While there are a lot of websites giving advice on how to flush a radiator yourself - it's not something we would advise you to do.

Vehicles today are much more complex, and mistakes like incomplete flushing or changing the coolant without flushing can actually cause deposits to move around more, leading to blockages in your thermostat or radiator.

It's advisable to have your system inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic, and properly flushed when required. This should be followed by a refill with the right type of coolant for your vehicle and a careful purge of any air pockets. The entire system should then be professionally checked over again to ensure it's in full working order, without any signs of leaks, to help prevent breakdowns in the future.

Radiator coolant is toxic and needs to be handled very carefully. It smells sweet, which can be appealing to your kids and pets, so proper storage is very important. Having an expert take care of this job means not handling or having dangerous chemicals around your house. Dangerous coolant also needs to be disposed of correctly; professional workshops can have the coolant recycled or properly disposed of to save the environment.

Overheating cars aren't just caused by hot weather. Your engine gives off a lot of extreme heat, and it's the radiator, along with the rest of the cooling system, that keeps your car, and you, from being damaged by all that heat. Coolant fluid in the system also prevents liquids from freezing and protects the system from rust as well.

Our fully trained team of experts can flush your cooling system using a cleansing solution to remove build-up. Once the cooling system is clean, the cleaner is drained, and fresh new coolant is added.

Your log book will recommend intervals for when to service your cooling system. It is generally recommended that you flush your radiator coolant every two years or 40,000 km, 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.

Over time, rust and scale deposits accumulate, and the whole system becomes blocked, becoming less effective at cooling and protecting your car. This build-up of rust and debris can damage important parts of your cooling system, including your water pump, radiator, hoses, and thermostat, reducing the lifespan of those parts and leading to expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

At Echuca Service Centre & Echuca 4x4, situated in a farming community in Echuca, we frequently encounter radiators needing cleaning due to debris buildup between the AC condenser and radiator. Once cleaned, it is an ideal time to inspect the cooling system. We advise our customers of the findings, and upon approval, carry out necessary repairs and replacement of fluids or parts.

At Echuca Service Centre & Echuca 4x4, 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 checking the coolant in your system, and the written report will inform you if we feel a radiator flush, coolant replacement, or any repairs are advised to maintain the safety and performance of your vehicle.