Is Your Car Ready for Winter Tip 3

Maintain the Coolant System

Our most important tip is to take the time to get your car’s coolant system checked. Extreme temperatures and harsh conditions can knock it out easily if it’s not up to snuff. If any part of the system comes up with a shaky bill of health, swap the parts for new ones. That means having your car’s radiator pressure tested and the hoses examined for cracks or bulges. Riverton Chevy can quickly test radiators without the hassle of having to remove them from the vehicle.

“Cooling system failure is the leading cause of engine-related breakdowns, which can cost thousands of dollars and leave you and your family stranded at the worst possible time.” – Rich White, Car Care Council (Carcare.org)

If you can’t remember the last time your water pump was replaced, or if your pump has more miles on it than what the manufacturer recommends, it’s time for a new one. While everything is apart, go for a new thermostat as well because you’ll save money on labor getting these two done at once.

Even if everything comes up good to go under the hood, replacing your engines coolant is cheap insurance against extreme temperatures. Over time, antifreeze can actually generate a weak electrical current, which can then cause oxidation and eventually failure inside of your coolant system. You’ll want at least a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to provide protection against below-zero temperatures. Keeping everything fresh inside will put less stress on your vehicle’s hardware and save you serious money in the long run.

TIP 1:  Coolant levels and dilution are of paramount importance when temperatures drop. You should be able to pick up a hydrometer or refractometer for measuring the ratio of coolant:water at most auto parts stores, and by making sure the ratio is correct for the temperatures you will encounter you can prevent the coolant from freezing in your system and causing problems. If you have any questions about how to measure the coolant mixture or what mixture to use in your area, don’t be afraid to ask the folks at your auto parts store, look up charts online, or visit us our service department.

TIP 2:  Inspect your antifreeze while your engine is cold.  Opening a hot radiator, coolant reservoir or overflow tank can cause severe burns.

Winter is right around the corner here in Salt Lake. It’s a good idea to have your cooling system inspected to ensure it’s operating properly. Feel free to give us a call at 801-576-4660 to schedule an appointment for your cooling system inspection. Not only will we test your anti-freeze, but we’ll also check all of your hoses, clamps, heater core, thermostats, and the rest of the entire system to ensure it’s all working properly and efficiently.