Radiator issues can cause major engine problems in any vehicle. So, it’s important to have your radiator serviced regularly and repaired as quickly as possible when there is a problem. If you don’t, a broken radiator will cause your engine to overheat, which can lead to a blown engine that needs replacement if you continue to drive the vehicle. Luckily, you can find radiator service near me at our shop. Here at Kernersville Auto Center, we have experienced and licensed mechanics that can take care of any radiator concern you may have.

Common Signs of a Broken Radiator

The most common sign that you need radiator repair is an overheating engine. Your radiator is responsible for keeping the temperature of the engine low. Over time, cracks/leaks can cause your radiator to work improperly or not at all. Sometimes, this happens quickly. A crack forms, your coolant leaks out, and suddenly your engine’s temperature gauge is reading in the danger zone.

However, often radiators will have smaller problems that cause damage slowly over time. Here are a few indications that you need to have your radiator checked:

• Leaking coolant – The puddle under your parked car could be any number of colors. It used to be green in the past, but these days, vehicle manufacturers use a variety of colors including pink, blue, and orange. Coolant is typically a bright color and doesn’t have sheen like oil. Keep in mind that some undercarriage panels may catch leaks, so just because you don’t see a puddle under your car doesn’t mean you don’t have a leak.
• Coolant that is a brown, rusty color or sludgy – Coolant shouldn’t get dirty, because it is a closed system. It should stay brightly colored. If your coolant has discoloration, it could indicate rusting within the system or contamination from another leak part (like an engine oil leak).
• Squealing or other noises coming from the engine – Never ignore a weird noise coming from under the hood. If there’s a leak, the sound of the coolant hitting other parts of the hot engine could cause grinding or squealing noises.

When in doubt, stop by our radiator shop. We can look at your engine to determine the problem and give you a fair, reasonable price quote so you can make the best decision for car repair.

Radiator Maintenance

The best way to avoid a large car maintenance bill for any part is proper maintenance. Your vehicle’s radiator can last eight to ten years or even longer, as long as you maintain it properly. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t think about their vehicle’s maintenance needs until something breaks down. By that point, it is too late. Instead, schedule radiator maintenance regularly to avoid bigger problems. Here’s what you need to do:

• Check coolant levels and add more if it’s low – Good news! We actually perform a courtesy fluids check, including coolant, whenever you bring your vehicle into Kernersville Auto Center for any auto service or repair. If you add your own, keep in mind that coolant and antifreeze are not the same! If you buy antifreeze, you need to mix it with water to create coolant. Check your labels.
• Inspect and fix radiator leaks when they are minor – You might have the start of a leak without knowing it. Very minor leaks won’t leave a big puddle under your car. Fixing them quickly ensures you don’t have a major problem later. If your coolant levels are constantly a little low, this indicates a minor leak.
• Schedule regular engine coolant flush services – we recommend scheduling a coolant flush annually. To make it super easy, you can simply schedule it at the same time as an oil change, annual state inspection, or other service.

You don’t need an appointment for radiator maintenance at Kernersville Auto Center. We do accept walk ins. However, our shop does get quite busy most days. To avoid a long line, we highly recommend scheduling your appointment. This allows you to pick the exact date and time you want, instead of waiting in line.

FAQs About Radiator Service Near Me

Here at Kernersville Auto Center, we take pride in helping our customers understand their vehicle’s maintenance and repair needs. We’re happy to answer any question you have about radiator service near me or any other using easy-to-understand language. Not everyone is a car expert, but everyone should be empowered to make the best decisions for their vehicle. Here are a few frequently asked questions we hear, just as a start. Again, feel free to ask us anything; no question is stupid!

How do I know if I should repair my radiator or replace my radiator?

It’s not just about which option is cheaper. It’s also about the age of the radiator. We don’t want to give you a major repair bill today only to have another part break in a few weeks. If you need to fix a broken radiator, we’ll go over all your options for both repair and replacement. Our certified technicians will give you advice about which option is best for your vehicle and budget. Likewise, you also need to keep up with scheduled maintenance related to your radiator.

Can I drive with a broken radiator?

If you have a minor leak, you might be able to drive it to our shop, as long as the vehicle can get here without overheating. However, you should usually not drive with a broken radiator. If your engine is overheating, stop driving immediately. This can cause your engine to blow, and replacing an engine is a lot more expensive than having your car towed in. When in doubt, give us a call for advice.

Do I really need an annual coolant flush?

It really depends on the age of your car and how often you drive it. For older cars and high-mileage cars, annually is best. If you have a newer car, you may be able to go longer without a flush, as long as your vehicle isn’t showing any signs of radiator problems. If you aren’t sure, check your owner’s manual or ask one of our experienced mechanics. We can get you on the right schedule for all your maintenance, including coolant flushes. Click here to contact us today with any questions.