Cooling System & Radiator Repair in Shawnee, KS

Keep Your Engine Cool & Your Day On Track

If your temperature gauge is climbing, you notice coolant on the driveway, or you smell something sweet under the hood, it is time to take radiator problems seriously. Your radiator keeps your engine at a safe operating temperature, and when it is not working correctly, costly damage can follow.

At Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee, we help drivers in Shawnee resolve overheating issues with careful inspection, clear communication, and dependable radiator work. Our ASE-certified technicians use manufacturer-quality equipment to assess your cooling system, explain what they find, and recommend only the services your vehicle truly needs.

We know an unexpected repair is stressful. Our goal is to give you straightforward answers, protect your engine, and help you get back to your normal routine with confidence.

Signs You Need Radiator Service

Many drivers wait until their vehicle overheats to seek help, but recognizing early warning signs prevents costly breakdowns. Catching these issues early allows you to schedule necessary radiator service before you are left stranded on the roadside. If your car behaves unusually in traffic or while idling, let our team inspect it immediately to protect your engine.

Watch for these common indicators that your cooling system needs attention:

  • Rising Temperature: The gauge creeps higher than normal, especially during stop-and-go traffic or while the car is idling.
  • Visible Leaks: You notice puddles of green, orange, or pink fluid accumulating under the front of your parked vehicle.
  • Sweet Odor: A distinct, sweet smell noticeable outside the vehicle after parking often indicates a coolant leak hitting hot parts.
  • Heater Failure: The heater blows cold air even when the engine is warm, suggesting low coolant levels or blockage.
  • Engine Steam: Steam billowing from under the hood is an immediate sign of overheating and requires pulling over safely.

Continuing to drive with these symptoms poses a risk of severe engine damage. Whether it is a failing thermostat or a radiator leak, we identify the specific issue accurately. Trust us to inspect your system thoroughly and provide a clear explanation, ensuring you understand exactly what your vehicle needs to stay safe.

Protect your vehicle from costly failure. Schedule your visit online or call (913) 946-7726 at the first sign of trouble.

What To Do If Your Engine Overheats

An overheating engine can feel alarming, especially in traffic or on a busy road. Knowing a few simple steps can help you stay safe and reduce the risk of serious damage until your vehicle can be checked by a professional.

If your temperature gauge suddenly spikes to the red zone, or you see steam coming from the hood, safely pull over as soon as you can and shut off the engine. Turning off the air conditioning and turning the heater to hot can sometimes help pull heat away from the engine while you find a safe place to stop. Once you are parked, do not open the radiator cap, because hot coolant under pressure can cause burns.

After the vehicle has cooled, you may be able to visually see leaks on the ground or around the radiator, but you do not need to remove any parts. When you call our shop, we can discuss whether you should arrange a tow or if it is reasonable to drive a short distance for inspection, depending on what you are experiencing. Our first concern is always your safety and protecting your engine from avoidable damage.

Our Radiator Repair & Replacement Process

At Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee, we begin by listening to your observations to understand when the issue occurs. Our ASE-certified technicians then perform a focused cooling system inspection. We rely on clear findings rather than guesswork, ensuring that every recommendation effectively addresses the root cause of your overheating or leak concerns.

Detailed Inspection & Diagnostics

We start with a thorough visual check of the radiator, hoses, and connections to spot leaks or corrosion. We often perform a pressure test to simulate driving conditions, ensuring the system holds coolant under load without failure.

Our team also evaluates critical related components like the thermostat, water pump, and cooling fans. Since the radiator works in unison with these parts, checking the entire system ensures your engine maintains the correct temperature consistently.

Repair vs. Replacement Decisions

If we identify minor leaks or clog issues, we discuss appropriate radiator repair options. We present the facts clearly so you can decide what fits your budget and timeline while keeping safety a priority.

However, for heavy corrosion or internal blockages, radiator replacement is often the safer, long-term solution. We explain the risks of each path and answer your questions, ensuring you have the information needed to make a confident, informed decision.

Precision Installation & Warranty

Upon approval, we use manufacturer-quality equipment and parts to complete the service. Our technicians carefully bleed air from the system and refill it with the specific coolant mixture your vehicle requires to prevent future flow issues.

We verify proper operation through rigorous test drives and temperature checks before returning your keys. Your cooling system work is backed by our industry-leading warranty, providing peace of mind and protection long after you leave our shop.

Why Drivers Choose Our Shop 

Radiator problems affect your ability to get to work, handle school drop-offs, and run errands across town. Choosing a shop you can trust makes a difficult situation easier. At Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee, our guiding principle is to love your neighbor, and that shapes every conversation we have about your vehicle.

From the moment you arrive, our team works to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Owner and operators are on-site, which means there is someone in the building who is personally invested in how you are treated. We take time to walk you through our findings, show you what we can when it is safe, and translate technical terms into everyday language so you are never left guessing.

We also know that being without a vehicle can disrupt your day. To help minimize that impact, we offer complimentary shuttle services when available, so you can get back home, to the office, or to nearby appointments while we work on your car. Combined with our strong warranty and focus on long-term vehicle health, many drivers come to see us as a trusted automotive partner rather than just a repair stop.

Radiator Care For Local Driving

Driving here in Shawnee means dealing with warm summers, cold snaps in winter, and plenty of stop-and-go traffic on busy routes and neighborhood streets. These conditions can be hard on your radiator and cooling system, especially if the coolant is old or the components are already worn. Taking care of small issues before peak temperatures arrive can help reduce the chance of breakdowns.

Repeated short trips, frequent idling, and time spent waiting at traffic lights keep your engine running but limit the air flow through the radiator. Over time, this can expose weak spots in hoses, clamps, or the radiator itself. Checking coolant level regularly, watching the temperature gauge, and scheduling periodic cooling system evaluations are simple ways to stay ahead of problems.

During a routine visit, we can inspect the radiator and related parts, advise whether coolant needs to be changed, and let you know if we see developing concerns. Our goal is to help drivers here keep their vehicles dependable in every season, not just react when an overheating issue suddenly appears.

Keep your daily drive smooth and safe. Schedule your visit online or call (913) 946-7726 to partner with a local team that helps you stay ahead of problems.

What to Expect With a Cooling System Service

car wrench gear logo

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.

Call For a Quote
Football field

Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?

car outline icon white

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I know if my radiator is failing?

Common signs include a rising temperature gauge, visible coolant leaks, or steam from under the hood. You might also notice a sweet smell or need to add coolant often. If you see any of these, our team can inspect the cooling system and explain exactly what is going on.

Will you tell me if I need radiator repair or replacement?

Yes. After inspecting your cooling system, we review what we found and explain whether a repair or radiator replacement makes more sense. We discuss the condition of the radiator, potential risks, and costs, then answer your questions so you can choose the option that fits your situation.

How long does radiator work usually take?

Timing depends on your vehicle, the extent of the damage, and parts availability. Some radiator services can be completed the same day, while others may take longer. When we provide an estimate, we also give you a realistic time frame and offer shuttle options when possible.

Is it safe to drive if my car is running hot?

If your engine is running hot or the gauge is in the red, it is safer to pull over and shut the vehicle off when you can do so carefully. Driving an overheating car can cause serious engine damage. You can call us to discuss your situation and the best next step.

What kind of warranty do you offer on radiator work?

We back our cooling system and radiator work with an industry-leading warranty. The exact terms depend on the service performed and your vehicle, and our team will review those details with you before you approve any work. This way you leave knowing how you are protected.

Schedule Radiator Service & Protect Your Engine

If you are seeing signs of overheating or coolant leaks, the simplest next step is to have your vehicle checked before the problem grows. At Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee, we provide thorough inspection, clear explanations, and quality radiator work so you can drive with confidence again.

Our team strives to make every visit straightforward and respectful, from the moment you call to the moment you pick up your keys. We can walk you through your options, arrange a shuttle when available, and stand behind the work with a strong warranty. When you are ready, reach out and let us help keep your engine running at the right temperature.

Call us today at (913) 946-7726 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.

Read More
Read Less

Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities

Courtesy Inspections
Certified Technicians
Free Shuttle Service
Free Wifi
After Hours Key Drop Off
Free Refreshments
Waiting Lounge
Special Financing

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.

Read More Testimonials