Modern cars do not run on steam and no-one wants to be "that car" broken down on the freeway with clouds of it pouring from under the bonnet, while the occupants sweat it out in the summer heat.

But if your car is regularly overheating you can't just blame the hot weather, you need to consider the overall condition of your coolant and if you are overdue for a good flushing. The fact is your engine produces a lot of heat during normal operation and the radiator and cooling system are there to stop your car, and you, from being affected by all that heat. The coolant which is added to your system is specifically designed to help combat the heat and also helps prevent liquids from freezing while protecting the system from rust and corrosion.

D & D Mechanical & 4WD can give your radiator and cooling system a well deserved service, performing a full radiator flush where required. We use a special cleansing solution to remove any build up of rust or other debris and flush the entire system out. Once the entire cooling system is clean the solution is drained and completely fresh new coolant is added. Following a full cooling system flush your car's cooling system will be able to do it's job of protecting you and your car much more efficiently.

• Your radiator will be more efficient - and it will tend to last a lot longer
• Your engine will be more efficient and have an increased life expectancy
• Boost the performance and power of your engine
• The water pump will last longer due to better protection and lubrication

Your manufacturer's log book will recommend how regularly your radiator system should be flushed. It is generally recommended that you flush your coolant system every two years or 40,000 km's depending on which comes first but the size of your engine, regional weather, the condition of your current coolant, your driving style and the total km's driven can all have an impact on how often you should replace the coolant in your radiator. Your D & D Mechanical & 4WD mechanic can let you know if your cooling system might require a more regular flushing to help it cope.

While there are a lot of websites giving advice on how to flush a radiator yourself - we don't recommend it. Modern vehicles are complex and mistakes like incomplete flushing or changing the coolant in your vehicle without proper flushing can disturb sediment, leading to 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 the recommended coolant type, the system purged of any air pockets, and the whole system checked over again by an expert to ensure full working order and prevent potentially costly breakdowns in the future.

At D & D Mechanical & 4WD, you can request 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 other repairs or adjustments would be helpful to maintain the reliability and performance of your vehicle.

Radiator coolant is toxic and needs to be handled very carefully. It smells sweet which can be enticing to both children and pets so proper storage is very important - letting an expert take care of this job means not handling or having dangerous chemicals around your house. Dangerous coolant also needs to be disposed of correctly, professional workshops can have the coolant recycled or properly disposed of to save the environment.