As summer is fast approaching, it is time to give some extra attention to your vehicle's cooling system. Don't find yourself stranded on the side of the road with steam coming from under the hood, headed for an inconvenient and costly radiator repair! To prevent your engine from overheating, it is important to protect it from summer's high temperatures with regular radiator service.
To keep your vehicle's cooling system operating at peak efficiency, consider these simple radiator service tips:
- Check the fluid levels – Check the coolant level about once a month. Also, make sure that the reserve tank or overflow tank levels are correct. If too low, your auto mechanic will know the appropriate mix of antifreeze coolant that should be added.
- Check the caps and hoses – Check the radiator cap and water outlet cap on the reserve tank for cracks or other damage. Have them replaced if they appear damaged. Also inspect the hoses and tubes connecting the radiator to the water pump, thermostat, and reserve tank for cracks or cuts that may result in antifreeze leaks. Hoses tend to get dry and brittle so they should be replaced about three or four years.
- Check the radiator tank and reserve tanks – Visually inspect these tanks every few months. Small cracks that begin as very small pinholes or punctures can be easily repaired. However, if left unattended, they will become larger and more difficult to fix, leading to a costly radiator repair.
- Drain and Flush – Over time, antifreeze becomes acidic and loses its effectiveness. Also, dirt and other contaminants will build up. Schedule regular radiator service to drain the radiator and fill it with fresh coolant and water (at least once a year in colder climates, and every 18 months to two years in warmer climates). To keep the clean antifreeze/coolant flowing efficiently, a radiator flush will remove dirt, contaminants, and other metal particles that may restrict the flow.
Need to add radiator service to your summer planning list? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today by calling 507-263-2120 or for more information about radiator repair. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
As summer is fast approaching, it is time to give some extra attention to your vehicle's cooling system. Don't find yourself stranded on the side of the road with steam coming from under the hood, headed for an inconvenient and costly radiator repair! To prevent your engine from overheating, it is important to protect it from summer's high temperatures with regular radiator service.
To keep your vehicle's cooling system operating at peak efficiency, consider these simple radiator service tips:
- Check the fluid levels – Check the coolant level about once a month. Also, make sure that the reserve tank or overflow tank levels are correct. If too low, your auto mechanic will know the appropriate mix of antifreeze coolant that should be added.
- Check the caps and hoses – Check the radiator cap and water outlet cap on the reserve tank for cracks or other damage. Have them replaced if they appear damaged. Also inspect the hoses and tubes connecting the radiator to the water pump, thermostat, and reserve tank for cracks or cuts that may result in antifreeze leaks. Hoses tend to get dry and brittle so they should be replaced about three or four years.
- Check the radiator tank and reserve tanks – Visually inspect these tanks every few months. Small cracks that begin as very small pinholes or punctures can be easily repaired. However, if left unattended, they will become larger and more difficult to fix, leading to a costly radiator repair.
- Drain and Flush – Over time, antifreeze becomes acidic and loses its effectiveness. Also, dirt and other contaminants will build up. Schedule regular radiator service to drain the radiator and fill it with fresh coolant and water (at least once a year in colder climates, and every 18 months to two years in warmer climates). To keep the clean antifreeze/coolant flowing efficiently, a radiator flush will remove dirt, contaminants, and other metal particles that may restrict the flow.
Need to add radiator service to your summer planning list? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today by calling 507-263-2120 or for more information about radiator repair. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
