# Radiator Flush

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-flush/45571>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** engines, ford, ranger\
**Created:** [March 5, 2010, 3:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-flush/45571 "2010-03-05T15:48:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![dbroncosfan1975](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/82dd89/32.png) [@dbroncosfan1975](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dbroncosfan1975)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2010, 3:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-flush/45571/1 "2010-03-05T15:48:35Z")

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I recently bought a 1994 Ford Ranger with approximately 113k miles on it, my question is do I or should I get a radiator flush just to be on the safe side or is it even necessary at all. Thank You.

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**Author:** ![jayhawkroy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jayhawkroy/32/33_2.png) [@jayhawkroy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jayhawkroy)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2010, 3:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-flush/45571/2 "2010-03-05T15:55:35Z")

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If I don’t know the maintenance history on a car I just bought, I get all the fluids changed out, coolant included. I also replace spark plugs, wires (in this case) and all filters. You set a baseline for your future maintenance.

You can also make a visual inspection of it and see if it looks like it needs changing. With spring coming up, you might defer until fall.

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**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2010, 4:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-flush/45571/3 "2010-03-05T16:28:46Z")

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Radiator coolant; every 4 years or 40,000 miles

If the car has an owner’s guide, use it for oil changes, if not 3000 miles city driving, 5000 miles highway.

Brake fluid, every 3 years or 35,000 miles or at every brake job

Good platinum or iridium plugs will go 60,000 miles easily.

Air filter every 2 years or 20,000 miles.

Check all fluid levels regularly.

That will give you a start.