Engine Repair: Get a Fresh Start!
Most people have completed their summer road trips and are now in full swing with a busy schedule of work and school activities. To start off the fall season right, check your vehicle maintenance service schedule, including an engine service, to make sure you stay on track. Summer's hot weather may have made existing car problems worse, and you may be looking at a major engine repair down the road.
A leading cause of vehicle breakdowns is a failing cooling system. Now is the time to take care of it with timely engine service! Avoid the frustration of an interrupted schedule, not to mention a costly engine repair. If you ignored regular maintenance of the cooling system, it's not a question of whether it will fail, but when it will fail.
4 Vehicle Maintenance Tips For Your Vehicle's Cooling System:
- Coolant – Check your owner's manual for the recommended replacement interval for coolant. It will lose its effectiveness in preventing corrosion and also its freeze-protection abilities if not changed regularly. Make sure it is at the proper level to prevent overheating of your engine.
- Radiator – Make sure the radiator cap is screwed on tightly and does not leak. The entire cooling system should be pressure tested to ensure it is functioning properly. Regular service to change and flush the coolant (with its corrosion inhibitors) can prevent internal corrosion in the radiator and remove any debris that may have build up. Clear any external obstructions on the radiator (such as paper, leaves, or bugs) that may have stuck to it and is blocking air flow.
- Belts and Hoses – Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or soft or bulging spots. Because they are made of rubber, they will wear and degrade over time with normal use. They should be replaced approximately every four years or as your mechanic recommends.
- Water pump – On many vehicles, the water pump is driven by the timing belt. A failing water pump means an overheating engine, so replace it at the same interval as the timing belt.
Watch for warning signs of engine problems, such as the temperature gauge rising near the danger zone, coolant leaks, steam or hissing sounds under the hood or the distinct smell of coolant or an engine that's running hot. Prevent car problems by having the proper engine service and maintenance performed on schedule!
Looking for quality engine repair? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at (763) 441-2889 or go to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information about engine service. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
Most people have completed their summer road trips and are now in full swing with a busy schedule of work and school activities. To start off the fall season right, check your vehicle maintenance service schedule, including an engine service, to make sure you stay on track. Summer's hot weather may have made existing car problems worse, and you may be looking at a major engine repair down the road.
A leading cause of vehicle breakdowns is a failing cooling system. Now is the time to take care of it with timely engine service! Avoid the frustration of an interrupted schedule, not to mention a costly engine repair. If you ignored regular maintenance of the cooling system, it's not a question of whether it will fail, but when it will fail.
4 Vehicle Maintenance Tips For Your Vehicle's Cooling System:
- Coolant – Check your owner's manual for the recommended replacement interval for coolant. It will lose its effectiveness in preventing corrosion and also its freeze-protection abilities if not changed regularly. Make sure it is at the proper level to prevent overheating of your engine.
- Radiator – Make sure the radiator cap is screwed on tightly and does not leak. The entire cooling system should be pressure tested to ensure it is functioning properly. Regular service to change and flush the coolant (with its corrosion inhibitors) can prevent internal corrosion in the radiator and remove any debris that may have build up. Clear any external obstructions on the radiator (such as paper, leaves, or bugs) that may have stuck to it and is blocking air flow.
- Belts and Hoses – Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or soft or bulging spots. Because they are made of rubber, they will wear and degrade over time with normal use. They should be replaced approximately every four years or as your mechanic recommends.
- Water pump – On many vehicles, the water pump is driven by the timing belt. A failing water pump means an overheating engine, so replace it at the same interval as the timing belt.
Watch for warning signs of engine problems, such as the temperature gauge rising near the danger zone, coolant leaks, steam or hissing sounds under the hood or the distinct smell of coolant or an engine that's running hot. Prevent car problems by having the proper engine service and maintenance performed on schedule!
Looking for quality engine repair? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at (763) 441-2889 or go to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information about engine service. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
