Radiator Repair

Radiator Repair

Is your temperature gauge higher than normal?  Then you might have problems with your vehicle’s radiator.An important component of your engine’s cooling system, if your radiator isn’t working properly it won’t be able to keep engine temperatures within their optimum levels. Don’t ignore signs of overheating, this is a quick way towards damaging your engine components.  An experienced mechanic can quickly diagnose your cooling system and determine if you require a radiator repair or not.

Do you need a radiator repair?

The most common signs of a faulty radiator are leaks and overheating.  These are two things you can spot as a vehicle owner which let you know it’s time to call a repair garage.

Overheating

The radiator’s main job is to keep the engine cool.   If the radiator has a crack, leak, or blockage then it may not be transferring the heat correctly. Most experts agree that your engine should run between 195 degrees and 220 degrees.  This isn’t clear on most dials, so you’re usually looking for the needle being consistently in the middle of your gauge for a normal temperature.  If it’s higher then your engine could be overheating.

Coolant leaks

Coolant levels decrease naturally with vehicle use, but sometimes radiators get cracks and leaks, resulting in coolant leaking from beneath the car.  It’s not always obvious that this is happening, nor least where it’s coming from.  But if you do notice coolant leaking beneath your vehicle then your cooling system (and radiator) needs checking. Engine coolant has different colors depending on the type your vehicle needs. Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Orange, bright red, red, blue and dark green.  (Typically found in modern GM, VW, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota vehicles) Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) Yellow, turquoise, pink, blue or purple color. (Typically found in Major European, German and Asian car manufacturers as well as Chryslers)  

Protecting your radiator and cooling system

The best thing most vehicle owners can do to prevent problems with their cooling system and radiator is to keep coolant levels topped up, and fresh.  Over time coolant levels drop, but its quality also degrades, becoming dirty and leading to corrosion of the system. Engine coolant also works as an anti-freeze, helping to prevent the radiator from cracking in cold weather.  If it’s low or old then this won’t work so well. In short, keep your coolant topped up, and flushed when your manufacturer recommends it.  (Check your owner’s handbook for this).  
Radiator Valve

A Car’s Radiator Valve

 

How radiator repair works

The first step is to diagnose the system and determine any potential areas of fault.  A technician will check that your cooling system flows correctly so your coolant can do its job properly.  They’ll check for cracks and potential causes of leaks as well as testing the temperature and pressure to confirm if the cooling system is working as it should. Radiator blockages can sometimes be cleared with a coolant flush; but if not a replacement part can be used.  The vehicle can then be re-tested to determine if the engine is being cooled sufficiently, if not then the diagnosis process starts again.  Sometimes there are multiple components at play within your cooling system that are leading to overheating which requires testing and re-testing to put right.

Call for a Radiator Diagnostic Today

Don’t ignore signs of overheating, check your temperature gauge from time to time and if something doesn’t seem right then call General Muffler & Auto Repair for a trusted, reliable radiator repair service.  General Muffler is an ASE Certified repair shop, this means you can always expect a quality service with your best interests at heart.

Call to schedule your appointment today: (203) 735-6406

Where to find us:

670 Main St
Ansonia, CT 06401

 

Garage Hours:

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am-12:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am-12:00pm
Sunday: Closed

 

Parts Store Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed

 

Emissions Shop Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Satuday:  8:00am – 1:00pm

Sunday: Closed