Hoover Street Auto RepairAutomotive cooling system repair shop in Ann Arbor MI can fix any cooling system problem. We specialize in car climate control problem to keep you comfortable summer or winter.
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 (734) 913-6272 and let us help keep you safely and economically on the road.
Signs Your Cooling System Needs Service
- 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 coolant every 2 years. Since coolant deteriorates over time 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 Ann Arbor MI
Proudly Serving Vehicle Owners in: Ann Arbor, MI | Dexter, MI | Pittsfield, MI | Saline, MI | Ypsilanti, MI
General Cooling System Information
Coolant Replacement Flush & Fill
Over time the coolant anti-corrosion, anti-foaming, and lubricating properties break down. Rust, corrosion, and mineral deposits begin forming throughout the cooling system, which results in damaged parts, overheating and engine damage.
Your vehicle's cooling system consists of a number of parts working together to circulate a liquid called "coolant" in order to keep the engine running at the optimal operating temperature. Coolant system service is the removal and replacement of engine coolant using state of the art coolant recovery equipment. Coolant is poisonous and harmful to the environment so we recover old coolant and send it to recycling.
Coolant system service extends radiator and coolant system life and efficiency.
Common Cooling System Problems
Coolant fluid leak, engine overheating, sweet burnt smell, fluid leak in passenger compartment, greasy film on inside of windshield, white smoke coming from under hood or tailpipe.
Antifreeze/Coolant
Antifreeze coolant is combined 50% to 70% with distilled water and flows through your radiator and engine to provide engine cooling. If your vehicle is an automatic transmission the coolant also provides cooling for the transmission. some vehicles also have a power steering fluid cooler in the radiator.
Drive Belt
The drive belt or serpentine belt powers the water or coolant pump. Belts are subject to high under-hood temperatures. Belts deteriorate over time and need periodic replacement. Oil leaks and coolant leaks can cause premature deterioration and failure of drive belts. Visual inspections can usually indicate their condition. Most vehicle manufactures have recommended serpentine drive belt replacement schedule. Belt failure will result in major engine damage.
Drive belt also provides power to engine-mounted accessories like the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, mechanical engine cooling fan and alternator.
Driving belt breakage will result in the loss of one or more drive accessories. Drive belt failure can be a safety hazard with loss of power steering. The loss of alternator operation will cause the engine to quit running. Studies show the chance of drive belt failure rises dramatically after:
- 5 years / 50,000 miles for serpentine belts
- 4 years / 36,000 miles for v-belts
Cooling Fan
Your cooling fan is responsible for pushing air through the radiator so it can release hot engine heat into the surrounding air. If your fan malfunctions your engine will quickly overheat resulting in serious engine damage. Most modern vehicles have an electric cooling fan that is controlled by the vehicle on-board computer.
Coolant Reservoir
The coolant reservoir, or coolant expansion tank, maintains the level of coolant as the engine warms and cools.
Heater Core
The heater core is a mini radiator which provides heat for the passenger compartment and windshield defrost. Like a radiator the heater core deteriorates with age. Heater core leaks can result from not regularly replacing the coolant. A plugged heater core will cause a lack of heat for the passenger compartment.
Hoses
Coolant hoses are a flexible connection for coolant to flow between the engine, radiator, and heater core. A leaking or ruptured hose will result in a loss of coolant and major engine damage.
Radiator hoses and heater hoses are subjected to extremely high coolant and under-hood temperatures. They deteriorate over time and need periodic replacement. Since hoses 'rot' from the inside out visual inspections are not a good indication of their condition. Most vehicle manufactures have recommended coolant hose replacement schedule.
Radiator
The radiator transfers the engine heat to the air. Common radiator problems are plugged radiator and radiator leaks from internal corrosion. Both are caused by not regularly replacing the coolant. Some radiators can be repaired, some need complete radiator replacement.
Radiator Cap
The pressure cap, also known as the radiator cap, is located on the radiator or coolant reservoir. A malfunctioning radiator cap will cause overheating and engine damage. Your pressure cap should be inspected at least once a year for correct function.
Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the coolant temperature. A thermostat that doesn't work properly can result in your engine overheating or failing to warm-up. A bad thermostat can severely affect vehicle fuel mileage.