Cloverdale Auto Service, a female-owned auto repair shop in Winston-Salem, NC. Our expert mechanics provide coolant system service for most all makes of cars, trucks, & SUVs. But how can you know when it is time to take your car, truck or SUV to Cloverdale Auto for this service?
The 5 Top Signs You Need Auto Coolant System Service:
Temperature gauge reads hot
Overheating
Rust or discoloration around the radiator
Low coolant levels
Coolant leak
Your Coolant System Temperature Gauge Reads Hot
Do not rely only on your temperature warning light to indicate you need coolant system service. If your coolant level is too low, this light may not work. The same is true if your radiator switch or cooling fan are not working properly.
A dashboard temperature gauge that reads hot means your vehicle’s coolant is too low or the thermostat, itself, is defective. You should not keep running your engine if it is too hot. Instead, pull your car over in a safe place, such as a parking lot. Turn off the air conditioner and engine to allow the engine to cool.
If you are in the middle of traffic and cannot pull over, when traffic pauses you can put your car in neutral or park to gently rev the engine. This moves coolant through the system for cooling. But do not apply your brakes. Doing so just intensifies the heat from friction.
Never add water or coolant to a hot radiator. This will crack your engine and create even bigger problems. Wait until the coolant system is cool to the touch. Then, protect your hand with a rag and open the radiator cap away from your body or face. You should never lean over toward the engine compartment to do this.
Schedule an appointment with Cloverdale Auto Service for expert coolant system service.
Coolant System Overheating
An overheating vehicle typically creates billows of steam beneath the engine hood. A fire can even start. If you see flames, walk a safe distance from your vehicle to call 911. Do so urgently to prevent an engine blow-up. But never open the hood or radiator cap until they are cool to the touch. Otherwise, you face potential steam burns or liquid burns.
If your vehicle is not drivable, call for tow service to Cloverdale Auto. Our ASE-certified mechanics can find the cause of the problem and get your coolant system serviced to get your vehicle safely back on the road.
Many manufacturers recommend getting your car or truck’s radiator flushed at regular intervals. This helps to extend the life of your engine cooling system. Thus helping to reduce the chances of needing radiator replacement or repair. Check your factory service manual for details for your particular make/model of vehicle.
Rust or Discoloration
If you notice rust or discoloration on any of the coolant system components such as the radiator, thermostat housing, water pump, radiator hoses clamps, or engine parts around it, this is a clear indication that you have a leak. This leak may be coming from any part of the coolant system, including any of the connecting hoses. The discoloration occurs when fluid squirts from the leaking area during engine operation. The fluid lands on hot engine parts erodes them. Cloverdale’s expert mechanics will find the source of the leak and provide efficient coolant system service.
Low Coolant Levels
It is best to keep some coolant in the trunk of your car for times when you experience a low coolant level. You can also review your auto manufacturer’s manual for more information about maintaining appropriate coolant levels. Of course, it is easy to bring your car into Cloverdale Auto Service for routine tune-ups and fluid changes, during which our mechanics refill your coolant level.
Coolant Leak
If you notice a bright green, pink, orange or yellow puddle beneath your car on the driveway or parking spot, this is a coolant fluid leak. You need this fluid in your car to keep it from freezing in the winter or overheating in the summer. Cloverdale Auto’s mechanics will find the source of your coolant leak as part of coolant system service repair. We will also refill the coolant level to get you safely back on the road.
Do not wait until your vehicle shows signs of problems. Schedule a tune-up or coolant system service repair and maintenance service at Cloverdale Auto Service at 2020 Cloverdale Avenue in Winston-Salem, NC. Call us today at 336-331-3448.
