If your car’s cooling system is not up to snuff (clean and circulating the
coolant to all parts of the engine), heat damage occurs. This damage shows up in
the form of blown head gaskets, cracked cylinder heads, burnt or cracked valve
seats and cylinder, as well as warped cylinder heads. Because they are
submerged in coolant all the time, cooling systems build up sludge and rust or
scale. This rust, sludge, and scale inhibit the flow of coolant through the engine,
which causes elevated temperatures. In addition, the antifreeze wears out. Its
chemical properties break down over time, rendering it ineffective. It’s
recommended that you have the cooling system cleaned and filled with new
coolant every two years or 24,000 miles. This procedure is called a “Flush and
Fill.” In between, have a cooling system analysis done every six months. A
proper analysis includes the following:
Cooling system pressure test, including the radiator cap. Repair any leaks.
Antifreeze protection test: Replace the antifreeze solution if it’s worn out.
Check the condition of the hoses and belts. Replace any soft or brittle hoses
and cracked belts. Tighten all loose hose connections.
Flow test to make sure that the coolant is flowing properly and that the engine is
operating within acceptable temperature ranges. If not, replace the thermostat.
Summary: Equation no. 1
Aluminum + high temperatures + coolant leak = ENGINE MELTDOWN