Around your car
The coolant system plays an important role in keeping an engine running, preventing damage, and should be inspected and serviced in regular intervals. Here is why and how.

When we open the engine compartment, the radiator is the one item that stands out besides the actual engine. Located at the very front, right behind the grill, it is positioned in a way that the airflow around it cools the water it contains to keep the engine at the right temperature. While a combustion engine requires a certain temperature within the combustion chambers to perform at its peak, too much heat is harmful to the engine block and other components around it. As the name suggests, the cooling system’s main task is to transfer heat away from the engine block.
Other important components of the cooling system in modern cars include the water pump, cooling fan, overflow tank, valves and hoses. The system is typically filled with water and coolant. Although it can be used, tap water is not recommended to be used in a cooling system as the minerals contained are contaminants that can cause harm to the cooling system. For instance, valves may accumulate contaminants and no longer function correctly. The main problem in tap water is the chloride content, which is very corrosive (Chlorine is a strong acid and oxidizer that forms hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (ClHO). These acids can attack many metals, rubber, coatings, and plastic) Maybe also replace minerals with lime.
A layer of residue may result in a valve not closing properly or the mechanism to open when needed to malfunction. Should the water pump get damaged, costly repairs may be incurred. German Motors therefore recommended that the cooling system is being filled with distilled water.
Besides water, cooling systems typically contain coolant, another liquid that is commonly available. In cold countries, this liquid serves a secondary purpose as an antifreeze to protect the cooling system. Here in Malaysia, heat is our main problem though and we shall ignore the aspect of freezing coolants. Coolant is typically a mixture of 50% water and 50% glycol. It's important to use the right type of coolant for your car, and to keep it at the recommended level.
Coolant, as it is specially formulated, is better suited to absorb and transfer heat than water. However, using the wrong type of coolant can damage your cooling system and cause your engine to overheat. Coolant also breaks down over time and becomes less effective, so you should get it serviced when it's time. Although a closed system, whereby oxygen may not easily enter the cycle, there is a potential of corrosion. The use of Coolant also reduces the risk of corrosion.
To protect your engine, German Motors recommends to regularly check on the coolant. First, the mixture of the fluid in the cooling system is to be checked regularly if it contains enough coolant. If needed, coolant (and / or water) should then be added. This could be done with your regular service, which will be performed every 10 000 to 15 000 kilometres according to the requirements stipulated by the car’s manufacturer. A coolant flush should be performed regularly too; however it is not required as often.
Flushing the cooling system removes contaminants such as rust, scale, and other deposits from the cooling system. This helps prevent your engine from overheating and keeps your car running smoothly. It also lubricates the water pump. The fresh coolant contains additives that lubricate the water pump, which helps it last longer. Aging coolant can become acidic and corrode rubber hoses and metal engine components. The new coolant has additives that help prevent this.
As the technician re-fills the coolant, it is also easy to check for leaks. A coolant flush is a good opportunity to have a professional at German Motors to inspect your cooling system for leaks. With fresh coolant, fuel efficiency can be improved. Carrying out a regular engine flush not only improves the performance of the vehicle, but it may also prevent inconvenient breakdowns.
The interval of coolant flushing depends on the type of coolant used, the make of the car and environmental factors. While it is recommended to flush the coolant every three to four years, it is best to consult with your trusted service adviser to determine the schedule for your vehicle.