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.
What We Inspect & Repair
A cooling system inspection covers more than the fluid. Our technicians check the radiator, hoses, thermostat, and water pump for leaks, wear, and damage. Pressure testing helps us find leaks that aren’t visible on a standard inspection.
Common issues we address include water pump failure, leaky radiator hoses, radiator leaks, and thermostat failure. If the problem is the fluid itself, a coolant flush completely evacuates old antifreeze and built-up contaminants from the system. We then add conditioners to prevent rust and scale deposits, so the new antifreeze lasts as long as possible.
We recommend a coolant flush once a year, though the right interval varies by make and model. Check your owner’s manual or ask us at your next visit.
Signs Your Cooling System Needs Attention
In Helotes, triple-digit heat leaves little margin when a cooling system starts to fail. A minor issue that might go unnoticed in a cooler climate can escalate quickly here. If you notice any of the following, schedule an inspection soon.
- Coolant pooling under the vehicle
- A rising or fluctuating temperature gauge
- Steam coming from under the hood
- A sweet smell from the engine bay
- An unexplained drop in coolant level
Driving with a leaking or compromised radiator risks serious engine damage. Catching the problem early can be less costly than waiting.
Schedule Your Cooling System Service Today
Our complimentary shuttle keeps your day on track while we handle the work. Special offers are also available. Ask our team when you call or visit our offers page for details.
Call (210) 774-6868 or book online to schedule your cooling system service or radiator repair in Helotes. The Christian Brothers Automotive Helotes team is ready to help you stay safe on the road all summer long.How a Coolant Flush Works
During a coolant flush, fresh antifreeze is pushed through the cooling system to completely clear out old fluid and any contaminants that have accumulated over time. All degraded coolant is evacuated before new antifreeze is added, so the two fluids never mix. Conditioners are introduced at the end of the process to inhibit rust and scale buildup, extending the useful life of the new antifreeze.
Coolant doesn’t last the life of a vehicle. Between full flush intervals, antifreeze levels should be monitored and corrected as needed. The exact maintenance schedule varies by make and model, so your owner’s manual is the most reliable guide. Coolant is typically a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol with de-mineralized water. The right formulation for your vehicle matters, so when in doubt, ask a qualified technician before topping off.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
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.