What to Expect With a Cooling System Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Signs You Need Radiator Service
Your vehicle often communicates cooling system distress before a total breakdown occurs. Catching these warning signs early can save you from expensive engine repairs like warped heads or blown gaskets. If you notice any changes in how your car handles heat, it is time to visit our Berthoud shop for a professional check.
Watch for these common indicators that your radiator needs attention:
- Rising Gauge: The temperature needle creeps higher than normal, signaling the cooling system is struggling.
- Sweet Smell: A maple syrup odor around the vehicle indicates a coolant leak near the engine.
- Puddles Forming: Green, orange, or pink fluid under the front of your car means a leak exists.
- Heater Failure: Blowing cold air when the heater is on often points to low coolant or a blockage.
- Steam Rising: White steam coming from under the hood is a critical sign of severe engine overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a coolant flush?
Most manufacturers recommend a coolant flush service every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. However, this varies by vehicle. We check your fluid's pH and condition to recommend the right schedule for driving in Berthoud.
Can I just top off my coolant with water?
In an emergency, yes, but only to get to a shop. Water boils at a lower temperature than coolant and lacks anti-corrosion additives. Long-term use of straight water will damage your radiator and engine block.
What causes a radiator to crack?
Age, heat cycles, and vibration are common causes. In Berthoud, the freeze-thaw cycle can crack plastic radiator tanks. Old coolant also becomes acidic, eating away at the metal from the inside out, leading to leaks.
Is it safe to drive if my car is overheating?
No. Driving with an engine overheating can warp cylinder heads and destroy your engine in minutes. Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and call for a tow to our radiator repair shop immediately.
Why is my heater blowing cold air?
The heater core uses hot engine coolant to warm the cabin. If the air is cold, it usually means your coolant level is dangerously low, or the coolant isn't circulating properly due to a bad pump or thermostat.
Trust the cooling experts. Schedule your radiator inspection online or call (970) 703-7139 for honest answers.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
Q. "What happens if there is not enough coolant in my vehicle?"If you do not refill your coolant, this can harm your vehicle and lead to costly repairs. It can lead to issues such as engine damage, warning lights showing on your dashboard, and could even cut off your engine altogether. Click here to learn more about what happens to your vehicle when there is not enough coolant.
-
Q. "Does the cooling system affect my vehicle's A/C?"No, your vehicle's cooling system is an essential function that focuses on regulating the temperature of your engine. If your A/C is not properly working, this is not an issue with your car's cooling system and we recommend reaching out to your local Christian Brothers to have it properly diagnosed.
-
Q. "What is wrong with my vehicle's cooling system?"We typically see four common cooling system issues: water pump failure, leaky radiator hoses, radiator leaks, and thermostat failure.
-
Q. "Why is my cooling system so important?"The cooling system helps regulate your engine's temperature, which is why regular maintenance is important to protect your vehicle's engine.
-
Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
-
Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
-
"Recently i had my 2006 chevy pickup broken into with the obvious plan of stealing it. the steering column and ignition were completely trashed but the idiots weren't able to get the truck started and I was left with a unusable truck! my insurance company w"
- Lori Taylor