Whenever a fluid is in contact with metal, electrochemical degradation takes place which results in a
higher then normal level of acid present in any given fluid. This higher acid level, if left unchanged,
can result in very costly repairs. As a result, it is recommended to flush your cooling system, and most
importantly pH balance your antifreeze at least every 2 years or 30,000 miles. This will help reduce the
acid level and extend the life of your radiator, heater core, water pump, head gaskets, freeze plugs, and
heater hoses.
Why is it important to have your cooling system flushed by a knowledgeable repair shop with all the right
equipment? Why can't you do it yourself? You have probably heard many times that your cooling system should
be -35 degrees, and you wonder why, when it never gets that cold. The reason is: water is the best conductor
of heat because the molecules are spaced far apart and heat can move into the water very easily. The problem
with water is, it's corrosive when in contact with metal and can freeze. Ethylene glycol silicone based
antifreeze is added to water; to protect the metal, keep the water from freezing, and lubricate the only
moving parts in the cooling system, such as the water pump and thermostat. If you use 100% antifreeze, the
engine may overheat in hot weather with or without the air conditioning on. The reason is, antifreeze
molecules are packed tightly together and are unable to remove the heat from the engine as efficiently as
water. The condenser for your car's air conditioning operates much hotter than the radiator; that is why it
is placed in front of the radiator. The radiator dissipates the heat from your air conditioning condenser and
this makes the coolant even hotter! With today's new computer controlled engines the coolant temperature, is
the most important. The temperature sensor tells the computer, along with other sensors, how to adjust the
fuel mixture and ignition timing. This may affect engine performance and efficiency. For the best heat
removal and metal protection, 50% water and 50% antifreeze is desired. The proper mix is determined by
checking the coolant level; -35 degrees equals 50/50.
To correct the above condition, you need to power flush your cooling system by continuously forcing the
coolant under pressure through the engine, radiator, and heater core in both directions at different times.
While the coolant is being forced through the system it is also going through 25 micron and 5 micron filters
to remove all contaminants from the coolant. Once this is done, antifreeze or water is added to the system
while circulating to bring it to the desired -35 degrees throughout the system evenly. We then add a pH
concentrate while still circulating the coolant to evenly reach the pH level of 10.5 throughout the system.
We stop at 10.5 pH because over time, as the hot coolant flows through the system, it will slowly become more
acidic as described above. The coolant should stay within the safe range of 9.8 to10.5 pH level about 2 years
or 30,000 miles. We also pressure test the system for leaks, clean the recovery bottle, and test the radiator
cap to see if it holds the proper pressure.