You can avoid being "that car" stuck on the side of the road with steam pouring from under the hood while the frustrated occupants fry in the heat of the fierce Australian summer.

An overheating car isn't only caused by Summer weather however, your engine produces considerable levels of heat through normal operation and it's the radiator and cooling system that works hard to prevent your car, and you, from being damaged by all that heat.

A special fluid called coolant is added to your system to help it cope with all that heat and which also prevents liquids from freezing whilst protecting the system from rust and corrosion as well.

Signs you need a radiator flush or cooling system service:
As well as an overheating car, a temperature gauge that's reading hotter than normal or a car leaving puddles behind means it is best to have your cooling system checked over by a professional. If you notice these signs in your vehicle come and see the team at Eagle Farm Auto Care.

We can inspect your radiator and cooling system properly and determine if you would benefit from a radiator flush or other cooling system related service. Our fully trained team of experts have all the knowledge and experience required to perform a range of services to help your cooling system cope.will perform a radiator flush, using a solution that removes build up. Once the cooling system is clean, the solution is drained and coolent replaced, your car's cooling system will be running like a dream: a radiator flush might be just what your car needs to bring it back to peak performance.

Where necessary we will perform a radiator flush, using a solution that removes build up. Once the cooling system is clean, the solution is drained and fresh coolant added, your car's cooling system should be running like a dream: a radiator flush might be just what your car needs to bring it back to peak performance.

What are the benefits of a radiator flush?

• Your radiator will be more efficient, reliable and live longer.
• Your engine will be more efficient and have an increased life expectancy.
• Boost your vehicles performance and power.
• The water pump will last longer due to better protection and lubrication.

How often should i get a coolant system flush?
Your car maker's log book will recomend intervals for when to service your cooling system, It is generally suggested that you flush your radiator coolant every two years or 40,000 km's whichever comes first. However, the size of your engine, local seasons, the quality of your current coolant, and the total km's driven can all have an effect on how regular you'll need to replace the coolant in your radiator.

At Eagle Farm Auto Care, we offer a full 65 Point 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.

If I don't get a radiator flush - what can happen?
Over time rust and scale deposits collect and the whole system becomes blocked 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, affecting the lifespan of those parts and leading to expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

Can I flush the radiator myself?
Websites and How-To's are around giving advice on how to flush a radiator yourself - it's not something we would advise you to do. Today's vehicles are complex and mistakes like incomplete flushing or changing the coolant in your vehicle without flushing can disturb the sediment and cause blockages in your thermostat or radiator.

It's best to have your systems 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 checked by a professional 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.
Radiator Coolant fluid has a sweet smell which can be attractive to children and pets so proper storage is very important - having a trained technician take care of this job means not handling or having dangerous chemicals around your house. Dangerous coolant also needs to be disposed of in the proper manner, professional workshops can have the coolant recycled or properly disposed of to save the environment.