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
Your vehicle often gives clear warnings before the engine overheats. Paying attention to these symptoms allows you to schedule radiator repair before minor issues turn into engine failure. Addressing leaks or temperature fluctuations early typically saves money and prevents the need for a full radiator replacement.
Watch for these common indicators of cooling trouble:
- Rising Gauge: The temperature gauge climbs higher than normal, especially when idling in traffic.
- Sweet Smell: A maple syrup odor coming from the engine bay usually indicates a coolant leak.
- Fluid Leaks: Seeing green, orange, or pink puddles under your car suggests a radiator service is needed.
- Low Coolant: Frequently needing to top off the reservoir means the system is not sealed correctly.
- Cold Heater: If your cabin heater blows cold air, it may signal low coolant or a blocked heater core.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my coolant flushed?
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend topping off coolant regularly and performing a full system flush once a year, typically around every 30,000 miles or every 3–5 years—whichever comes first. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the specific interval for your vehicle.
What does a proper coolant flush involve?
A comprehensive coolant flush removes all old and contaminated coolant from the system—not just a quick drain and fill. We push manufacturer-approved coolant through your system, then apply conditioners to help prevent rust and scale buildup for improved longevity and efficiency.
What are the benefits of getting a regular coolant flush?
A flush helps remove rust and sediment, lubricate the water pump, prevent corrosion, and preserve thermostat and hose function. It also allows our techs to inspect the entire cooling system for early warning signs of trouble.
What are the most common cooling system issues to watch for?
Typical issues include water pump failure, leaky radiator hoses, failing thermostats, and radiator corrosion. Each of these can lead to overheating or coolant loss—and can hurt performance if not addressed early.
Do you offer warranties on cooling system repairs?
Yes. All services at Christian Brothers Automotive Wheat Ridge come with a 3‑year/36,000‑mile Nice Difference® warranty, providing peace of mind across every repair—including cooling system work.
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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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"A very new kind of auto repair experience! I'll definitely be going back there for my auto repair needs!"
- r. lumpp