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 May Need Replacement
Sometimes replacing the radiator is the safest choice for your engine. If we find heavy corrosion, plastic cracks, or severe internal blockages, a simple repair may just delay a breakdown. Frequent overheating or the need to constantly top off coolant often indicates the component has reached the end of its reliable lifespan.
We recommend replacement only when it provides better long-term protection and value than repeated fixes. Our installation process is thorough, including proper system bleeding to remove air pockets. We verify that fans and thermostats operate correctly, backing the entire service with our industry-leading warranty for your peace of mind.
Common indicators that replacement is necessary include:
- Structural Damage: Cracks in the plastic tanks or metal core.
- Internal Blockages: Sediment buildup is preventing proper fluid flow.
- Heavy Corrosion: Rust or rot compromising the radiator's integrity.
- Chronic Overheating: The engine runs hot despite previous repairs.
- Constant Leaks: Needing to add coolant frequently without a visible hose leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need radiator repair or replacement?
The best way to know is to have your cooling system inspected by a qualified technician who can see what is actually happening. We start by looking for visible leaks, corrosion, or damage, then use tests to check for internal problems such as blockages or pressure loss. If issues are limited and the radiator is otherwise in solid condition, a targeted repair may be a good choice. If the damage is extensive or the radiator is near the end of its life, we will explain why replacement may be the better long-term option. In every case, we walk through the findings with you and discuss how each option affects cost, reliability, and the future of your vehicle.
Is it safe to keep driving if my car is overheating?
It is generally not safe to continue driving a vehicle that is actively overheating. High engine temperatures can quickly cause serious internal damage that is expensive to correct. If your temperature gauge moves into the red or you see steam from under the hood, it is usually best to pull over safely, turn off the engine, and let the vehicle cool down. Once you are in a safe spot, you can contact our team for guidance on your next steps. We can help you understand what to avoid, such as opening a hot radiator cap, and discuss how to get your vehicle in for evaluation.
How long does radiator work usually take?
The time required for radiator-related work depends on what we find and what your vehicle needs. Many diagnostic checks and smaller repairs can often be handled within the same business day, especially if parts are readily available. More involved services, such as full radiator replacement, can take longer because of part access and the steps needed to refill and bleed the system properly. When we review our findings with you, we also go over our estimated timeline so you can plan your day, and our shuttle service is available to help you stay on track while your car is in the shop.
What kind of warranty do you offer on radiator work?
We back our radiator work with an industry-leading warranty on parts and labor that reflects our confidence in the quality of our service. While specific terms can vary based on the type of part and manufacturer, our goal is to provide coverage that gives you real peace of mind when you leave our parking lot.
During your visit, we are happy to explain how the warranty applies to your particular service so you understand what is covered. This is part of our commitment to transparency and to standing behind the work our technicians perform.
Will you explain the problem before I approve any repairs?
Yes, clear communication is a core part of how we operate. After we inspect your radiator and cooling system, we review what we found with you in everyday language. We can point out worn or damaged parts when possible and outline the options for addressing the issue, including cost estimates.
You have the chance to ask questions and consider your choices, and we only move forward with work that you have approved. Our aim is for you to feel informed and comfortable at every step.
Can your team help me if my car overheats on a hot day in traffic?
We regularly help drivers whose vehicles overheat in warm weather or stop-and-go conditions, which are common around town. If this happens to you, the first step is to get to a safe location and let the vehicle cool. Once you and your passengers are safe, you can contact our shop to discuss what you experienced and arrange for the vehicle to be brought in.
When the car arrives, we check how the radiator, fans, coolant, and other components are handling the extra stress that comes with high temperatures and slow movement. Our team then explains the cause and what we can do to help prevent a repeat situation.
Do you check the whole cooling system, not just the radiator?
Yes, when you come in with overheating or coolant loss, we look at the entire cooling system, not only the radiator. That includes hoses, clamps, the water pump, the thermostat, the radiator cap, and cooling fans as needed. Many symptoms that look like radiator trouble can actually be caused by another part in the system.
By taking a comprehensive approach, we work to find the true source of the problem and recommend repairs that address it directly. This helps protect your engine and can reduce the chance of new issues appearing right after a visit.
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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.