Tom

Tom,

Q I have a 2001 Ford Explorer. The other day I checked the radiator fluid

and it was rust colored. Should I just replace the antifreeze or flush the
system?

Clyde—Tennessee

Clyde,

A The rusty color indicates that the antifreeze has stopped doing its job of

inhibiting rust and scale buildup in the system. Emptying a portion of the
cooling system just to add good antifreeze after bad is ineffective and will not
stop rust. I suggest you completely flush the system and refill it with a new
50-50 antifreeze and water mix. Rust is relentless and will not be stopped
unless system integrity is restored.