Radiator Service: Winter Maintenance Tips
A properly functioning cooling system is vital to protecting a vehicle engine. Your car’s cooling system not only helps protect your engine from summer’s high temperatures; but also helps protect it during extremely cold weather. Regular radiator service will help avoid engine problems such as overheating. In order to keep your vehicle's cooling system running at peak efficiency during the winter and avoid an emergency radiator repair, consider the following radiator service tips to get ready for winter.
- Check Fluid Levels –.Schedule radiator service on a regular basis to check the coolant level. Be sure that the reserve tank or overflow tank fluid levels are correct as well. If it is necessary to add fluid, ask your radiator repair technician for professional advice for the right mix of antifreeze coolant. You’ll want at least a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to provide protection against below-zero temperatures. This is pretty cheap insurance against extreme temperatures
- Drain and Flush -- Over time, dirt and contaminants will build up in the cooling system, restricting the antifreeze/coolant flow. Antifreeze can become acidic and lose its effectiveness if not refreshed periodically. Your auto repair technician can provide you with expert guidance as to when to drain and refill the radiator with fresh coolant. It may also be advised to flush the radiator system before changing the coolant. Antifreeze can actually generate a weak electrical current, which can then cause oxidation and eventually failure inside of your coolant system.
- Check Radiator Caps and Hoses -- Check the radiator cap and water outlet cap on the reserve tank and look for cracks or other damage on the bottom of the cap. Replace damaged caps immediately and make it a habit to replace the radiator cap or water outlet cap on your reserve or overflow tank whenever you drain or flush your radiator system. Frequently inspect all of the hoses and tubes that lead from the radiator to the water pump, thermostat and overflow or reserve tank for cracks or cuts that may result in antifreeze leaks. Your radiator repair technician may advise to replace hoses every three or four years as they become dry and brittle, and are subject to bursting.
- Check the Radiator Tank -- Visually inspect the radiator tank and overflow or reserve tank every few months. Most of the time cracks begin as very small pinholes or punctures that can be easily repaired. However, if not repaired and the hole gets too big, it may be necessary to replace the radiator.
Remember: Extreme temperatures and harsh conditions can wreck havoc on your engine if any part is in poor condition. Schedule a radiator service before winter arrives!
Looking for affordable radiator repair? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Elk River Tire and Auto today at (763) 441-2889 or go to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information about radiator service. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
A properly functioning cooling system is vital to protecting a vehicle engine. Your car’s cooling system not only helps protect your engine from summer’s high temperatures; but also helps protect it during extremely cold weather. Regular radiator service will help avoid engine problems such as overheating. In order to keep your vehicle's cooling system running at peak efficiency during the winter and avoid an emergency radiator repair, consider the following radiator service tips to get ready for winter.
- Check Fluid Levels –.Schedule radiator service on a regular basis to check the coolant level. Be sure that the reserve tank or overflow tank fluid levels are correct as well. If it is necessary to add fluid, ask your radiator repair technician for professional advice for the right mix of antifreeze coolant. You’ll want at least a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to provide protection against below-zero temperatures. This is pretty cheap insurance against extreme temperatures
- Drain and Flush -- Over time, dirt and contaminants will build up in the cooling system, restricting the antifreeze/coolant flow. Antifreeze can become acidic and lose its effectiveness if not refreshed periodically. Your auto repair technician can provide you with expert guidance as to when to drain and refill the radiator with fresh coolant. It may also be advised to flush the radiator system before changing the coolant. Antifreeze can actually generate a weak electrical current, which can then cause oxidation and eventually failure inside of your coolant system.
- Check Radiator Caps and Hoses -- Check the radiator cap and water outlet cap on the reserve tank and look for cracks or other damage on the bottom of the cap. Replace damaged caps immediately and make it a habit to replace the radiator cap or water outlet cap on your reserve or overflow tank whenever you drain or flush your radiator system. Frequently inspect all of the hoses and tubes that lead from the radiator to the water pump, thermostat and overflow or reserve tank for cracks or cuts that may result in antifreeze leaks. Your radiator repair technician may advise to replace hoses every three or four years as they become dry and brittle, and are subject to bursting.
- Check the Radiator Tank -- Visually inspect the radiator tank and overflow or reserve tank every few months. Most of the time cracks begin as very small pinholes or punctures that can be easily repaired. However, if not repaired and the hole gets too big, it may be necessary to replace the radiator.
Remember: Extreme temperatures and harsh conditions can wreck havoc on your engine if any part is in poor condition. Schedule a radiator service before winter arrives!
Looking for affordable radiator repair? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Elk River Tire and Auto today at (763) 441-2889 or go to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information about radiator service. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
