Nobody ever wants to be "that car" - stuck on the side of the road with steam pouring from under the hood.

Overheating vehicle's are not just caused by Summer weather. Your engine is capable of producing extreme amounts of heat, even under normal operation and require some means of cooling themselves as a result. It's the radiator and cooling system that stops your car, and you, from being damaged by all that heat. The fluid called coolant in the system doesn't just help cool the vehicle, it also prevents liquids from freezing and protects the system from corrosion as well.

• Do you notice puddles under your car?
• Does your temp gauge read hotter than normal?
• Is your car overheating?

We can perform a well deserved service on your radiator and cooling system. Our qualified mechanics will perform a radiator flush, using a solution which is designed to remove any build up. Once the cooling system is clean, the solution is removed and the system filled with fresh coolant solution, 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.

• Your radiator will run more efficiently and have an increased life expectancy
• Your will increase your engines efficiency and life expectancy
• Boost your vehicles performance and power
• Lubricate and protect your water pump.

Your manufacturer's log book provides recommendations for when your cooling system should be flushed. It is usually advisable that you have your system flushed every two years, or 40,000 km's, whichever comes first. However, it is important to note that your engine type and size, local climate, the condition of your existing coolant, and the total distance driven can all affect the need to replace the coolant in your radiator.

At Jackmans Garage, 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. The written report will tell you if we feel a radiator flush, coolant replacement or any other repairs are necessary to maintain the safety and performance of your vehicle.

Given time, rust and scale deposits can accumulate and the whole system can become clogged. The system can then become less effective at cooling and protecting your car. This build-up of rust and debris can actually damage the important parts of your cooling system, including your water pump, radiator, hoses and thermostat. This can significantly reduce the lifespan of those parts, subsequently leading to the need for expensive repairs or replacement of critical components.

While there are a lot of places offering advice on how to flush a radiator yourself - we generally don't recommend it. Modern vehicles can be complex and mistakes like incomplete flushing or changing the coolant in your vehicle without flushing can stir up even more sediment and cause blockages in your thermostat or radiator.

It's sensible to have your systems inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic, and properly flushed before being refilled with coolant of the right specifications and the system purged of any air pockets. Following this, the whole system should be expertly reviewed to ensure full working order and help prevent any potential breakdowns in the future.

Radiator coolant is toxic and needs to be handled very carefully. It has a sweet smell which can be appealing to young children and pets, so correct and safe storage is very important. Getting an expert to handle this task for you means not having to handle or have dangerous chemicals around your house. Coolant is dangerous to the environment so needs to be disposed of correctly. Professional workshops have the capability to ensure that coolant is always recycled or properly disposed of to help save the environment.