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 Your Radiator Requires Professional Attention
Your vehicle often gives warning signs before the cooling system fails completely. Ignoring these indicators can lead to a warped cylinder head or a blown head gasket. Paying attention to changes in your car's behavior allows you to schedule a radiator service before a minor issue becomes a major repair bill.
Watch for these common indicators that your cooling system needs help:
- Rising Temperature Gauge: If the needle creeps into the red zone, pull over immediately.
- Sweet Smell: A maple syrup odor outside the car usually indicates a coolant leak.
- Colored Puddles: Green, pink, or orange fluid under the front of the car suggests a leak.
- Steam from Hood: White steam indicates your radiator or hose has burst and the engine is overheating.
- No Heat in Cabin: If your heater blows cold air, it often means coolant levels are critically low.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need a coolant flush?
Most manufacturers recommend a coolant flush every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, but this depends on your specific vehicle and coolant type. Over time, the anti-corrosion additives in the fluid break down, allowing rust and scale to build up inside the radiator and engine block. This buildup restricts flow and reduces heat transfer efficiency. By sticking to a regular schedule, you protect internal components and extend the life of your water pump and radiator.
Is it better to repair or replace a radiator?
This depends on the severity of the damage and the material of the radiator. Small pinhole leaks in a metal radiator can sometimes be repaired, but most modern radiators use plastic tanks crimped to an aluminum core. Once the plastic cracks or the crimp fails, replacement is the only safe option. We always recommend the most cost-effective and reliable solution, which is often a full radiator replacement in Columbus that drivers can trust for longevity.
Can I drive my car if it is overheating?
No, you should never drive a vehicle that is overheating. Driving even a short distance with the temperature gauge in the red can cause catastrophic engine damage, including warped cylinder heads or a cracked engine block. If you see steam or the gauge spikes, pull over safely and turn off the engine immediately. It is much cheaper to pay for a tow to our shop than to replace an entire engine.
Why is my car leaking coolant?
Coolant leaks can originate from several places, including a cracked radiator, a split hose, a failing water pump, or a loose clamp. In some cases, the leak may be internal, such as a blown head gasket, which is more serious. Our technicians perform a pressure test to identify the exact source of the leak. Finding and fixing the leak early prevents low fluid levels that lead to overheating.
What does the water pump do?
The water pump is the heart of the cooling system, responsible for circulating coolant from the radiator through the engine and back. It is usually driven by a belt from the engine. If the water pump fails or the impeller breaks, the coolant stops moving, and the engine will overheat rapidly. We often check the water pump during timing belt services or cooling inspections to ensure it is functioning correctly.
Schedule Your Radiator Service Today
At Christian Brothers Automotive Blendon Woods, we are committed to keeping your vehicle safe and reliable. Whether you need a routine cooling system inspection or a complex repair, our team has the expertise and equipment to get the job done right. We combine professional skill with a neighborly approach, ensuring you always feel confident in the care your vehicle receives.
Don't wait for steam to appear under the hood. Protect your engine and your peace of mind by partnering with the experts in radiator repairs.
Schedule your service online or call (380) 208-1683 to get started.
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FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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"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.