Coolant System Service

Coolant System Service at Stanley Ford Eastland

Your engine generates a lot of heat as it runs your vehicle. To keep it from getting too hot and damaging the engine, the cooling system must be working correctly. The coolant runs through the engine to prevent the temperature from getting too high. If you live in Cisco, Ranger, or Eastland, you can bring your vehicle to Stanley Ford Eastland to get your coolant system serviced.

What Occurs During Coolant System Maintenance?

Stanley Ford Eastland technicians will begin your maintenance with a coolant system diagnostic. This way, we can see if your coolant level is low or if there are problems with your radiator or thermostat. Our technicians will also:

• Check the heater core, water pump, hoses, belts, fans, radiator, and head gasket.
• Check pressure and coolant volume.
• Check for worn-out elements, leaks, and cracks in the system.
• Flush and dispose of the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.
• Inspect for bad components and replace them as needed.
• Ensure that the entire system is fully supplied with new coolant fluids.

How Often Should Fluid Flushes Occur?

Your vehicle manufacturer has a recommended schedule for all maintainable parts and systems. This schedule of service is in your owner’s manual. The coolant in your vehicle doesn’t expire, but it will break down over time and lose effectiveness. Generally speaking, most manuals will suggest a flush every 30,000-120,000 miles, but the best practice is to consult your manual and follow the manufacturer’s suggestions. If you are not sure if you need a flush, you can request that Stanley Ford Eastland conduct a fluid test to ensure your fluid is still viable. There are times that a flush may be needed apart from your regular maintenance. If you have noticed any of the signs below, you may need a coolant flush:

• Overheating: If you end up in a parking lot or on the side of the road with steam coming out from under the hood, or if your car overheats a lot, then there is a problem with the cooling system.
• High temperature: If your temperature gauge reflects high heat temperatures frequently, then you have a coolant issue.
• Smells like maple syrup: Sugary, sweet smells from your vehicle indicate your antifreeze is probably being burned up by the engine due to a leak.
• Fluid leaks: If you find fluid beneath your car, truck, or SUV, you may have a coolant leak. Antifreeze is usually orange or green, but it can come in other colors. If you see puddles of coolant beneath your vehicle, then your vehicle has a leak.

Are Antifreeze and Coolant the Same Thing?

Although coolant and antifreeze do have a relationship, they are not the same thing. Antifreeze is a component of coolant. Coolant is half water and half antifreeze mixed. The chemical in antifreeze keeps the water from freezing in the cold months of winter and keeps it from boiling in the hot summer months. Your coolant is able to circulate through the engine because of the chemicals in antifreeze.