Cooling System Repair Shop Lansing MI
Our automotive cooling system repair shop in Lansing MI can fix any cooling system problem. We specialize in car climate control problem to keep you comfortable summer or winter.
Chuck's Garage Lansing provides antifreeze flush, radiator service, radiator repair, engine coolant flush, coolant system flush, radiator flush service, radiator flushing in Lansing MI area.
Automotive cooling system failure is the most common mechanical failure. Car cooling system problems can range from minor inconvenience to extremely expensive. You can prevent most cooling system problems with regular coolant replacement (flush and fill) and cooling system inspection. If you see green, amber, or yellow fluid under your vehicle make an appointment for an inspection and free estimate. Give us a call at (517) 267-9900 and let us help keep you safely and economically on the road.
Signs Your Cooling System Needs Service
- Overheats when sitting in traffic, but normal when driving at normal speeds
- Heater runs constantly, but never gets warm
- Coolant level drops with no visible leak
- Blows cold air even when set to 'Hot'
- Inconsistent temperature control
- Coolant leaks on ground
- Slow to blow warm air
How Often To Change Coolant
Your vehicle owners manual will specify how often the coolant should be replaced. A general guideline is to flush and replace engine coolant every 2 years. Since coolant deteriorates over time engine coolant replacement is not dependent on how often you use your vehicle or distance driven.
What We Do
Our cooling system service performance and diagnostic check includes:
- Visually inspect heating & cooling system parts and components
- Visually inspect coolant pump drive belt
- Inspect and test radiator pressure cap
- Performance test cooling system
- Check operation of cooling fan
- Pressure test cooling system
- System control test
- Drain and flush old coolant
- Refill with vehicle manufacturer's specified coolant
- Optional dye leak detection test (for difficult to find leaks)
PLEASE NOTE: coolant system servicing is a periodic maintenance service rather than a diagnostic or repair service. If you are experiencing cooling system problem or heating system problem it is more economical to inform us before performing maintenance servicing.
Our ASE certified technicians perform a checklist inspection of your complete heating and cooling system and provide a written report with estimated repair cost of any cooling system problems.
- Expert Cooling System Repair
- Automotive HVAC repair in Lansing MI
- Proudly Serving Vehicle Owners in: Lansing, MI | East Lansing, MI | Dewitt, MI | Dimondale, MI | Grand Ledge, MI | Okemos, MI
Common Cooling System Problems
Cooling system problems are serious. Expensive engine damage can happen if they are not fixed as soon as possible.
If you are having engine overheating or coolant leak problems they should be fixed as soon as possible. If you are seeing any overheat warning lights or high temperature gauge readings you should stop driving your vehicle as soon as safely possible and have a knowledgeable person advise if your vehicle can be driven or should be towed to an Chuck's Garage Lansing auto repair shop.
How We Deal With Your Cooling System Problem
- Our service advisor will record all the information you provide about the problem. They are trained to ask you simple, straight forward questions that help our repair technicians find the source of the problem as fast as possible (saving you money on diagnosis).
- Once the technician finds the problem and identifies what needs to be done, they report their findings to the service advisor, who then creates an estimate of cost and time it will take to complete the repair. They then phone, email, or text message you, explain what your vehicle needs, and ask you for permission to proceed with the repair.
- You will be kept fully informed as to progress, when the job will be completed, and when your vehicle is ready for pickup.
No surprises. You know what it will cost. As quickly as possible. With a solid guarantee.
Engine Overheat Problem
Engine overheating can cause severe, very expensive engine damage.
What causes an overheating car? The most common causes of engine overheating are:
- Coolant loss from a leak.
- Engine temperature sensor failure
- Radiator fan relay failure
- Radiator fan motor failure
- Leaking head gasket
- Coolant loss from leaking heater core
- Plugged radiator
- Electrical wiring problems from corrosion, collision damage, or animal chewing
Temperature Sensor Failure
Engine temperature sensor problem is the most common cause of engine overheating. If your car overheats in slow traffic on a warm day, but does not overheat when traveling at normal speed on cool day, then it is most likely a bad radiator temperature switch.
The temperature sensor determines when the engine radiator fan comes on by measuring the engine coolant temperature. If the engine temperature sensor fails the engine fan won’t come on which causes engine overheat problem. The sensor is an electrical switch that is prone to failure if you do mostly city stop and go driving.
Temperature Sensor Testing
Testing for engine temp sensor problems is normally a simple, inexpensive procedure. Diagnosis looks at the electrical first, then the function of the switch unit.
The engine temperature switch is not repairable and must be replaced with a new unit.
Radiator Fan Failure
Another common cause of engine overheating is a bad radiator fan. If you drive a lot in heavy stop and go traffic your radiator fan works overtime and may fail.
Radiator Fan Testing
Testing for radiator fan problems is normally a simple, inexpensive procedure. Diagnosis looks at the electrical system first, then the function of the fan unit.
The engine fan motor is not repairable and must be replaced with a new unit.
Radiator Fan Relay Failure
The Radiator Fan Relay is an electrical part that acts as a heavy duty switch for the radiator fan motor. The engine temperature sensor triggers the relay which then provides power to the radiator cooling fan motor. This is another part that is prone to failure if you do mostly city stop and go driving.
Radiator Fan Relay Testing
Testing for radiator fan relay problems is normally a simple, inexpensive procedure. Diagnosis looks at the electrical wiring and other radiator cooling fan components to correctly identify a engine fan relay problem.
The Radiator Fan Relay is not repairable and must be replaced with a new unit.
Engine Coolant Leaks
Engine coolant loss is a small problem that can lead to big problems. Slow coolant leaks can go unnoticed until your vehicle overheats.
What Is The Most Common Engine Coolant Leak?
Leaking radiator coolant hoses. Also leaking car heater hoses. On vehicles where the coolant has not been regularly replaced the radiator and header core (heat exchanger) corrode on the inside and eat holes in the metal and they leak. The water pump is also a common source of coolant leaks.
Why Do Coolant Leaks Happen?
Mostly just age, wear and tear. High temperatures under the hood cause hoses to deteriorate, crack, and start to leak as them age. One of the best things you can do is regular engine coolant flush and replacement. Every two years is most common coolant replacement interval. Your vehicle owners manual will recommend the best engine coolant service schedule.
Danger to Pets
Another problem with coolant leaks is the danger to pets. The sweet smell of engine coolant attracts animals who lick and ingest the leaked coolant which causes them to suffer kidney failure. Who thought that a little engine coolant leak could cause the death of your pet.
Fixing Engine Coolant Leaks
Most coolant leaks are very obvious. Sometimes some covers or inspection panels must be removed to confirm a coolant leak. In difficult to find leaks a special dye can be added to the coolant and then use a black light to find the source of the leak.
Plugged Radiator
Over time radiator tubes and coolant passages will become clogged with corrosion. This is common with vehicles that have not had regular cooling system service. Coolant flow through the radiator is restricted and the engine will run hot and overheat very easily.
Repair of a plugged radiator almost always requires radiator replacement. If the corrosion is removed the radiator will often leak due to the metal being eaten away by the internal corrosion.
Head Gasket Leaks
Head gasket leaks usually have two causes. First, if the engine overheats severely enough the cylinder head will warp or twist causing the head gasket to fail. Common symptom is when combustion pressure leaks into the cooling system and causing coolant to overflow. The engine will also run rough and blow coolant from the exhaust pipe. Coolant can also leak into the engine oil and eventually cause the engine bearings to fail. Coolant contamination of engine oil usually requires replacement of the whole engine.
The second common cause of head gasket failure is corrosion caused by not regularly changing the coolant. Acids and electrolysis buildup in the coolant and erode the gasket, cylinder head, or even the engine block until the gasket eventually fails.
Cylinder head gasket replacement requires engine disassembly, pressure testing for cracks in the cylinder head, and resurfacing of the cylinder head surface. In some vehicles this requires removal of the whole engine from the vehicle.
Heat Core Leaks
Coolant loss from leaking heater core is common with older vehicles. If the coolant is not replaced the heater core corrodes and leads coolant inside the passenger compartment. You will start to notice a sweet odor, then a sticky film on the inside of your windshield, then either steam or dripping coolant from under the dashboard.
The heater core will need to be removed and replaced with a new unit. Replacing the heater hoses are strongly recommended at the same time.
