Radiator Repair / Coolant Flush

 

Service Overview

The primary source of vehicle breakdowns is a cooling system failure. Often, there are no warning indicators that service is needed and cooling system maintenance is frequently overlooked by drivers. To understand why cooling systems are so important, it might help to visualize a working engine. Combustion (the ignition of the right balance of air and fuel that drives the pistons) creates a lot of heat—in fact, 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit! The cooling system prevents engine meltdown by transporting much of this engine heat to the outside air.

 

Surrounding the engine block is a circulating mixture of water and antifreeze, which absorbs active engine heat. The water pump transports this heated mixture to the radiator which exchanges hot for cold with the outside air because of the physics of entropy (or in other words, the temperature flows from hot to cold!). Once the coolant mixture has been sufficiently cooled, it flows back into the engine block to begin the cycle again.

 

As time passes and many engine block-radiator coolant cycles later, the coolant mixture's ability to transport heat away from the engine decreases. If the radiator and coolant is not maintained properly, the radiator loses its ability to protect the engine against excessive heat and engine damage occurs. However, replacing the water and coolant fluids regularly can protect against engine overheating and corrosion.

 

How can I tell when I need the service?

Because there are typically no warning signs of cooling system failures before they become a real problem, regular radiator flushing and coolant fluid replacement in accordance with your vehicle's manufacturer service guidelines can keep your cooling system working as it should. If you have difficulty finding your particular vehicle's recommended maintenance schedule, give us a call and we'll be happy to share it with you.

 

What is included with the service?

To keep your cooling system in working order and protect your engine for many miles down the road, we offer two types service.

 

Basic Radiator Drain and Fill

A Fishkill Tire technician will perform a basic drain and fill service using industry standard green anti-freeze.

 

Premium Radiator Flush

A Fishkill Tire technician will perform our signature radiator service which includes a complete Radiator Drain and Pressure Flush to excavate the expended coolant and any debris before replacing it with fresh, coolant. 

·         Comprehensive inspection of your vehicle's radiator system, including radiator pressure tests to identify any leaks

·         Complete flushing of the radiator to remove old coolant and debris using flush chemicals and power flushing equipment

·         Radiator system refilling with new anti-freeze.   Note: Vehicle specific anti-freeze such as Dex-Cool may be additional.

·         Addition of lubricant and sealant to the radiator system

 

As with all services you receive at Fishkill Tire, the parts and materials we install will meet or exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications, and all used parts will be returned to you, upon request. All Fishkill Tire services performed are based on manufacturer recommendations or as needed, as determined by our inspection, and based on industry standards.

 

FAQ

 

What is the recommended maintenence schedule?

Generally every two years or 30,000 Miles which ever comes first.

 

How long will it take?

Radiator service can be completed in the same day.

 

Do I need to make an appointment?

Appointments are not necessary but may expedite service for your convenience.

 

Are there any driveability concerns?

Continuing to drive your vehicle without having your radiator and cooling system assessed can set you up to be stranded, or worse, create engine heat-corrosive damage of your engine. Stop by Fishkill Tire or contact us today to have your vehicle's radiator flushed and cooling system inspected.