Tips to Keep You Up and Running...
Our goal is to get you back on the road as fast as possible, but the best way to do that actually starts before problems occur.
A Few Quick Facts...
Cooling system failure is the principle cause of vehicle breakdown. (Source: U.S. Department of Transportation)
Many cooling system problems can be prevented with regular maintenance and periodic professional inspection of your radiator and cooling system.Radiator leaks just happen. (Source: National Automotive Radiator Repair Association (NARSA))
Your vehicle is exposed to numerous environmental factors such as road salts, debris, and various chemical reactions that can cause the metal in the radiator core to break down leading to radiator leaks.Heat is one of the most destructive forces to your engine. (Source: National Automotive Radiator Repair Association (NARSA))
The cooling system is designed to protect an engine from destructive forces of too much heat. Heat is produced every time a vehicle is used. That is why it is so important to have your car’s cooling system, especially the radiator, checked at least once every two years.
Stine's 6-point Preventative Maintenance Program:
| 1) A system power flush - includes a back-flush to clean out the entire radiator and cooling system and new anti-freeze with the manufacturer’s recommended concentration of coolant. |
| 2) Pressure test - to identify any external leaks to the cooling system parts; including the radiator, water pump, engine coolant passages, radiator and heater hoses and heater core. |
| 3) A radiator cap test - to check for the recommended system pressure level. |
| 4) A thermostat check - for proper opening and closing. |
| 5) A visual inspection of all cooling system components, including belts and hoses. |
| 6) An engine fan test for proper operation. |
By performing regular checks, the specialists at Stine’s can help you prevent problems, emergency repairs or replacements; effectively saving you time, trouble, and money.
Preventative Measures You Can Do:
Check your coolant level:
Anti-freeze coolant circulates throughout your vehicle's engine and provides cooling for the engine as well as heat to the interior in the winter. If coolant levels are insufficient, the engine could overheat and cause expensive damage (a cracked engine block for example).
Simple preventitive maintenance by checking coolant levels at least every six months could greatly reduce the risk of damage and aid in the discovery of leaks.
To Check:
Remove the cap when the vehicle is completely cool or check the fill marks on the overflow tank.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Always use EXTREME CAUTION! Never remove the pressure cap from a HOT engine! Doing so can cause hot coolant to spray from the cooling system causing severe burns.
Change your coolant:
When checking your coolant, if it is not bright green or red, you may have a dirty system. This could cause blockage and overheating. If you discover that your coolant is dirty, you will need to change the coolant and flush out the system to get rid of deposits.
If you have a leak:
Try to refrain from using coolant additives as these are meant to be only a quick fix and could cause greater problems in the future. These additives cause a build up to stop the leak, but can also clog parts of the cooling system (as in the radiator pictured here).
If you have located the leak, drain the fluid from the system into an authorized container and remove the radiator. Or simply bring in the vehicle to Stine's for removal and service.
Stine's can often repair leaks and clean heating/cooling system components as well, which helps to improve their longevity.
Images courtesy of Modine.