Auto Radiator Repair

Your car's radiator is kind of like the air conditioner in your house - it keeps things cool. But radiators tend to get clogged, corroded, suffer from wear and tear, and develop leaks, usually resulting in a trip to the shop for an auto radiator repair job. The last thing you want is to have a problem develop when you are on the road, so properly maintaining your car's cooling system is vital to a safe and happy ride. According to experts, vehicles that are over five years old are most prone to radiator problems.

An Auto Radiator Repair Mechanic Can:

• test your radiator pressure cap, ensuring it can keep the system at the proper pressure level
• check your thermostat, making sure it performs correctly
• do a pressure test, checking for any leaks in parts like the radiator itself, the water pump, any of the engine coolant passages, hoses or the heater core
• do an internal leak test, seeing if any combustion gas from the engine compartment is leaking into the cooling system
• visually inspect all the hoses and belts related to the cooling system
• power flush the whole thing and refill your coolant to the proper level
• test the engine fan for proper operation

Changing engine oil, getting a tune-up and rotating tires are things most of us try to have done to our car on a regular basis. So what is the best way to avoid an unexpected or costly cooling system breakdown? Regular, routine maintenance, including periodic flushing of the radiator and frequent checking of coolant levels will keep the system working well. Should a problem develop, get it repaired right away before further engine damage occurs.

When choosing an auto radiator repair shop, referrals from people you trust are helpful and you can also check with the Better Business Bureau or AAA. Ask questions, get a written estimate so you can compare pricing for service and parts, and look for proof that the mechanics are certified, ideally with an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate. If your car is older, you may find it more cost effective to simply replace the radiator versus doing a costly repair job, so keep that in mind when you negotiate with the repair person.

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