Engine Service: Finish the Summer Cool!
After the heat of summer, you will want to make sure you start the Fall Season right by making sure all your vehicle maintenance is up-to-date, including a quality engine service. Hot weather makes existing problems worse so this is the time to prevent a major engine repair down the road!
One major item to inspect is your car's cooling system as it is typically a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns. You'll avoid a lot of frustration, and possibly an unnecessarily expensive engine repair.
Have your auto technician check out the following issues when it comes to maintaining your cooling system:
- Coolant – If not replaced regularly (read your owner's manual for the recommended replacement interval), coolant can lose its effectiveness to prevent corrosion in the cooling system and also its freeze-protection abilities. Top it off as needed. Otherwise, you may have an engine that overheats.
- Radiator – Again, if coolant is not changed regularly the radiator can corrode internally and prevent the effective circulation. The radiator (and cooling system) should be flushed periodically to remove any debris. Also have the radiator inspected and cleaned of any external obstructions, such as paper, leaves, bugs or other road debris that may have stuck to it and is blocking air flow.
- Belts & Hoses – Because belts and hoses are made of rubber, they will wear and degrade over time with normal use. Inspect them for cracks or soft or bulging spots. They should be replaced approximately every four years or on your manufacturer's recommendation.
- Water pump – If your water pump fails, the engine can overheat. On many vehicles, the water pump is driven by the timing belt. Therefore, it is smart to replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt is changed.
- Radiator cap – Make sure it is screwed on tightly and does not leak. When a pressure test is performed on the cooling system, don't forget the radiator cap.
If the cooling system hasn't received regular maintenance during the hot temperatures of summer, it's not a question of whether it will fail, but rather when it will fail. Watch for any signs of cooling system problems, such as the vehicle temperature gauge rising near the danger zone, coolant leaks, steam or hissing sounds under the hood, or the distinct smell of coolant or an engine that's running hot.
Knowing and performing the proper engine service and maintenance can prevent cooling system and engine failure. Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
After the heat of summer, you will want to make sure you start the Fall Season right by making sure all your vehicle maintenance is up-to-date, including a quality engine service. Hot weather makes existing problems worse so this is the time to prevent a major engine repair down the road!
One major item to inspect is your car's cooling system as it is typically a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns. You'll avoid a lot of frustration, and possibly an unnecessarily expensive engine repair.
Have your auto technician check out the following issues when it comes to maintaining your cooling system:
- Coolant – If not replaced regularly (read your owner's manual for the recommended replacement interval), coolant can lose its effectiveness to prevent corrosion in the cooling system and also its freeze-protection abilities. Top it off as needed. Otherwise, you may have an engine that overheats.
- Radiator – Again, if coolant is not changed regularly the radiator can corrode internally and prevent the effective circulation. The radiator (and cooling system) should be flushed periodically to remove any debris. Also have the radiator inspected and cleaned of any external obstructions, such as paper, leaves, bugs or other road debris that may have stuck to it and is blocking air flow.
- Belts & Hoses – Because belts and hoses are made of rubber, they will wear and degrade over time with normal use. Inspect them for cracks or soft or bulging spots. They should be replaced approximately every four years or on your manufacturer's recommendation.
- Water pump – If your water pump fails, the engine can overheat. On many vehicles, the water pump is driven by the timing belt. Therefore, it is smart to replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt is changed.
- Radiator cap – Make sure it is screwed on tightly and does not leak. When a pressure test is performed on the cooling system, don't forget the radiator cap.
If the cooling system hasn't received regular maintenance during the hot temperatures of summer, it's not a question of whether it will fail, but rather when it will fail. Watch for any signs of cooling system problems, such as the vehicle temperature gauge rising near the danger zone, coolant leaks, steam or hissing sounds under the hood, or the distinct smell of coolant or an engine that's running hot.
Knowing and performing the proper engine service and maintenance can prevent cooling system and engine failure. Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
