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 Your Radiator Needs Attention
Temperature & Warning Light Changes
Cooling system problems often start with small changes that are easy to overlook, so it helps to know what to watch for. One of the most common warning signs is a temperature gauge that runs higher than normal, especially during stop-and-go driving or while idling at a light. You might also notice a dashboard warning light related to engine temperature. These are signals that your radiator, thermostat, or other cooling components could be struggling to keep up.
Coolant Leaks & Unusual Smells
Visible coolant leaks are another frequent clue. Puddles or spots of brightly colored fluid under the front of the car, a sweet smell near the hood, or low coolant levels in the reservoir suggest that coolant is escaping somewhere in the system. Sometimes the radiator itself is leaking, and in other cases, hoses, clamps, or the water pump may be involved. It is important to have leaks checked promptly, because running low on coolant can quickly lead to overheating.
Other Cooling System Warning Signs
You may also see signs like rust colored or sludgy coolant, steam from under the hood, or a heater that stops working as it should. These symptoms can point to internal corrosion, partial blockages, or circulation issues that affect the radiator and the entire cooling system. If you notice any combination of these concerns, scheduling radiator service gives our team a chance to inspect the system before a minor issue becomes a major repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Radiator Needs To Be Replaced?
The best way to know whether you need radiator replacement is to have a thorough inspection of your cooling system. Some radiators can be repaired if there is a minor leak or limited damage, while others have extensive corrosion, cracks, or internal blockages that make replacement a more reliable option. Our ASE-certified technicians inspect the radiator, hoses, and related components, then explain what they see in clear terms. We discuss whether a repair is likely to hold up or whether a new radiator would better protect your engine over the long term, so you can choose the option that makes sense for you.
Is It Safe To Keep Driving If My Car Is Running Hot?
Continuing to drive with an engine that is running hot usually increases the risk of serious damage. Short periods of slightly higher temperatures may not cause an immediate failure, but sustained overheating can warp engine components and damage head gaskets. If your gauge is moving into the red or you see a temperature warning light, it is safer to pull over when you can do so and shut off the engine. After you are in a safe place, you can contact our team for guidance on whether to arrange a tow and how soon we can inspect your radiator and cooling system.
How Long Does Radiator Repair Or Replacement Usually Take?
The time required for radiator service varies based on the vehicle design, how severe the problem is, and whether any related parts also need attention. Many straightforward radiator replacement jobs can be completed within the same day once we have the correct parts on hand. More complex cooling system issues may take longer if additional diagnostics or components are involved. When you bring your vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive Edmond, we will let you know the expected timeframe after our initial inspection and keep you updated if anything changes.
Will You Explain My Options Before Starting Any Radiator Work?
Yes, we place a high priority on explaining your options before any radiator work begins. After our technicians inspect your cooling system, we review the findings with you in clear language and outline the recommended services. If there is a choice between repairing a component and full radiator replacement in Edmond that drivers may consider, we explain the potential benefits and limitations of each path. You receive a written estimate and have the opportunity to ask questions, and we wait for your approval before moving forward with any service.
What Kind Of Warranty Do You Offer On Radiator Repairs?
Christian Brothers Automotive Edmond backs our work with an industry-leading warranty that applies to the radiator and related repairs we perform. The specific terms can depend on the type of service and parts used, so our team explains how the warranty applies to your visit when we review the estimate. This warranty is one of the ways we show our confidence in the quality of our workmanship and the parts we use. If you have questions about coverage or what to expect after the repair, we are always glad to discuss those details with you.
Can I Wait In Your Lobby, Or Do You Offer A Shuttle?
You are welcome to wait in our comfortable lobby while we inspect or service your radiator, and many guests choose that option for shorter visits. For longer appointments or when you need to be somewhere else, we also provide a complimentary shuttle service. Our goal is to help you keep your day moving as smoothly as possible while we work on your vehicle. When you schedule your appointment, you can let us know what you prefer so we can plan accordingly.
What Should I Tell Your Team When I Schedule Radiator Service?
When you call to schedule radiator service, it helps to share any symptoms you have noticed, even if you are not sure they are related. You might mention if the car overheats only in traffic, whether you see coolant on the ground, or if the temperature gauge behaves differently than it used to. You do not need to know technical terms, because our team will ask simple questions to understand what is happening. The more information we have ahead of time, the better prepared we are to inspect your cooling system efficiently and give you clear answers when you arrive.
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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.