How to Protect Your Radiator without Spending a Lot of Cash

Posted by Amitava Sarkar on June 4th, 2016

Replacing your vehicle’s radiator isn’t a small investment. When it goes, you might wonder if it’s even worth repairing or if you should start shopping around for another vehicle. If you can make your radiator last as long as possible, you won’t have to consider replacing the vehicle before you’re ready. As with any car part, maintenance is key to making it last. However, it’s the kind of maintenance you do that will really make a difference – maintenance that actually increases the lifespan of the radiator and protects it from wearing and tear.

Talk to a mechanic or an auto product retailer about what you can do to make your radiator last longer. While it’s true that the age and make of your vehicle can play a role in how many years your radiator has left before it needs to be replaced, there’s a number common tips you can follow to give your radiator a longer life. The right products are integral to long radiator life – especially when they come with a radiator guarantee. Save yourself money and enjoy your vehicle for years or even decades longer by paying close attention to your radiator’s condition. Every time you get your oil changed, check on your radiator too.

Get a Guarantee

The best products come with a guarantee. Look for “longlife” or “global lifetime” on the package of your antifreeze and coolant product. The better quality the product, the more protected your radiator will be. Ask a supplier or mechanic for antifreeze and coolant that performs better, even on vehicles that get a lot of miles on them. To get the guarantee, you often have to go through an official supplier, who can document that you only use the appropriate qualifying product. Invest in a better quality product now and spend less on maintenance later.

Flush the Radiator as Necessary

The general recommendation for a full radiator flush is once every five years or every 30,000 miles, whichever occurs more often. This flush allows the radiator to clear itself of any buildup that could impact its operation or could cause parts such as gaskets to fail. If you notice your car is running hot – and the temperature needle is pushing past the halfway point – take it in to a professional sooner in case there’s something wrong with the radiator.

When you invest in a quality antifreeze and coolant, you can actually go longer than recommended between radiator flushes. However, it’s still a good idea to have a mechanic or a qualified retailer check on your radiator as recommended.

Invest in a Good Screen

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, it may already have a quality screen to protect the radiator from outside debris. Clean this screen regularly or the backup of bugs, dirt, leaves and other debris will prevent air from flowing in and around the radiator, which could cause it to overheat or to work harder to stay cool. If your screen is getting rusted, or isn’t otherwise as good a quality as you might hope, invest in a new screen to offer your radiator additional protection.

You don’t have to be a car expert to take good care of your radiator. With the right products, you can rely on a radiator guarantee to make sure your vehicle lasts as long as possible. Whether your car is a pickup or a sedan, make radiator maintenance a priority for your vehicle.

About the Author: Chris Torre is a mechanic and car blogger. He recommends Peak Auto antifreeze and coolant to all of his customers.