While there are many websites and 'how to DIY' offering advice on how to flush a radiator yourself - we advise against it. Today's vehicles are complex and mistakes like incomplete flushing or changing the coolant in your vehicle without proper flushing can cause blockages in your thermostat or radiator.

It's best to have your cooling system examined regularly by a qualified mechanic, and properly flushed before being refilled with the specific type of coolant for your car, the system purged of any air pockets, and then the whole system professionally tested again to ensure full working order and to prevent any costly breakdowns in the future.

Radiator coolant is toxic and needs to be handled very carefully. It smells sweet which can be attractive to children and pets so proper storage is very important - having an expert do this job for you means not handling or having dangerous chemicals around your house. Dangerous coolant also needs to be disposed of safely, professional workshops can have the coolant recycled or properly disposed of to save the environment.

If your dashboard shows your car is running hotter than normal, your vehicle is overheating or you are leaving puddles of coolant where ever you park it is time to have your cooling system inspected by a professional.

Don't be "that car" on the side of the road with billows of steam emerging from the raised bonnet. Autocare Mount Gambier can service your can check your cooling system and flush your radiator if required to give you peace of mind that your cooling system is up to the task of protecting your car from overheating.

Over time rust and scale deposits can accumulate and the whole system becomes choked and not so effective at cooling and protecting your car. This build up of rust and debris can damage the important parts of your cooling system including your water pump, radiator, hoses and thermostat, reducing the life of those parts and leading to expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

Our expert technicians will flush your radiator if needed, using a solution designed to clean all the channels of build up. When the cooling system is cleaned and the cleansing solution is removed, fresh coolant is added and the system is purged and checked thoroughly for any signs of leaks or air pockets.

Your vehicle's log book will recommend how often to flush your cooling system, but it is generally advised that you flush your radiator coolant every two years or 40,000 km's whichever comes first. However, your engine type and size, local seasons, the quality of your current coolant, and the total distance driven can all affect the need to replace the coolant in your radiator.

At Autocare Mount Gambier, we provide at your request a Vehicle Inspection Report for free as part of any minor, major or log book service on your vehicle. This includes inspecting the level and condition of coolant in your system and the written report will tell you if we feel a radiator flush, coolant replacement or any repairs are required to maintain the safety and performance of your vehicle.

We also offer these services for Light Trucks and Heavy Vehicles. So if your commercial fleet vehicles are of concern then call us today for an inspection of your cooling system.