenance?
Why Should I...
Whenever a fluid is in contact with a metal, electrochemical degradation takes place. This results in a higher than normal level of acid present in any given fluid. This higher acid level -- if left unchanged -- can result in very costly repairs as it eats through the hoses, pump, radiator and other components. That's why it's so important (and why we recommend) that you have your cooling system flushed, and more importantly, have the pH balance of your antifreeze corrected at least once every 2 years or 30,000 miles. This will help reduce the acid level and extend the life of your radiator, heater core, water pump, head gaskets, freeze plugs and heater hoses.
Why You Need ASE-Certified Techs for this Service
Why is it important to have your cooling system flushed by a highly trained and certified technician at a trusted shop with all the proper equipment? Why can't you do it yourself?
With today's new computer controlled engines, the coolant temperature is incredibly important. The temperature sensor tells the computer -- along with other sensors -- how to adjust the fuel mixture and ignition timing. This may affect the engine's performance and efficiency.
To get the perfect blend of heat removal (that water provides) and metal protection (courtesy of antifreeze), unfortunately you can't just mix 50% water and 50% antifreeze; you've got to check the pH balance. The problem is that the pH of water is 7.0 to 7.2 and antifreeze is 10.5 right out of the container. A traditional 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze would have a pH factor of 8.75, which is too acidic for today's cooling systems. The recommend pH level should be between 9.8 and 10.05, since this level greatly reduces the acid content and therefore the electrochemical reactions that cause degradation and eventually part failure.
An ASE Certified technician will be able to properly regulate the pH balance as well as diagnose any other potential problems with the cooling system. At Autosys, our techs have the training and tools to get a job like this done right, the first time so that you can get the most miles for your dollars out of your car.
What we do when performing a cooling system power flush
Includes:
- Pressure testing cooling system for leaks.
- Flushing engine, radiator and heater core.
- Bring antifreeze to -35 degrees.
- PH balance coolant to between 9.8 and 10.5.
- Visually inspect radiator cooling fan for proper operation.
- Visually inspect heater operation.
What other kinds of preventive maintenance do we do?
At Autosys, our preventive maintenance is performed by ASE Certified Master Technicians, meaning only the most highly skilled and trained technicians are keeping you and your family safely on the road. Want to learn more about how Autosys can help you stay on top of preventive maintenance for your vehicle? Use these links to learn more about how you can save money and stay safely on the road by servicing your...
- brake fluid,
- driveline service,
- battery,
- cooling system,
- fuel injection, and by getting a
- computerized engine analysis.
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