Dear Tom and Ray:

I am writing about changing the coolant in my vehicles. I have two cars and an RV that are ready for this service. What do you think of applying a bit of vinegar into the system, letting it circulate a bit, then draining the system and adding the new coolant? -- Ralph

Tom: Great idea, Ralph. And if the vinegar mixes with a little bit of oil that happens to be in the cooling system, when you drain it you'll end up with a delicious vinaigrette.

Ray: I think that's how Paul Newman got started in the salad dressing business.

Tom: Actually, you probably don't need to put anything in your cooling system. If the system is in good shape, you can just drain out the old coolant, dispose of it properly and put the new coolant in.

Ray: If you've ignored your cooling system for many years and it's now corroded, then I'd start by using one of the bottled cooling-system flushes that are available at any auto parts store. If you have a lot of corrosion, then you may need to go to a mechanic who can power flush your system.

Tom: So an auto parts store? Yes. A mechanic? Yes. The condiments aisle of your supermarket? I don't think so.

Auto repairs can be costly! Save money by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1999 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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