Cooling system
1. First
Our experts recommend:
- Change traditional coolant every 24 months/48,000 Km.
- Change long-life coolants every five years/120,000 Km.
- Inspect hoses every three months/6,000 Km.
- Top up with 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water only.
2. Next
When flushing the cooling system and replacing the antifreeze, you should also replace these components at the same time:
- The thermostat, which regulates the flow of coolant from the engine to the radiator. This ensures that proper engine operating temperatures are maintained. Also assists in warming a cold engine and passenger compartment.
- The spring-loaded pressure cap, which raises the boiling point of the fluid. A cap that can withstand 15 psi will raise the coolant's operating range by 45oF. (The boiling point rises 3oF for every 1 psi of extra pressure.)
- The hoses, which should be replaced every three - five years, regardless of how they appear on the outside. Antifreeze/coolant chemicals break down hoses from the inside out. Replace coolant hoses in pairs.
- Hose Clamps, which should be replaced any time hoses are being replaced.
Important: To best clean the cooling system, a chemical flush under pressure is recommended.
