Cleaning chemicals can be corrosive to metals and attack hoses from the inside.....that's why they say flush drain thoroughly, but how can u be absolutely positive it's all out and if chemicals r used frequently, how can one be positive they r not building up? Maintaining a good level of corrosion inhibitors (contained in the coolant) is the best way to protect the cooling system.

 

I'm open to all suggestions and I appreciate the input. I understand you guys are suggesting frequent flushes, but as one person said, "hose water is hose water". Without taking it to a shop, how do you flush every few months without using hose water?

 

Hose water is fine to flush with.....they key is maintaining a good coolant to water ratio/mix and. The corrosion inhibitors weaken with age/miles and need to be replaced. Coolant doesn't turn rusty/cruddy overnight....raise the hood and check it (among other things) frequently.