Blog / Hansen Motor Co Service

6 Signs It May Be Time for a Radiator Repair

car radiator repair in Brigham City, Utah

Our cars get us to many places. They get our children to school, us to the grocery store, to concerts, venues, events, and much more. However, over time this means that parts can and will wear out. This means we may need to fix or replace parts; one such need may be a radiator repair.

Photo by: pixabay.com

1. Physical Damage

The first sign that you may need a repair is signs of physical damage. This could be cracks, dents, dings, or other obvious signs that your radiator has experienced lasting damage. This could be very obvious if the vehicle has been in a wreck. However, over time cracks can form from many other external factors. So make sure that you check for external physical damages that could be causing issues.

2. Rust

The radiator is metal. Over time and with exposure to water and other moisture, metals will rust. If you notice that your radiator is presenting rust, take it to a professional. You could have a leak in the radiator or the hose; these can both lead to rust spots.

3. Rising Temperature Gauge

Your car isn't overheating, and that's great. However, the temperature gauge on your instrument panel has been rising towards the red. The temperature gauge needle should rest at roughly the center of the hot and cold once your car is on and warmed up. If it is rising, get your vehicle checked. While this could be something as simple as needing more coolant, it's better to be safe than sorry.

4. Overheating

If your car is overheating, it is a sign that you should take it in to be checked immediately. If your car overheats while you are driving, turn off the ac, turn on the heater, stop, pull over, and allow it to cool down. If you see white steam coming from under your hood, this is an immediate sign you are overheating. This can cause the engine to seize. Don't dally; seek a professional. Not doing so could lead you to need a new engine entirely.

5. Fluid Leaking

Many fluids keep your car running, and leaking fluids always cause concern. However, if you notice brightly colored fluids leaking from your vehicle, you may have a coolant leak. Coolant may appear green, yellow, or even pink. These leaks could be from either the radiator hose or the radiator; however, the leak needs to be addressed quickly. Coolant will keep you from overheating and prevent your engine from freezing in cold weather.

6. Coolant Levels

It's essential to check the fluid levels in your car regularly. If you notice that your coolant levels are consistently lower-than-normal, even if you don't see a leak on the ground, add coolant and plan on getting your car to a trusted service center.

Your radiator is vital to the function of your vehicle. It keeps you from overheating, and the coolant it uses also keeps your engine from freezing. Contact us at Hansen Motor Company of Brigham City to speak with a member of our certified service department to schedule an appointment today.

Posted in:

Related Posts

chevy auto service in brigham city utah

Examples of Regular Maintenance From Your Chevy Maintenance Schedule

Your Chevy vehicle manual lists the services and recommended mileage milestones necessary to keep your Chevy in great shape and working efficiently. Maintenance mileage can vary among Chevy models, but all vehicles require the same types of maintenance. We will look at some of the services we offer from the Chevy maintenance schedule. more Brake Pad Replacement The brake pads generate the friction that stops your wheels. The pads fit into the calipers, which are forced against the wheel rotors when you hit the brakes. Each pad has a friction-producing material cover that generates friction against the smooth rotors, bringing them to a halt within seconds. The material covering slowly wears off, and a pad needs replacement when the thickness of the material covering drops to 1/4". Pad replacement is performed between 20,000 and 60,000 miles. The large mileage difference is because heavy usage, like frequent driving during rush hour or other braking-intensive times, causes the material to wear faster. Brake pads that aren't replaced when necessary will increase braking distance, reduce braking responsiveness, and can damage other brake system components and potentially cause an accident. Tire Rotations The tire tread is the raised section of the tire that's in contact with the surface. It's separated by grooves that help channel water, mud, or snow to the rear so it doesn't collect under the tires and reduce traction. The tread slowly wears down due to surface friction, and once it drops to 2/32," a tire needs to be replaced. A tire rotation is usually performed every 7,500 miles. Our technicians remove each tire and shift it to a new position on your Chevy. Each tire position produces a specific type of wear, and keeping a tire in the same position will seriously weaken the tread, leading to a leak or blowout. Regular tire rotations equalize wear across all four tires, and this helps increase their lifespan. Oil Change Oil provides essential lubrication for engine components, allowing them to move smoothly and efficiently while protecting them from friction-related damage. The oil's movement helps to reduce the engine temperature, and oil contains additives that break down potential engine blockages, keep the engine clean, and prevent rust. Your Chevy may use regular or synthetic oil, and the type of oil and its mileage replacement time are listed in your vehicle handbook. Both types of oil serve the same purpose, but synthetic oil has a longer life as it's more resistant to hot engine conditions than regular oil. We also replace the oil filter during an oil change to ensure the new oil moves speedily through the engine. If you want to know more about maintenance or book your Chevy's scheduled maintenance, contact us at Hansen Motor Co. in Brigham City, UT.

chevy service in brigham city utah

3 Chevrolet Service Tips To Keep Your Vehicle in Great Shape

The best way to keep your Chevy in great shape is with regular servicing and maintenance. As your Chevy dealer, we provide the complete range of maintenance for your model,  performed by Chevy-trained experts. We want to give you a few Chevrolet service tips that extend vehicle longevity and allow it to work at peak performance. more Regular Battery Testing The battery is one of your vehicle's most essential components, providing the electrical charge that starts your Chevy. As time passes, the chemicals that enable the battery to store and supply electricity gradually break down. This process is naturally occurring and results in the battery losing storage capacity until it can't retain enough power to start the engine. Battery testing helps prevent the stress of a dead battery. The average battery lifespan is three to five years, so we advise testing your battery when it reaches its third year. We connect your battery to our computerized battery tester, and this machine subjects it to several stress tests. If your battery is healthy, we'll retest it in a year. If the battery is failing, we can replace it while you wait. Brake Servicing Healthy brakes are vital for driving safety, enabling you to control your speed and stop whenever needed. They depend on force and pressure to slow and stop the wheels. These conditions generate heat that causes additional wear and tear. Worn brake components increase stopping distance and responsiveness, and this can cause an accident. Brake servicing allows our technicians to replace worn or damaged parts, keeping the brakes working efficiently. Our technicians also check and test all system components, and they will identify minor issues that can be repaired before they become potentially dangerous problems. During a service, we also replace the brake fluid, as older fluid can overheat and cause brake failure. Oil Replacement Oil is vital for protecting your engine. It lubricates all engine components, wrapping them in a protective coating so they work efficiently and suffer less friction damage. The fast-moving oil also helps cool the engine, allowing it to work efficiently. In addition, oil contains various additives that keep the engine clean, prevent rust, and break down potentially harmful engine deposits. The oil is slowly consumed as it works, and it will thicken as it ages and move slower. Old, slow-moving oil increases wear and tear on the engine components, leading to increased repair bills. We'll drain and replace the old oil and install a new oil filter, so the oil will flow freely. If you'd like more service tips or to book a service, contact us today at Hansen Motor Co in Brigham City, UT.

gmc truck maintenance in brigham city utah

GMC Truck Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Truck in Top Shape

With diligent GMC truck maintenance, you'll save on the cost of repairs and replacements, keeping each component in good working order for longer. This can make a sizable difference to your personal finances or profit margins if you're running a business. The truck maintenance tips laid out below will keep both your pickup and wallet in great condition for longer. more Check and Change Fluids Almost all major truck components depend on oil or fluid to stay healthy. Keep a close eye on all essential fluids, topping them up or flushing as required. First and foremost, make sure your motor oil is always fresh enough to fully lubricate the engine. The coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and differential fluid also need regular checks and occasional changes. Keep Tire Pressure at Optimal PSI Your truck's tires undergo a great deal of strain, maintaining traction no matter the terrain, cargo weight, or journey distance. Tire air pressure can gradually lessen over time. Prevent this by checking tire pressure once a month, adding or releasing air to keep the PSI at the precise level stipulated in your owner's manual. Rotate and Align Your Tires Your tires will also need to be swapped around twice a year or more: a process that prevents excessively uneven tread wear. Your tires will also slowly become misaligned, more rapidly if you often use rougher, bumpier tracks with more potholes. Have the alignment of your tires measured twice a year and corrected when necessary. Replace Clogged Air Filters The engine's air filter keeps dust, dirt, bugs, and other pollutants out of the engine while letting in fresh oxygen for the combustion process. This filter will slowly clog up with caught debris. Periodically check its condition; you'll usually need to replace it once per year. The same goes for your cabin air filter. Maintain the Trailer Coupling Device If you regularly tow trailers, keep the fifth-wheel platform in good condition with regular inspections. Make adjustments to it as required, greasing it and cleaning away any accumulated dirt. Have Your Brakes Inspected Your brakes keep you safe and contribute to overall vehicle handling. It's important to have a professional inspect your brakes once or twice a year, a process that involves raising the truck to remove each wheel and brake mechanism, so each part can be examined and replaced if required. Test the Battery and Alternator Your truck needs a reliable supply of electricity for the starter, spark plugs, and many other electrical components. Have your battery, alternator, and entire electrical system inspected and tested once a year and also before particularly long, strenuous drives. Visit Hansen Motor Co in Brigham City, UT, today to have your truck inspected and serviced by experienced technicians. We have over 58 years of experience helping truck drivers like you stay safe on the road with better-performing, longer-lasting pickups.