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
Cooling system issues often start small but can lead to severe engine damage if ignored. Recognizing early warning signs is crucial, especially during hot Albuquerque afternoons. Paying attention to your vehicle's behavior helps you avoid costly breakdowns and protects your engine from overheating in traffic or on steep grades.
Driving conditions like stop-and-go traffic on I-40 put extra strain on your radiator. A weak hose or marginal radiator might fail under this stress. Catching these issues early keeps repairs manageable and protects critical components. If you suspect trouble, our team provides the radiator service Albuquerque drivers trust.
Watch for these common radiator and cooling system warning signs:
- Rising Temperature: The gauge creeps above normal or a warning light flashes, indicating the engine is running too hot.
- Visible Steam: Steam or vapor escaping from under the hood suggests coolant is boiling over or leaking onto hot parts.
- Fluid Leaks: Brightly colored puddles beneath your parked vehicle often signal a leak in the radiator or hoses.
- Sweet Smell: A distinct sweet or chemical odor around the car usually indicates burning or evaporating coolant from a leak.
- Frequent Top-offs: Constantly needing to add coolant means the system is losing fluid through a leak or internal consumption.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an inspection immediately. Our team will identify leaks or blockages quickly, providing the straightforward answers you need to address the problem before it becomes a major repair expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my radiator is failing?
Common signs include overheating, coolant leaks, a sweet smell, or needing to add coolant often. Our technicians can perform pressure tests and inspections to check whether the radiator, a hose, or another cooling component is at fault, then explain your options in clear terms.
Will you tell me if I can repair instead of replace?
Yes, we walk you through when a repair seems reasonable and when replacement looks like the safer long-term choice. We show you what we find whenever possible and explain how each option affects reliability, cost, and engine protection so you can decide with confidence.
How long does radiator repair usually take?
Many radiator repairs and replacements can be completed within a day, although timing can vary with parts availability and vehicle design. We discuss expected timeframes before work begins and keep you updated, and our shuttle service can help you stay on schedule.
Can I wait at your shop during radiator service?
You are welcome to relax in our comfortable lobby while we inspect or service your vehicle. If you prefer not to wait, we can typically arrange a complimentary shuttle so you can get to work, home, or errands while we complete the radiator work.
What kind of warranty do you offer on radiator work?
We offer an industry-leading warranty on qualifying radiator repairs and replacements, which is designed to give you added peace of mind. When we review your estimate, we also explain how the warranty applies to your specific service so you know what is covered.
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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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"Great customer service and honesty. . employees were very kind. Great atmosphere."
- Jaime Irizarry