How do I know what coolant I should use?

Your car's owner's manual provides a wealth of information. Follow the recommendations in your car's owner's manual to the letter unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer or auto repair professionals. It will tell you what type of coolant is best to use in your vehicle. If you don't have a copy of your owner's manual, you can most likely find the information you need on the manufacturer's website.

When should the radiator in my car be replaced?

Often, radiators will last for the entire life of a car. On average a radiator lasts 8 to 10 years. However, there are a few factors that can reduce a radiator's working life such as improper maintenance, driving habits and environmental conditions.

What is the average lifespan of a radiator?

While radiators usually last 8-10 years, some factors can shorten their lifespan. Watch for signs of deterioration to know when replacement is needed.

Radiator Heating Services & Repair | Catalano Automotive Repair

CATALANO AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR > Top Level Auto Repair & Maintenance Services > HEATING AND COOLING SERVICES

A Comprehensive Assessment of Your Heating and Cooling System Comprises of:

Examination of internal controls and blower
Inspection of radiator coolant temperature, hoses, radiator cap pressure, and thermostat
Evaluation of the compressor belt
Thorough inspection of the system and seals for leaks or damage
Conducting a cooling system pressure test
Verification that A/C pressure meets manufacturer specifications
Measurement of the interior vent air temperature

Our Repair and Maintenance Services Include:

Belts
The fan belt, also referred to as a drive belt, connects your vehicle's engine to its front-mounted accessories. This belt is responsible for rotating the water pump and engine fan, ensuring a cool engine environment. Unfortunately, over time, your vehicle's fan belts can dry out and develop cracks, requiring a replacement.

Coolant System Flush
A car's coolant system transfers excess heat from one part of the engine and dissipates it through the radiator fins. As time goes on, the coolant can become old and contaminated, negatively impacting the system's performance. To maintain optimal system function, consider regular coolant system flushes as part of your vehicle's cooling system maintenance.

Hoses
Hoses have the crucial role of transferring coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine's cooling system, including the radiator. With time, these hoses can dry out and develop cracks, leading to leaks. When it's time for replacement, you can rely on our team of experts for your vehicle repair needs.

Radiator Flush
Your vehicle's radiator is responsible for keeping the engine cool and safeguarding it from excessive heat. Sludge, rust, and other solid deposits can accumulate inside the radiator, leading to clogs and reduced system efficiency. This, in turn, can negatively affect your vehicle's performance. Incorporating regular radiator flushes into your routine car maintenance schedule is essential.

Radiators
Radiators serve as heat exchangers, cooling your car's internal combustion engine. They accomplish this by circulating engine coolant through the engine block and then releasing the heat into the atmosphere through radiation.

Summerize Your Vehicle
Getting your car ready for the challenges of summer, including heat, dust, and traffic congestion, can significantly reduce the risk of breakdowns. At Catalano Automotive Repair in Needham, our technicians are equipped to perform essential preventive maintenance to ensure your car is summer-ready. Here are some recommended services:

Battery check
Fluid replacement
Examination of belts and hoses
Inspection of climate and coolant systems
Evaluation of wiper blades
Tire inspection
Assessment of headlights, turn signals, and tail lights

Winterize Your Vehicle
Winter weather can be harsh on both you and your vehicle. You can trust the skilled technicians at Catalano Automotive Repair to prepare your car for the challenges of winter. Here are some recommended services:

Check the battery
Check the tires
Check wiper blades
Check fluids
Check headlights, turn signals, and tail lights
Check the exhaust system for leaks
Check the belts and hoses
Check the heating system

With these services, your car will be ready to tackle winter weather, ensuring your driving experience remains safe and comfortable.

Radiator FAQs

What does radiator service include?

Radiator service starts with draining the system. Then we flush the radiator and engine block, inspecting all hoses to make sure they're not cracked. Next we refill the radiator with fresh coolant and finish by pressure testing the radiator cap and cooling system.

Why is my car engine overheating?

The most common reason a car overheats is a lack of coolant or a coolant leak. However, if you have an older vehicle, it may also indicate that it is time to replace your radiator, thermostat, water pump or heater core. If it continues to be a problem that you can't fix, your best bet is to bring it to our shop in Needham.

Coolant FAQs

Why is my coolant light on and what should I do?

If the dashboard light is red, indicating your car is overheating then you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the engine. If the coolant level is low or there is another problem with your cooling system, you could cause serious damage by continuing to drive.

Why is my coolant leaking?

Corrosion within the radiator is the leading cause of a coolant leak. As the radiator tubes get older and weaker, sediment or debris collects inside and causes a leak. The sealing gasket between the tank and the radiator can also wear out, and lead to a leak.

When should I do a coolant flush?

Your vehicle's owner's manual will recommend getting the coolant flushed about every 30,000 miles or three to five years, whichever comes first. Make sure to consult your owner's manual as some outline a more specific interval depending on the vehicle's make and model and your driving habits.

To learn more about our Heating and Cooling services, call us at 781-559-0721 or request a quote by clicking below:

Request Quote

Discover More About Engine Heating & Cooling Repair Services At Catalano Automotive Repair in Needham

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Catalano Automotive Repair

41 Kearney Rd
Needham, MA 02494
781-559-0721
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Vehicle tips
- According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.
- The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)
- Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.
- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.
- Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.
- A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
- Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.
- Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.
- Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
- Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.
- Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
- Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.
- Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.
- Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.
- Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
- Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
- Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.
- Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.
- Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.
- Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.
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