My engine never overheats. Why should I get a cooling system service ?
Automotive Magic Answer:
There have been times when our customer's have questioned
the need or a cooling system service for their vehicle.
They don't quite see that there's a need, especially when they
have never had a situation with their engine overheating.
Well, that's a great question, and if you don't know the
complete answer you may end up in a bit of trouble.
It would seem that if our engine is running at the proper
temperature that it must be fine.
But the fact is that engine overheating is the most common cause of
mechanical failure for drivers.
So how do you get from everything is just fine to
suddenly overheating and potential engine damage?
Truth is, it is not a sudden process, but it is an invisible one.
Your engine coolant circulates through your engine where it absorbs
heat and then flows through the radiator where it is cooled –
and then back to the engine again. As long as the coolant is able
to flow freely – and there are no leaks – then the coolant can
do its job. This is the point where you have to look deeper.
The cooling system is an environment: very hot, with a number
of reactive materials like various types of metal, plastics and rubber.
Over time the coolant becomes corrosive. Small pieces of metal
and other materials flake off and circulate in the coolant.
As these bits start to clog up the small passages in the radiator,
they restrict the coolant flow, leading to overheating.
Corrosive coolant can actually eat away at the system and
cause leaks as well.
Now new coolant is full of anti-corrosion additives. These
additives neutralize the reactions that lead to corrosion.
The additives are eventually used up, leaving the cooling
system unprotected.
This is why your service advisor will bring to your attention and
give a recommendation for when your cooling system should
be serviced.
Our friendly and knowledgeable technicians here at
Automotive Magic can also test your coolant for freeze point
and PH to see if it
needs to be replaced (if you've added straight water to the
system these numbers may be off). You need to get fresh
coolant in there to
continue to protect against corrosion.
So if you have gone beyond the recommended service interval
should take care of this maintenance service to prevent
unnecessary repairs down the road.
