Radiator Service: 4 Maintenance Tips!
As the hot summer months are just about over, it's important to pay special attention to your vehicle's cooling system. Summer's high temperatures may have taken their toll on your engine. Regular radiator service helps protect your engine from overheating or other problems related to the cooling system.
These four maintenance tips will help keep your vehicle's cooling system operating at peak efficiency and prevent a costly radiator repair:
1. Check Caps and Hoses
Check the radiator cap and water outlet cap on the reserve tank for cracks or other damage. Replace them immediately if damaged. Frequently inspect all of the hoses and tubes that lead from the radiator to the water pump, thermostat and reserve tank for cracks or cuts that may result in antifreeze leaks. Because hoses tend to get dry and brittle with age, replace them about every three or four years.
2. Check Fluid Levels
At least once a month, check the coolant in the radiator as well as the reserve tank to make sure the levels are where they should be. If the fluid levels are too low, schedule a radiator service to determine if there is any leaking, or if it's just caused by evaporation. Your mechanic will know the correct mix of antifreeze coolant to add.
3. Check the Tanks
Visually inspect the radiator tank and reserve tank every few months. Cracks can begin as very small pinholes or punctures that can be easily repaired. However, if these small holes are not noticed, you could be looking at a costly radiator repair due to a large hole that is difficult to repair.
4. Drain and Flush
Over time, dirt and other contaminants build up in the cooling system. Antifreeze can become acidic and lose its effectiveness. A radiator service will determine if your radiator needs to be drained and refilled with new coolant and water. Make sure the radiator is flushed before adding the fresh mixture to further remove dirt, contaminants and other metal particles that may build up and restrict the flow of antifreeze/coolant. In colder climates, this should be done at least once a year, and in warmer climates, at least every 18 months to two years.
Is radiator service on your list? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for professional advice. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
As the hot summer months are just about over, it's important to pay special attention to your vehicle's cooling system. Summer's high temperatures may have taken their toll on your engine. Regular radiator service helps protect your engine from overheating or other problems related to the cooling system.
These four maintenance tips will help keep your vehicle's cooling system operating at peak efficiency and prevent a costly radiator repair:
1. Check Caps and Hoses
Check the radiator cap and water outlet cap on the reserve tank for cracks or other damage. Replace them immediately if damaged. Frequently inspect all of the hoses and tubes that lead from the radiator to the water pump, thermostat and reserve tank for cracks or cuts that may result in antifreeze leaks. Because hoses tend to get dry and brittle with age, replace them about every three or four years.
2. Check Fluid Levels
At least once a month, check the coolant in the radiator as well as the reserve tank to make sure the levels are where they should be. If the fluid levels are too low, schedule a radiator service to determine if there is any leaking, or if it's just caused by evaporation. Your mechanic will know the correct mix of antifreeze coolant to add.
3. Check the Tanks
Visually inspect the radiator tank and reserve tank every few months. Cracks can begin as very small pinholes or punctures that can be easily repaired. However, if these small holes are not noticed, you could be looking at a costly radiator repair due to a large hole that is difficult to repair.
4. Drain and Flush
Over time, dirt and other contaminants build up in the cooling system. Antifreeze can become acidic and lose its effectiveness. A radiator service will determine if your radiator needs to be drained and refilled with new coolant and water. Make sure the radiator is flushed before adding the fresh mixture to further remove dirt, contaminants and other metal particles that may build up and restrict the flow of antifreeze/coolant. In colder climates, this should be done at least once a year, and in warmer climates, at least every 18 months to two years.
Is radiator service on your list? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for professional advice. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
