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?
Common Signs You Need Radiator Service
Many drivers are not sure whether a concern points to the radiator, another cooling system part, or something else entirely. You do not have to know the answer before you visit us, but recognizing warning signs can help you decide when it is time to schedule an inspection for radiator service. The radiator’s main job is to carry heat away from your engine by circulating coolant, so paying attention to early symptoms helps you avoid costly damage to gaskets, hoses, and internal engine parts.
Watch for these common indicators that your vehicle may need attention to the radiator or cooling system:
- Rising Temperature: The temperature gauge is creeping higher than normal, or a red warning light is coming on.
- Visible Steam: Steam or visible vapor is coming from under the hood, especially after driving or idling.
- Fluid Leaks: You see puddles or drips of green, orange, or pink fluid under the front of your vehicle.
- Sweet Odor: A sweet smell around the engine area lingers even after you park.
- Low Coolant: There is a frequent need to add coolant to the reservoir, even when you do not see a visible leak.
- Heater Malfunction: The heater is not working well, especially in cooler months, which can sometimes point to circulation issues.
If your engine is actively overheating, the safest move is usually to pull over as soon as it is safe, turn the engine off, and let the vehicle cool. Continuing to drive in high temperatures can increase the risk of serious engine damage. Once the engine has cooled, you can contact our team to discuss the best way to bring your vehicle in, including the option of arranging a tow if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Keep Driving If My Engine Is Overheating?
It is generally not safe to keep driving if your engine is overheating. High engine temperatures can cause serious damage to internal components, which often leads to expensive repairs. If you notice the temperature gauge moving into the red or see steam coming from under the hood, it is usually best to pull over safely, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool.
Once the engine has cooled, avoid opening the radiator cap while it is still hot, since pressure and hot coolant can cause injury. You can then contact our team to talk through what you are experiencing. In many cases, arranging a tow to our shop is the safest way to help prevent further damage and have your radiator and cooling system professionally inspected.
How Do You Decide Between Radiator Repair & Replacement?
We decide between radiator repair and radiator replacement by looking at the full picture of your radiator’s condition. Our technicians consider the radiator’s age, the location and size of any leaks, visible corrosion, and whether there are multiple problem areas. If the radiator is heavily corroded or leaking in several places, replacement is often the more reliable long-term option.
When damage is limited, and the radiator is otherwise in reasonable condition, a repair may make sense. After we complete our inspection and testing, we explain what we found, discuss the pros and cons of each approach, and review a written estimate. Our goal is to recommend an option that supports your vehicle’s long-term reliability, not just a short-term fix.
How Long Does Radiator Service Usually Take?
The time required for radiator service varies based on what we find during our inspection and the specific vehicle involved. Simple issues, such as a small leak or a loose connection, may be addressed more quickly, while a full radiator replacement can take longer because of the steps involved in removal, installation, refilling, and testing.
Once we have inspected your cooling system and identified the concern, we provide an estimate that includes an expected time frame. We keep you updated if anything changes while we are working. Our team works to balance thorough, careful service with respect for your schedule, and we communicate clearly so you can plan your day around the work being done.
Will You Explain The Radiator Issues In Terms I Can Understand?
Yes, we make it a priority to explain radiator and cooling system issues in terms you can easily understand. Many drivers are not familiar with how the cooling system works, and that is completely normal. Our team takes time to review what we found, describe what each component does, and connect those details to the symptoms you noticed.
Whenever possible, we point out the affected areas on your vehicle or use visual aids to make things clearer. We avoid unnecessary technical jargon and encourage you to ask questions until you feel comfortable with the information. This is part of how we live out our commitment to treating customers like neighbors and making repair decisions together, not for you.
What Kind Of Warranty Do You Offer On Radiator Work?
Christian Brothers Automotive Bixby backs radiator repairs and replacements with an industry-leading warranty. This warranty reflects our confidence in the quality of the parts we use and the care our technicians put into each job. While specific terms can vary, the idea is to give you added peace of mind after your cooling system work is complete.
When we review your estimate, we can explain how the warranty applies to the radiator service we recommend. If you have questions at any point about what is covered or how the warranty works, our team is happy to walk through the details so you know exactly what to expect.
Can I Wait In Your Lobby Or Get A Ride While My Radiator Is Checked?
In many cases, you can choose the option that best fits your day. You are welcome to wait in our lobby while we begin diagnostics on your radiator and cooling system. Our waiting area is designed to be comfortable, so you can relax, read, or work while we take a look at your vehicle.
If you need to be somewhere else, we also offer complimentary shuttle service for local trips, such as getting back home or going to the office. When you schedule or arrive, let us know what you prefer, and we will work to coordinate timing so your radiator service fits as smoothly as possible into your schedule.
What Should I Do Before Bringing In A Car With A Coolant Leak?
If you suspect a coolant leak, the first step is to think about safety. If you see a large puddle of coolant or your temperature gauge is rising, it may be best to have the vehicle towed rather than driving it, since driving with low coolant can lead to overheating and engine damage. Avoid opening the radiator cap when the engine is hot, because pressure and hot fluid can cause burns.
You can place a tray or cardboard under the vehicle while it is parked to get a better idea of how much fluid is leaking, but there is no need to diagnose the source yourself. When you call us, describe what you are seeing and any warning lights or smells you have noticed. Our team can then help you decide on the safest way to bring your vehicle in so we can inspect the radiator and cooling system properly.
Schedule Radiator Service With Christian Brothers Automotive
Timely attention to radiator and cooling system concerns can help you avoid major engine damage and unexpected breakdowns. Whether you are seeing a warning light, dealing with a coolant leak, or simply want cooling system peace of mind, our team is ready to help. We work to provide clear explanations, thoughtful recommendations, and careful radiator work you can feel good about.
When you choose Christian Brothers Automotive Bixby, you get ASE-certified technicians, a people-first approach to communication, and an industry-leading warranty supporting the work we perform. If you are looking for a trusted radiator repair Bixby drivers can rely on, we invite you to reach out so we can take a closer look at your vehicle and help you get back on the road safely.
To schedule radiator service or an inspection, contact us online or call (918) 203-7756 today.
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
-
"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.