Should I have my cooling system serviced, or just keep an eye on it?

Cooling system problems are a major source of automotive breakdowns. The coolant in your engine is a fluid that absorbs the heat from the engine and transports it to the outside world through your radiator. Servicing your cooling system involves draining and flushing the vehicles cooling system, and then refilling with new coolant.

It’s a good idea to do this because it removes dirt and rust particles that can build up and clog the cooling system, causing problems in both summer and winter. Because the coolant operates in a very hot & hostile environment, it will break down over time. This breakdown can include the rust inhibitors which will leave the small cooling passages in your engine vulnerable to corrosion. If these tiny passages become clogged, you engine will overhead.

Make sure you check your coolant levels periodically. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or above the “minimum” or “fill” line on the plastic coolant recovery tank under the hood. When the engine is hot, the level should be at or just below the “max” line. If the coolant level is low, it may be caused by a leak (either internal or external). Leaks should be addressed ASAP, as no coolant could lead to a catastrophic engine failure. To have your vehicle professionally serviced, make an appointment with Deryck or Mike at the Woody’s Service Department! http://www.wowwoodys.com/service-center or 888-895-6545