Grand Blanc's Own Auto Repair, Grand Pointe
The radiator system is more than just the radiator. The radiator works together with other parts including a fan, some hoses and a water pump to dissipate heat away from the engine. We service and repair foreign and domestic radiator systems in most vehicles.
What Could Go Wrong With the Radiator
Wherever there are moving parts there will always be wearing and breakdowns. Low coolant levels, clogged radiator, sticking thermostat can cause the engine to heat up to dangerous levels very quickly. If your temperature light comes on while your driving or the heat level needle is in the "red" section of the gauge. You should stop immediately and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down before attempting to drive again. You may have to call a tow truck if there has been any sort of leak in the system. You do not want to drive your vehicle at all if it has lost too much coolant, it will destroy your engine.
Ways to Prevent Radiator Problems
- Check your coolant level frequently
- Inspect your hoses for cracks or leaks
- Look under the vehicle for drips or puddles of green or reddish sweet smelling liquid
- Have routine inspections by your mechanic during preventative maintenance visits
Grand Pointe Automotive will perform all checks, inspections, and maintenance of your radiator and the systems that work with the radiator to ensure proper operation.
In order to keep your warranty in full effect, you may be required to have certain services performed as prescribed in your owner’s manual or as required in the warranty. Typical Manufacturer recommended maintenance might include oil changes, filter changes, inspections of hoses, belts, brakes, exhaust, etc.
Preventative Maintenance for your Vehicle: What to check and when
Needs Frequent Checks
- Dashboard lights
- Head lights/Tail lights
- Tires, Inflation and Condition
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Engine Oil Level
Every Three Months or 3,000 -5,000 Miles
- Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Battery and Cables
- Belts
- Engine Air Filter
- Engine Oil
- Exhaust
- Hoses
- Lights
- Power Steering Fluid
- Tire Inflation and Condition
Every Six Months or 6,000 - 8,000 Miles
In addition to all the above
- Chassis Lubrication
- Lights
- Wiper Blades
Every Twelve Months or 12,000 Miles
In addition to all the above
- Brakes
- Cabin Air Filter
- Coolant (antifreeze)
- Steering and Suspension
- Wheel Alignment
This schedule is for the majority of drivers and vehicles. However, always consult your owners manual for specific recommendations from your vehicle manufacturer.
Who can perform my Manufacturer Recommended Maintenance?
In most cases your non-warranty maintenance can be performed by either a dealership or your own mechanic. (Double-check your warranty to be sure!) Many independent repair shops can perform these services at costs that are very competitive with dealerships. They have access to the same information that franchised dealers have about model-specific problems and they may be familiar with less expensive aftermarket parts that perform just as well or even better than manufacturer parts. The Magnusen-Moss Act of 1975 prohibits new car dealers from implying or denying warranty service because routine scheduled maintenance was performed at an independent repair facility. (Magnusen-Moss Act (1975) Title 15 Chapter 50-Section 2301-2312
Use Maintenance to Establish a Relationship
The shop you use for your maintenance should be the same one you will want to do your major repairs. So be sure you choose the right shop for you. One you can trust to never take advantage of you, one that always performs to the highest quality standard, one that respects you and will never "scare you" into a repair, one that will take the time to explain anything you need clarification and understanding with. This allows you to establish a relationship with the mechanic and the mechanic to become familiar with your vehicle and its history. This will be very helpful when you are in need of a major repair.
A Vehicles Fuel System Includes:
- Pressure Regulator
- Fuel Injectors
- Fuel Lines/Hoses
- Fuel Tank
- One or more Fuel Pumps
A vehicles fuel system works with the rest of the engine control system to deliver the best performance with the lowest emissions. Check your fuel system regularly or immediately if you smell gas or suspect a problem.
How Your Fuel System Works
The fuel system sends fuel from the fuel tank through the fuel filter and sends it to the fuel injectors. A pressure regulator controls fuel pressure to ensure solid engine performance under various speeds and load conditions.
If your vehicle starts to show a decrease in fuel economy, your vehicle doesn't start or your check engine light is on, you should have your fuel system inspected at
Fluids are vital to keep your vehicle's systems operating smoothly.
Fluids in your vehicle
- Oil
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Coolant
- Transmission Fluid
Your Oil level should be checked periodically between oil changes to ensure proper levels. Oil levels that get too low can cause severe damage to your engine. The typical interval between oil changes depends on the vehicle manufacturers recommendations as well as the type of oil you're using in the vehicle. Usually the oil should be changed every 3,000 miles when using conventional oil, and about 5,000 miles if your using synthetic oil. If you often make short trips or drive in stop and go traffic, idle for extended periods, drive in dusty or dirty air conditions, tow a trailer, or drive in cold weather regions, you should stick to the 3,000 mile schedule because you are considered a severe driver according to vehicle manufacturers.
Any automatic transmission fluid, brake fluids, power steering fluid and axles, should use vehicle-specific fluids that the manufacturer recommends.
Coolant should be changed periodically as specified in the owners manual. Any time you have had to add coolant to your system, if it was not the same type of coolant, you should have a flush and refill done as soon as possible. Some different types of coolant should not be mixed. letting mixed coolant go for only a short amount of time can cause it to gel up which will end up causing blockages throughout your cooling system leading to major repairs being needed.
Ask about Fluids!
- What fluids will you be checking?
- Is the oil you're putting in my vehicle the right type for the way I drive?
- Is an oil filter included in the oil change service?
- When should I get my next oil change?
- How often should my fluid levels be checked?