You can avoid being "that car" stuck on the side of the road with steam pouring from under the hood while the frustrated and overheated occupants stand by in dismay.

Don't blame hot weather for your car overheating, your engine gives off heat, a lot of heat, and it's the radiator along with the rest of the cooling system that works hard to prevent your car, and you, from being damaged by all that heat. A fluid called coolant in the system also prevents liquids from freezing and protects the system from rust and corrosion as well.

As well as an overheating car, a temperature gauge that's reading hotter than normal or a car leaving puddles behind means it is probably best to have your cooling system checked out by an experienced professional.

We can inspect your vehicle for issues and service your cooling system or flush your radiator if required. Our fully trained team of experts will flush your radiator, using a special cleansing solution to remove build up. When the cooling system has been cleaned out, the cleansing fluid is removed and the system is re-filled with fresh coolant solution.. A radiator flush might be just what your car needs to bring it back to peak performance.

• Your radiator will be more efficient, reliable and live longer.
• Your engine will be more efficient and have an increased life expectancy.
• Overall performance and power in your vehicle will be boosted.
• Lubricate and protect your water pump.

Your vehicle's log book will recommend how regularly to flush your cooling system, It is usually suggested that you have your system flushed every two years or 40,000 km's whichever comes first. However, the size of your engine, regional weather, the age of your existing coolant, and the total km's driven can all have an effect on how regular you'll need to replace the coolant in your radiator.

At J & F Motors, at your request we will perform 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 level and condition of coolant in your system and the written report will tell you if we feel a radiator flush, coolant replacement or any repairs are necessary to maintain the safety and performance of your vehicle.

Over time, rust and scale deposits accumulate and the whole system becomes clogged and not so effective at cooling and protecting your car. This build up of rust and debris can damage the important parts of your cooling system including your water pump, radiator, hoses and thermostat, affecting the lifespan of those parts and leading to expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

Radiator coolant is toxic and needs to be handled very carefully. It has a sweet smell which can be enticing to both children and pets so proper storage is very important - letting a professional do this job for you means not handling or having dangerous chemicals around your house. Coolant also needs to be disposed of in a safe way, professional workshops can have the coolant recycled or properly disposed of to save the environment.